Opinions on change of specialty: Critical care to Home care. Tell me what you know.

Christie RN2006 · Jan 16, 2009

One of the ladies I worked with made the switch from ICU to hospice and she loves it! There is a huge difference in type of stress, etc. With home care, you get to know your patients on a more one on one basis and things tend to be a lot more relaxed. I was a home health aid while in nursing school and I enjoyed it. Would it be possible for you to shadow someone in home health for a day or so to find out if it is something you would like?

mmaphreak72 · Jan 16, 2009

Christie- Thanks for you reply. That may be a good idea to shadow someone in the field for a visit or two. I imagine the stress is much less like you stated. I have alot of stress in my life as it is now. Maybe this change would help to reduce some of that stress. Thanks and keep the replys coming! DH

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Jan 16, 2009

Biggest issues ICU nurses have coming to home care or hospice is loss of control. While you command control of patients room in ICU, locus of control is shifted to the PATIENT. You are guests in their home and need to accept they control their kingdom. They tell you when you can visit.

Nurses who are less regimented and can roll with the punches, accept minor changes that patients will make in their lives, tend to fair the best and will often thrive in home care.

I came to home care per diem in 1985 due to interest in IV infusion and care for vent dependent patients after working 6 yrs Resp/Telemetry unit--went FT in 1994 and been in homecare 20 +yrs

See my many links: Home Health Nursing