Please Give me a Reason to Stay in Home Health

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Specializes in Critical Care.

After almost 20 years in the hospital as a PACU/PCU/Stepdown nurse, I finally made the jump into Home Health. It's something I thought I always wanted to do, but after just two weeks I'm honestly ready to pack it in and head back to the hospital.

The patient care itself is basically the same as the hospital except you're doing it all alone, in the patient's environment, without the support you'd normally have on a unit. Add in the hours of driving between visits and the endless charting, and it feels overwhelming.

I like the idea of home health, but the reality has been rough. Are there any seasoned Home Health nurses here who can give me a reason to stick it out?

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Sounds rough. I am not in Home Health - but I hope you do stick it out. We need more nurses in that field. Rooting for you ❤️ 

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Thank you, I'm trying my best!

ON MHFA said:

Sounds rough. I am not in Home Health - but I hope you do stick it out. We need more nurses in that field. Rooting for you ❤️ 

Thank you, I'm trying my best!

 

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Specializes in Certified Wound, Ostomy & Continence Nurse.

Hello AI RN,

Why Choose Home Care Nursing?

The first year in home care can be challenging—just like any nursing specialty, there's a steep learning curve. But with time, you'll gain confidence, speed, and mastery in your role. And the rewards are well worth it.

Here are some of the key benefits of being a home care nurse:

Focused Care: You care for one patient and family at a time, allowing you to give your full attention without the distractions and conflicting priorities common in other settings.

Autonomy and Control: You have the ability to structure your day and spend the time you feel is appropriate with each patient—within clinical guidelines. This flexibility empowers you to deliver truly personalized care.

Community-Based Practice: Instead of being confined to a hospital or facility, you work in the community, often in patients' homes. This setting offers a more personal and holistic view of your patients' lives.

Efficiency and Routine: With experience, tasks like documentation and infection control become second nature. Even the OASIS assessment—yes, all 179 questions—will feel manageable and familiar.

Flexible Scheduling: You can often arrange your visits around personal appointments and activities. As long as your work is completed, your time is your own to manage.

Meaningful Impact: Home care gives you the chance to make a real difference. While not every situation is ideal, the moments when you truly help a patient or family are deeply fulfilling.

Best regards,

Jbudrick

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