nurseforever30

Anyone else have any suggestions? i have to go do another pro time using the machine tomorrow.

I guess it is kind of funny now but it was not too funny while I was at the patient's house and couldn't get it to work and had to call the doctor to see if we could send another nurse out or wait until patient comes in for her appointment next week to check protime. It was actually very frustrating and a real confidence let down.

I have been in home health approx. 6 weeks. I was sent out to a pt. house last week to draw a pro time using the coag machine. I could not get a reading. The machine kept saying error. The nurse that oriented me had told me that the blood had to be right directly on the strip where the hole is on the strip. The one I done with the other nurse watching me, I did fine on. I feel so dumb! Can anyone give me some pointers? It would greatly be appreciated.

Yes, I got the job. I have been riding with a nurse for the last 2 weeks and I LOVE IT!! I actually feel like I am helping someone and not just a drug pusher like I felt in the hospital. I am getting to do things that I never got to do in the hospital. I think that the worst thing is the paperwork but it isn't that bad. I have got a great preceptor. My boss told me that I could take 2-3 months for orientation if I felt like I needed it. I am just taking things day by day and do not want to rush into being out on my own. I stayed PRN at the hospital and am supposed to work this Saturday night and I am sooo dreading it!! I can't believe how much more I am enjoying home health.

Update on my interview process...I had my second interview. It went well. They have set me up to ride with a nurse tomorrow on her visits to make sure that this is what I really want to do since I have never worked home health. I can't decide if they are serious about hiring me or not. I wouldn't think they would want to send me out with a nurse if they weren't serious. Both of my interviews went very well. I really want this job. What do you all think? Think that I they are serious about hiring me? thanks...

Update...I went to my interview yesterday. It went good. The home health agency pays per visit and 38 cents/mile. I would be on call 1-2 days weekdays--nights and evenings and would take call one weekend every 2 months. The lady told me she couldn't give me an exact salary since certain visits pay more than others. I am just trying to figure out if I will have to take a pay cut from the hospital. I have a second interview tomorrow with another nurse would actually be my direct supervisor. She called today to set up the time and asked me if I would like to ride with another nurse to see how home health works and to let me get an idea whether I will like it or not. I am very excited and nervous! I hope everything works out good. Thanks for all the advice.

Hello. I graduated from a ADN program in May 2005. Took boards in June and have been working as a staff nurse on a med/surg floor at a local hospital ever since. I currently work night shift and have two children and a needy husband at home. I am interested in changing jobs to home health. I put in for a local position yesterday and got called today to set up an interview for next Tuesday. My question is do you all think that 14-15 months med/surg is enough experience to go into home health? What does a typical day consist of (including hours)? Do you ever have to work nights or weekends or do you just have to be on call? I work 12hr night shifts and am getting really burnt out quick. What kind of questions do i need to ask at the interview? I have been trying to read up on home health on the internet but I think a personal opinion would be better. Also, what kind of questions can I expect to be asked at the interview? Last, do you enjoy working home health? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!!

I got a math question on my NCLEX last year and PASSED!! just thought I would let you know. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

I just wanted to let you know that I got around 125 questions on my NCLEX last year and PASSED!! You probably did too!! Try to find something to occupy your time until you find out...I know easier said than done. Good luck and let us know how you did!!

Thanks for the advice! I was already felling the same way about being alone on the peds unit. I found out last night at work that the position has already been filled. I guess God works in mysterious ways. I think that I would really enjoy doing peds nursing but the closest children's hospital is an hour away from where I live. I don't know if I want to make that drive everyday since I am less than 5 minutes from work now. especially with the price of gas these days. Again, thanks for the advice!!

hello. i graduated in may 2005 from a adn program. i have been working since on a med/surg floor. i am getting to where i really hate my job (not really the pts as much as all the drama with other nurses). i think i am ready for a change. i am looking for some advice on pediatric nursing. there is a peds position open at the hospital i am currently working at on the night shift (btw...i work night shift on the med/surg unit now). the position on peds would be every mon, tues, and wed night--no weekends. i was offered this peds position a couple of months ago and turned it down. the position is still open. i love children and think that i would enjoy working with the pediatric population. the only thing that it holding me back is the fact that b/c the peds unit at our hospital is very small, i will be the only nurse on the unit on my shift. b/c our unit is small, we do not keep the really "bad" children..they are transferred out to a children's hospital about 60 miles away. i am just afraid that i would come upon a situation that i really needed a second nurse even if only for advice on what to do with a patient. but there is a telemetry unit right across from the peds unit and of course, there is always an overhouse supervisor available. is it normal for me to feel this way? how much experience would you say one needed to handle a peds unit alone? also, how hard is it start ivs on babies and children? i have no experience with ivs with peds. any advice would be greatly appreciated. i just don't want to make a move that i will regret.thanks!!