amyla27

Hi "pooter" Well for me it turned out to be an excellent decision but it probably depends entirely on the company you start working for and also how desperately you hate the hospital environment! I was totally looking for a job that didn't take over my life and I could still be a nurse but not have it completely define me and my schedule :-) I am per diem which is great because they can't force you to take any clients you don't want. I find that I can just work as much as I want to and not any more than that. As far as skills, many of my patients I just evaluate for home safety, need for PT or OT etc etc so that doesn't take too much skill. I have also learned some "new" skills but always know ahead of time what my patients require so I only accept ones I feel confident I can learn! I also don't have to take call which is great... not exactly sure why as there are some nurses that take call (maybe they are the full time ones or have just been there longer with lots of experience) but I find that pretty nice! And now, I just found out I am pregnant so this is a great job with my tiredness, nausea, etc etc etc!!! Any more specific questions I'd be HAPPY to answer :)

Tammy 777- I will definitely keep you posted (*via this thread bc I don't know how else to find/contact people)... I am worried about how I will ever get a weekend away but I was assured they could find coverage for me....hehe who knows how that will end up working out. So far though, I was absolutely so burned out on the stress of the hospital and the schedule that I figured I was in dire need of a change. I am a new nurse too- 1.5 yrs OB and loved the specialty but just not into the hospital thing I guess. Contact me anytime... :-)

Hey ladies! I just ordered the Marelli book- thanks so much for the suggestion! Any other books important things you think I need, just let me know!! I am so far quite happy with the company. I got paired up with a great nurse to shadow and although it is still a bit overwhelming because every patient is different so I don't know how I can possibly get enough orientation, I think I will end up really liking it! They are already calling me to take on my own cases...I put my foot down (after seeing 1 start of care I don't quite think I am ready yet...). I just have to get organized now...so much paperwork, supplies, etc etc...I need to get my system down pat otherwise I will go crazy!! Thanks again for all the encouragement/replies... much appreciated!!:redpinkhe

At our hospital we have FT (benefited) & guaranteed hours, PT (benefited) & guaranteed hours, and Per Diem (not benefited, canceled first when slow). It is near impossible to get PT- the RNs who have that status have worked there a long long time and just never changed. There is technically a wait list for Part Time but it is so long and its not a realistic option for anyone currently working there. Only if you are lucky and have worked there forever. :-) Hope this helps!! Per Diem is easy to get but no benefits...not sure if that is what you want or not.

Hi all! I just posted another thread too but I wanted some advice on how and what to say to my manager at work. I have been there a year and a half (started as a new grad) and basically like her, most of the nurses, and even really have enjoyed the specialty (OB) but hate the hospital scheduling (nights, 3 12 hrs,). For long term days doesn't seem that much more appealing to me for many reasons. My husband works very regular (9-5 hrs) and we are planning on having kids soon. I recently went down to Per Diem status despite the cut in pay just to have a break from all the night shifts. I realized I am really not enjoying my job AT ALL and don't want to go back for any of my shifts. I am just totally burnt out on it all and despite the certain things I enjoy about we have just come to the conclusion that a change needed to be made! SO I took a job in home health (still per diem) and hope that helps me. I like to have something to do during the day so I'm not lonely and bored. Long story short- how and what do I tell my manager? I am not very confrontational and just kinda feel bad. She is quite nice but I don't really know how to start it all and what to say!?! I think it will be extra disappointing to her since I am a new grad and she spent time and money to train me but she already let me go per diem so she had to kinda know it wasn't working out for me.... not sure :/ Let me know any advice please! (I sure wish I could jsut do it over the phone or via email but I know i can't....)

Hi all! I have been an OB (postpartum, perinatal high risk, nursery) nurse for about a year and a half. I would still consider myself relatively new although I like to think I have a good head on my shoulders!! I have been on night shift this whole time (way longer than I had expected) and have no light at the end of the tunnel. I recently went Per Diem because honestly the schedule was just getting ridiculous between my husband (who has regular 9-5 hrs) and I. We didn't feel we were getting enough quality time together and when I was home I was totally not myself! This whole process has made me realize that I really hate the scheduling of the hospital and although day shift would be a tad better it is not a long term solution for me. :crying2:I really like the OB specialty but honestly not enough to stay working there...its been fun, but when I realized I NEVER ever wanted to go back and work another night shift I realized it wasn't worth it for me. I will love my patients....it doesn't matter if they are O.B or not! SO, I accepted a Home Health position on Monday and have my first orientation on this coming Monday. After that I will put in my 2 weeks notice to work (yay!). I will be per diem at Home Health *(which I've heard if you are relatively flexible on income that is the way to go...much more control over your schedule). I am very excited about the opportunity to have work to do during the day (I don't have kids yet...soon!) so I don't get bored during the day. I am happy to be out and about doing my casework during the day and not at a hospital. I will have NO on call time and no nights and only work weekends as my patients require it. THey do have some coverage when necessary. Pay is between 55-75 per visit with a 3 dollar visit incentive (instead of mileage pay). Does this sound good? I hear the paperwork is ridiculous but honestly I am just ready for a change... I will need a lot of training :confused:I am sure and I made that VERY clear to the administrator. Anybody want to send me some encouraging notes about how they enjoy home health? I know there are pitfalls...the grass is always greener on the other side...just ready to at least try the other side!