QueenAngie

Working on the same nursing unit for almost 10 years.....having no windows, to the outside world. Why did I ever work there for almost 25 years? Now, I have watched the corn and beans grow in the fields. They are being harvested right now. Apples on the trees turning red and ripen. Beautiful leaves on the trees are turning many colors. The fun of seeing the newborn calves and colts in the fields. I have even learned a bit about cows from one of my former, farmer patients. Enjoying all the autumn decorations outdoors and in people's yards. Some people really go all out. The weather has been good for my soul. Have not yet had my first ice or snow storm yet. The home health patients are a joy.....even the tough ones when there is a break-through in education or achievement. Any job has its good and lesser points. You'll have to decide for yourself. I am much happier with HH! (I do miss my several weeks of vacation and my higher wages though.)

Yesterday in broad daylight, I witnessed a verbal and physical altercation in the parking lot of a very nice, safe, local apt complex for those of retirement age. I had just finished my visit with a patient. Best that I could tell, 4 men were loading a rented moving van, appeared to be moving a lady out of the apt complex.....from the style of the furnishings being removed. Ended up one man was left sitting in the driver's seat of the rental truck, and the other three guys left as the city bus stopped at the corner. Don't you wonder what it was all about? Money? I just sat in the car, locked, and crouched down until it was over.......yes, talking to my supervisor on the telephone. Was not fearing for my safety, but wondering who was going to win out of the 4. Never dull, is it!

LOL! Just had a mental image of you and the deer lamp going on a code brown alert.

Vick's Vapor Rub - put some under your nose and those bad smells just go away. Good thing we carry Chlorox disinfectant wipes and gloves.

Hello, new friends! Old hospital RN turns into new home health RN....as of this month. Am hoping that it will be my dream job. So far the patients are all making the job special. Paid per visit....that entails calls, faxes, paperwork. Still in orientation and on the learning curve. Appreciate all your pointers & tips!

While being a case manager in a hospital and arranging discharge planning for patients.... locally we have had issues w/ Gentiva HH. Not showing up to the patients' homes. Was not pretty or professional in the least. Hoping your Gentiva agency is better.

Great resources! TYVM!

Congrats on your pg! How exciting! I have only been pg while an RN in hospital nursing and have no plans to be pg as a HH RN. Am certain another friend will answer.

Ever consider if a state reviewer suddenly joins you on a visit and you are without shoes in a client's home? Looks like it would be a big fine to your home health agency to me. I was told it was a Public Health issue to wear shoes into a client's home. Perhaps shoe covers are the best alternative.

Hello! Love these tips and tricks of HH nursing. I just started HH this month, after 30 years of hospital nursing. Totally different being in someone's home. It is a joy and a privilege to do HH nursing. It is one on one and holistic care. Yes, too much paperwork! But, we are supposed to go to laptops soon. I'm ready for the laptops. The patients are what makes the career worthwhile!

Congrats on your new position! I was a CM in a hospital for 10 years. Included Utilization Review, Discharge Planning, Coordination of Care, Quality Monitoring, and more. M&R and Interqual will become your two favorite lines of reading. You will come to memorize them, only to have them change again next year. Will you be using laptops or pen & paper? Best of luck!