peacetou

I just want to add that you do everything possible to avoid surgery. Try to learn hatha yoga. Do it whenever you can...on breaks, before sleep, upon awakening. Learn breathing stress reducing exercises. Drink lots and lots of purified water. Drink herbal teas. Stay away from caffeine, alchohol, negative people. Meditate and if you have to quit school and go into the field later or into a different field, do so. Nothing is worth sacrificing your health. Take care of you because in the end, you are the only one who can take care of you. Be well. You can live an outstanding life. Don't worry about tomorrow, about success or money. God will provide.

I've never heard of your model, myself. It sounds intriguing...no case load. It may be something others should look into. Maybe less stressful? My job is like RubyRN's description of her job. Thank you so much for your advice. No, I haven't talked to my DON. She told me the "expectations" when we interviewed. I drafted a letter last night but don't want to send it. Now I am thinking that I will write a different letter. I think it's a great idea and if it can work for you, maybe it can for me too. What's the worst that can happen, right? she says no, I was going to quit anyway. she says yes, and I get to stay in a great job! Thank you again for taking the time to write me. I like what you said about being your own advocate. :redbeathe PTU

I enjoy my job very much but honestly, I have a history of herniated disk. Right now, after about 100 miles of driving today, I am in pain and too exhausted to chart.I was doing ok in the beginning but now the pain has reared its ugly head and I believe that the smartest and most honest thing to do would be to quit. My manager doesn't need me to come crying to her about how much pain I am in. I accepted a job that I can't physically handle (all the time) She has been really great and I hate to leave this fine company. I have so many emotions right now...anger (at myself for being old and sick, embarrassed and disappointed to let her down after all her hard work training me and grief.) But it just wouldn't be fair to them, if I end up calling in sick all the time or to myself, if I force myself to try to work in pain and maybe injure myself even more. I'm just got this job 20 years too late. I'm sure you agree that I am doing the right thing. Thanks for listening, PTU

Sorry, I thought it was just a lpn thing. I agree with your thinking (i don't care if I get 40 hrs either). Do you have a certain number of pts you have to see every day? sounds like you don't have to do 40 hours but are you full-time? thanks:redbeathe

I was just wondering how those hourly paid HH lpns feel about having to keep track of each pt, mile, phone call, chart time, office visit, supply pickup etc...does anyone have trouble with getting their 40 hours in a week? RN's don't have to keep up with all that, they are usually salaried and they deserve to be compensated appropriately. But why do lpn's have to go through all this extra "stuff'? I think it's silly. Thanks

I hope it works out for you. I must prefer being on computer. all that paper stuff just annoys me so I am lucky that way. any way you look at it, it's all WORK! but, i am good on computer so I am happy for now. (now, if I could just get out of my snowy driveway!!):heartbeat:redbeathe:redpinkhe

hello, they may give you all the 'left over' cases now but once you prove yourself and show them that you know your stuff, you will become invaluable to them. Don't sell yourself short. good luck, peace:crying2::redbeathe:redpinkhe:nurse::)

Hi, I agree with Wibobr. Try the PT, yoga, acupuncture. Go to gym and do weight training, no matter how exhausted you are. get a personal trainer who is a PT too. I have one and she is special. I also have osteoporosis, I just found out so I have to go. The crunches, elliptical (or walking) and weight training can save you even more pain. I was fine until I stopped for ONLY 1 WEEK! You have to do it for the rest of your life. Try everything before surgery or even shots. More than 3 shots is not going to benefit you. The best to you, Peace:heartbeat:redbeathe:redpinkhe

Hi HH nurses, What do you look for in the clinical notes from other nurses? What do YOU like to see? Thanks so much!

Hi everyone! Would like to know, if you are a field nurse, can you make up for missed stats? (example: stats are 6 a day, only finished 5 today. Can I make it up the next day or during the week:nurse:? Thanks;)

I don't know...seems like a lot of extra expense. I've been buying a lot of electronics...cell phone bluetooth. Nurses are on the phone way too much, calling or answering people while they are driving. I've bought chargers for my laptop, gps, cell. I have a gps built in my car that is due for a new cd ($200) that I like but you need to pull over (stop the car) to put an address or check the area so it's just not nurse friendly! So that's why I bought a portable one. I'll talk to my super today. So far, I'm not complaining but I don't need all this extra stuff. Infact, I hate all the cords etc...!!! Oh well. I like the job so far, except for all this "stuff". Have a good day! I'm heading out into the cold and snow!!

Yes, you are right. I will be turning in a mileage sheet with the times at each location, the miles etc... But I have also invested time in shopping for and purchasing a GPS, buying $1000 snow tires, printer, paper, ink and other expenses for this job. There is a lot of time that is invested on my "time off". So, my question really has to do with reimbursement for all the expenses beyond mileage. As a private contractor for 30 years, I knew how to handle this but now I am an employee. As an employee, can any of you LPN's tell me how you handle this or do you suggest I go to my accountant? Thanks!

I have been fortunate enough to be doing "ride alongs" with some great RN's during my orientation (which I am still in). I know how they get reimbursed etc...they keep track of their odometer reading and maybe keep their gas stubs. Of course, they are salaried and I am hourly. What I am not clear on is how LPN's get reimbursed (for gas mileage, wear/tear on car, phone calls, etc...) d I will be talking to my super but would like to know how other LPN's handle this situation. Also, during orientation, I believe I just paid a straight 8 hours even if the RN ends her day at 1:00. ?? Any thoughts on this subject would be appreciated! Thanks! Maya:redbeathe

I appreciate your posting this very important issue. I would like to give you my input on the subject. As a LPN, I have been hired to do revisits. I have not worked in home health much but I have worked in many other areas of healthcare. I would like to go into this new job with a positive attitude and a happy heart. Although I have much respect for the RN, I have to say that reading the responses from other RN's makes me question my desire to return to nursing. I understand the economics of the situation but what is, is. I would appreciate more support from the team I work with. When the "team" mistrusts me and my capabilities before they even know me, I am already in hot water. How can I do my job when I am confronted with negativity and suspicion? Of course, I have to call to ask questions...that is part of my job...to seek advice from the RN's, case workers, managers or superiors, if you prefer. Yes, it would be nice if all LPN's knew all the answers to the many questions that come up. Yes, it would be better if RN's saw their patients at least once a week. But since this may not be the case, could you try to work with me to reach the goals and not be condescending? If so, I promise I will do my best to give quality care. Thank you for allowing me to respond.~

ugggh!!! doesn't sound like a day in the park! I'm not a spring chicken (do they use that term anymore??) anyway, it's worth a try, right? If you were in it for 20 years, you must have found some enjoyment?? Thanks for sharing:heartbeat Tell me more if you feel like it!! I want to know more!!!

:dncgcpd: Thanks for all your great advice! Would love to hear about some of your wound care experience, sometime, but I know you are probably ready for some R&R right about now! Great chatting with you!

I'm glad you told me that (pt's dictating time). I will surely use that information when I start...I would love to to be able to start at 8:30 and stop at 3. You must have been very organized to handle 6-8 in that time period! I suppose the drive between patients has a lot to do with that too. I've heard stories that some nurses drive 1-1.5 hours between patients. I hope I get some flexibility with my schedule too. I will be working M-F, my hours from 8-5 or 40 hrs. week. :redpinkhe

adults...but, I envy you with the kids -- I forgot to ask, what do you mean by you make your own schedule? Thx-

aww, the city of angels? well, that sounds like a big area. I like your hours...you have 3 days off in a roll? great! Do you work in peds, then? Thanks for the encouraging words! You are an angel!

Thanks Raekay, That's what I was hoping to find out...the day in the life of a hh nurse. I appreciate your help. I can imagine it gets lonely but it's not the worst job, right? I understand that the driving can get to you during visits. It probably helps to have a comfortable car and a gps! As a visiting nurse, did you take care of a lot of the same patients for a period of time? I too, got very tired and frustrated with LTC. I always felt like a pill pusher. I couldn't devote any quality time with my patients. I am looking forward to this new adventure. I hope you do find enjoyment in your job! Do you work on the weekends? Thanks again! Have a great weekend:redpinkhe

I'm sorry about your shoulder. I can see how that could happen. You have to be conscious ALL the time! I have been in that situation so I can relate there. I think that everything should be in easy reaching distance. I try not to distract myself while driving. It's worth it to pull over when I need to get something. I got into a terrible accident once by trying to grab something that fell from the front seat once...you can imagine. I understand about lower back pain too...my anxiety stems from trying to move a patient independently. I have paid for that mistake for years. I know that hh is all all about working by yourself but for the past 10 years, I have made it a point to not put myself into a situation where I need to lift someone who is more than I can handle. So, although I know that driving is stressful stuff, I think I am more concerned about the actual work in the house. As a visiting nurse with 30mins-1hour with each patient, isn't it less physical than say, hospital or private duty work? Thanks and feel better soon!

Hi caliotter3, yes, I am aware of the thread. I wanted to hear something from a LPN's perspective...not primarily RN's. Thanks! :redpinkhe

Hi all, I'd love to know what your typical day looks like...I'd appreciate any tips:rolleyes: if you are a LPN who does home visits...wound care, ostomies, picc lines... (intermittent nurse) Thanks so much!:heartbeat

What is it about home health that you don't like? you aren't, obviously, getting the support you need. You can share here and maybe get the feedback you need. Everyone has given you the right advice. Help yourself first and know that we are all here for help each other.:redpinkhe It could be worse!!! and you can always quit!!! Just don't forget to breathe!!!

ecommerce, i don't see any article....just a nursing school ad...I think that we could all live by katern's suggestions. as an intermittent nurse, I didn't think I would have as many physical demands...also, i don't plan on carrying my laptop or doing lots of documentation while in each home. It sounds like flexibility is the name of the game...