mim-o

i just got the royal ream out for using roxanol via nebulizer - any experience any one? I'm home health-NOT Hospice. Although I must admit there are times I wish I was(because I sure needed to be). I have patient that refused Hospice due to lack of understanding (that seems to happen alot and I always try to educate to allow patient to make INFORMED choice). Severe COPD, TPN via pump, bed sores etc etc etc......MD informed patient and family less than 6 months..Anyway primary MD ordered roxanol 10mg EVERY HOUR prn for breathing via nebulizer-works wonders physically and psychologically for patient and breaks the increased SHOB -increased anxiety and vice versa cycle.

wow......Where does her knowledge or lack their of come from? Home health is "nursing by the seat of your pants". You better know what to do and how to do it because if you don't you have no one else their to get an opinion or input from. I have Pulm step down and ICU experience and would not go back to facility unless it was my only option. You must remember how nursing is today. The patients that died 5 years ago are in ICU, the patients in stepdown were the 5 year ago ICU people. The med-surg is stepdown and an occasional 5yr ago ICU patient. So, where do people think the old med-surg crew is-you've got it-HOME. I have honestly walked into homes to admit and couldn't believe the person was at home in their condition, but that is the new reality in alot of cases. So, you will use many, many hands on skills along with your critical thinking. You will be suprised how many uses you can find for a good ole wire clotheshanger:rolleyes:. My point is this-try it, what have you got to lose? You can ALWAYS find a hospital job if you don't feel home health is for you. We are always in need of good nurses in home health too...............

Hey all, Just curious to see how many of you all still do complete paper charting. My agency is still all paper. We have been told they are looking into computers for us, but are checking various programs out. We are salary which is good considering all the paperwork. I can't imagine pay per visit with no computers. I love Home Health though. It is refreshing to get to actually do a good assessment and get to really know your patients.

St. Joseph Hospital (6 north exactly)Asheville, NC. Great food-Donald gentleman over kitchen even made homemade desserts-awesome. My co-workers were wonderful and helpful. The floor director was very good to work for. The experience as a whole was great-if I was in the bed I would be relieved to see any of these great nurses or techs at my bedside. LOved it!

For lack of sounding stupid could you tell me what a DO is? Sounds good.

What is your deal? It isn't nice to feel bigger at the expense of others feelings. It was a question. Shame on you for being so rude:nono: I should only hope this is just a bad day for you. If you can not reply nicely why reply at all?

So sorry this has happened-FOLLOWUP ON THIS NOW!!! EMERGENCY ROOM-TELL THEM EVERYTHING.....Forget about what they might or might not say. Take care of you-and please let us know how things go. I also agree that the chances of contracting is pretty slim, but it is easy for me to sit here and tell you that because I am not the one with the needle stick this time. Please Followup ASAP-in my thoughts and prayers. Mim-o

YES---ALWAYS. Before and after shift. A few times during some shifts thanks to a floor full of c-diff at the time:trout:

Hey,:welcome: I am one month into home health. I had a year in a step down unit and then icu- I would strongly suggest at least a good year on the floor. You are totally independent in the home, which is good, but also can be trying for someone as "new" as me. You are it. Home health is a great field-one that is often overlooked by others. However, experience is the only "true" teacher of nursing. School is your foundation-expand on your foundation and then come on into home health. It is a wonderful field when you are ready.

Hey, It is not my job as a nurse nor anyone elses to judge anyone for anything. I am their to treat my patients. Pain is what the patient says it is-period. The only time I withhold pain meds is resp.depression, if the patient is sleeping of course, or an adverse effect has occured, other than that-they get it when it is scheduled or when they ask if it is within my orders from the Dr. I am sure that I have had some patient's whom were seeking, but i have had far more in intense pain. Karma has a funny way of working and God forbid it be me or a loved one in their shoes and the staff withheld or labeled because they "assumed" I was seeking. Remember everyone acts differently to pain, so just because they appear fine to you, does not mean they are. Kutos to you for observing and learning what not to become.

Hey, The pasture is very rarely, if ever, greener on the other side. I would NOT leave It might take more time to reach your goals there, but as time progresses, at your current job, and you work your way up-you will be well trained for your dream position. Even if you do get your dream job quick at the house of horrors hospital, who is going to train you? Are they going to show you the way to correct way to do things? How would anybody have time even if they cared enough to properly train you? What about those bad seeds-they are just going to love you coming in new and being advanced right over there heads, not to mention the jeopardy you are putting your liscense in due to the staffing situation. Stay, and if it is meant to be the right oppurtunity for you will come along to advance.

I think the spa/massage idea is FABULOUS!!! I gift certificate because once she starts working on the floor she is going to feel body parts she forgot about not to mention some major back straining. She needs something "none medical" to give her a break-she will be in head over heels soon enough. By the way, do you think you could talk to my hubby??? What a sweet guy!! Tell your wife congradulations-this is a true accomplishment.

hey, I have just finished my first week at home health. I LOVE what I have done and I am learning so far. Have went out on several visits with other nurses and I am learning the paper work. Although there is a multitude of paperwork, I feel like this is the place for me. I would never have thought I would enjoy this area of nursing. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Hey, What you are feeling is normal. Remember nursing school is to build a basic foundation. Look into hospitals with intense orientations and make your preceptor your greatest assest. A good preceptor can really make all the difference in the world. To be honest with you no amount of school or quality of instructers can prepare you for the transition into real world nursing. I was very intimidated at first but, it all started coming together a piece at a time. Nobody can know it all and if they think that those are the nurses to steer clear of and we all have bad days (sometimes even weeks). Congrads on your pending graduation :balloons: and relax-you will be fine.