Debm46

I think you just had a really bad visit and that is not the norm. I have been doing HH for 4 years and yes, I have been in homes that I can't wait to get out of, but for the most part, it is not like that. I love home health, yes, I have bad days, but the good days make up for it and when a patient gets better, when a wound heals, when an infection resolves, and you know you were part of the healing process, it is a very rewarding feeling. Hang in there.

I started in HH as a new grad four years ago. I think the first year was stressful, but I wouldn't trade the independence, flexibility, autonomy that you have for any hospital nursing position. The time you get to spend with the patient is a real plus. I was older and more mature and already had an advanced degree, so by no means was I green and inexperienced. I think my past education and professional positions definitely made it easier to adjust. I have an assertive personality anyway and do not have a problem making decisions. For home health, you definitely need to be able to make decisions on your own and feel confident about them. You also need to be resourceful and know where to obtain information or help if you need it. Being organized and being able to manage your time are also key. I think if you have a good nursing team and mentor, it is definitely doable. I have been lucky because my mother has been a RN for over 50 years. She is a Diploma nurse who worked in the trenches and did hospital med-surg for many years so she knows just about everything and has a lot of helpful tricks up her sleeve. So I have been lucky, too.

I agree with all of you - how does she do 10 QUALITY visits per day?