BerkeleyBSN

Hi, I have a family locator app installed on my phone (at the request of my parents). It isn't accurate to specific addresses, but it does let my family know where I am to within a hundred meters or so. As a home health nurse, could this be considered a HIPAA violation? I like having the app on my phone because it makes me feel a bit safer about entering random homes if my loved ones at least know my general location. I know I can't release patient addresses as part of HIPAA compliance, but is letting someone know my general location considered the same as telling someone an address? Obviously my family knows nothing about any of my patients. New technology makes these things a little confusing. Thanks.

I'm relatively new to home health too, but I've found that the OASIS documentation gets easier the more you do it. It takes forever the first few times, but only takes about an hour after you get used to it. I definitely would not advise trying to do your OASIS with the patient. Go to a coffee shop (and make sure no one can see your screen!) and fill it out right after you leave the patient so it's all fresh in your mind. I always make sure I can call the patient just in case I forgot to ask something. My agency gave us a checklist but I'm sure there must be something online you can find, too. If not you can make your own. I just did a quick google search for "oasis start of care checklist" and it looks like there are things you can use. I'm sorry it's so overwhelming at first, but you can do it. Just remember that OASIS gets much easier once you've done it a few times. Best of luck to you! And as for them not giving mileage, I thought that wasn't legal. Maybe it varies by state?

Thank you, NursexOx. That's a great idea to make myself available on weekends. I had assumed most patients needed M-F care, but I guess it's obvious they'll need care on weekends too. :) I think I'll start my son in part time daycare and then let the scheduler know I'm free all weekend. Thanks!

Hello, I just got a job in home health care after staying home with my new son for over a year. It's a part time job and they told me I can expect to have about 5-6 patients once I finish training. I don't know what to do about childcare and scheduling. What have those of you with children done for childcare? Do you put your kids in daycare for a couple days a week and then only schedule patients for those days? Does that limit your ability to accept new patients? Or have you had luck finding nannies willing to change their schedules constantly? Thank you very much for your help! I'm really excited to start my new job, but the childcare issue is daunting.