jayni

I've seen it done a few different ways. My current company has PT admit if SN isn't ordered. If SN is ordered and we go but there are no needs, we put 1 more visit on for SN either one or two weeks out to give PT time to eval, then call to check in with the patient and do an SN discharge (either visit or non-visit depending on patient's preference). Other companies I've worked for they don't do that additional visit. Really depends on the company.

I have always been told that no, as long as they are not inpatient a ROC is not needed. I'm unsure if there are different state regulations there, though.

Appreciate the feedback! I thought this might be the case.

Everyone is different, but keep in mind for a lot of nurses the SOC visit itself takes 1-1.5 hours in-person, then another 1-2 hours of charting depending on how much you manage to do in the home. (Just to consider!)

Hi, all! Running into several issues at my new home health agency, but the thing I was hoping to get help with is DeVero. I have used Wellsky and Homecare Homebase before and each had its faults and things I liked about them. DeVero has been a bit of an issue, I feel like it takes me twice as long to chart with it. Any tips and tricks, or is this just one of those systems everybody hates? Thanks in advance!

Hey! It really depends on the agency. A lot of agencies utilize PRN RNs for SOC's (Start of Cares)/Admissions and routine visits are done by LPNs. One company I worked at paid $50 for routine visits and $120 for SOCs, another paid $70 for routine visits and $100 for SOCs. It all really depends on the company, but the majority of the pay is negotiable. Most of the HH agencies I have worked for pay salary for full time employees, and some of them will work you to death. Always ask a lot of questions in interviews!! Hope this helps!

My class started off with 28 students. We're 3 weeks away from graduating (NCLEX time, oh no!), and have 4 from the original class and 3 who fell back into our class, making a total of 7. It's not abnormal to lose a lot of students. :)

The above post covers pretty much everything, though I have a few more suggestions: -blank flashcards -planning journal for homework due dates -clipboard that opens up to hold your paperwork for clinicals (when you get there)

Thank you for the help! I will be working in the same state where I am getting my license, so that alleviates some of the pressure. I'll check with employers about what their policies are regarding hiring pre-licensure.

Hello! I am currently an LPN student in Virginia, but my sister works as an LPN in Florida. In general, LPN's are mostly used in geriatric facilities or home health, as well as some clinics. Few hospitals hire LPN's any more, they prefer RN's...and even then they seem to prefer RN BSN's. One of the few hospitals that still hire LPN's is the VA. Now, some people do not enjoy the geriatric world of nursing. There are lots of bodily fluids, declining health, and on occasion difficult situations. I, however, really enjoy it. Making their quality of life better can really be a rewarding thing, though many are blinded to that fact by the brief changing and bed baths. So basically, it's not for everyone. If you get your LPN license and then follow through with the bridge program to RN, your job possibilities will of course become much more varied. To make a long story short, your plan seems good, just be aware that you most likely will be doing geriatric care as an LPN. Some people seem shocked by this, so be prepared. If you love it like I do, good for you! If you don't enjoy it, no worries. You'll have more job opportunities as a RN.

Hello! I am currently an LPN student who will graduate on August 25th 2013. My husband is getting out of the Navy next month and has accepted a job in Richmond, VA which is about two hours from where we currently live. So my question is, how soon is too soon to start applying for jobs? Does the fact that I don't currently live where I'll be working factor into it? And is it unusual to start looking for a job before I actually have passed my NCLEX? Any advice you have for a brand new nurse would be much appreciated. Thank you!

Hello! I'm currently an LPN student who is two months away from finishing. Don't stress out too much, clinicals are fine. If you're worried about the long days (ours are twelve hour days), just keep busy. Believe me, they go by much faster if you keep moving. Don't be afraid to volunteer for things either. I have no medical background, so I volunteered for anything and everything just for the experience. The most important thing....talk to your patients! If you're not sure about something (like how much help they need throughout the day)... ask them. They're my favorite resource during clinical (but of course check the facts if you're not satisfied with their answer). About the job, I hear ya. Stick it out and it'll all be worth it.