conurse2015

Hi all, I have seen other threads on this topic, but I want more recent information. I currently work in a SNF and have been there for a little over a year. It can be very hard to care for 25+residents at one time. It is very hard to complete all of your tasks and sometimes I feel like I can't keep everyone safe. Considering my shift the other day: one admit at start of shift, one resident had chest pain, 3 residents having loose stool (possible Cdiff), many behaviors and impulsiveness by other residents, and then another admit 2 hours before end of shift. I am longing for more 1:1 patient care. I have been considering home health lately and was hoping for some advice, tips, stories, etc. My main concern is safety. Please share any advice!

I have also been working in a SNF for a year now and agree that it is very challenging to complete all your tasks and safely care for 25+ patients at one time. I am considering venturing out into the home health world. My main concern is safety- certain neighborhoods and certain houses etc., but am very much longing for 1:1 patient care. Thanks for posting this!

What do you mean by extended care home health and them visit work? What is the difference? I'm worried that I lack skills to be on my own in someone's home at this point.

I've been a nurse for a year now and have been working at the same SNF since. It has been a good experience as a first time nurse ESP in areas of leadership, assessments, prioritization, and time management as I can have up to 32 residents at one time. However, many shifts I feel unsafe and feel my license is at risk due to the nurse/patient ratio. I am beyond ready to branch out to a new area of nursing. I do not have the desire to work in a hospital at this time. I have applied to many doc offices requesting RNs with no response back. I dont feel i have enough experience to do home health right now. Hospice could be an option. I am starting to regret my decision to start my career at a SNF instead of in acute care. Any advice? I am taking an ACLS class next week do that may give me a boost for my resume.

Next week is my 1 year anniversary of being a nurse. When I was in school I had in my head hospital hospital hospital for work when I graduated. I told myself I would never work in a nursing home again after being a CNA in one. However, my whole first year of nursing I have been working at a SNF/LTC facility specializing in Alzheimer's and dementia. This facility was only my 2nd interview and I was offered the job on the spot so I took it. My plan was 6 months in I would start applying at hospitals again and do what i had originally planned. However, I didnt end up doing that either. While nursing home nurses get a bad rep, I have seen some pretty disturbing care given in the hospitals around me. I get a terrible report from the nurses at the hospital before our admissions. They all sound tired and over worked. While working at a SNF is not my ideal job, I dont think I see myself working at a hospital anymore. If you're like me youre probably thinking you'll lose your "skills". But skills can be relearned. I don't do anything hardcore at my job but I have learned a great deal about how to care for the geriatric population ESP those with dementia. I've walked families through learning about hospice and seeing their loved one through til the end. You dont have to work in a hospital to be considered a great and compassionate nurse. A nurse is a nurse is a nurse and it doesnt matter where you apply your skills. If youre unhappy with your current job, look elsewhere. My SNF pays $4-6 more than the hospitals around here do too. My next plan is to do office or hospice nursing. Yes, nursing in general is a stressful and busy job, but theres places where it doesnt have to be all the time! I hope you find something that you like better soon!