Ready to put my med-surge experience to use!

RNcsemgr · Mar 20, 2012

I have spent my entire nursing career on a med-surge floor and now I'm ready to work in home health, where I've wanted to be since nursing school. I've been checking into a lot of places. SO many home health openings, it gets overwhelming! My question. I am looking for m-f day hours, hourly pay. So which is best in pay rate and benefits... Hospital based home health or agency? I've seen openings for both, not sure which way to go...I've got a 2 week approved vacation at the the end of June so when I return I'm hitting the pavement and leaving the hospital. Very excited.

I am an RN who worked for over 20 yrs. in MA home care. There are some things to be aware of. If you work in a VNA vs. a proprietary business home care agency, you will probably receive lower pay, but perhaps a better caseload in a pre defined travel area. Otherwise, the proprietary home care companies will require you to do more travel and accept cases further apart to just be sure all referrals are seen, so that no business lost. You may be paid better. If you are salaried, you will not be paid hourly, but over all pay may be lower/hr. If you are per diem, then you are given a per visit rate and hopefully mileage between visits, but you will probably receive less over the entire day, unless you can get a good number of visits close together. Per visit rates can vary from between $35 to $60, depending on geographic area. Admissions can take over 2 hrs. or more with the visit and then the paper work. You will have an OASIS data base to complete with each admit. So there are a few variables to consider. It would be best to check with other visiting nurses in your area before jumping in to a home care job. But yes, there are also many positives to home care. You have opportunities to teach clients in the setting in which they are most comfortable--their own home. You will also need to remember that it is their home, and they have allowed you as a professional guest to come in. You cannot force them to do things your way, you are offering them professional advice. This will be different from working in the hospital, where they are a patient, and where they are more dependent on you to care for them. But, I don't want to ruin your excitement. I hope it all works out well for you. Best wishes on your new focus on home care. :specs:

caliotter3 · Mar 20, 2012

Missouri? Any particular area in Missouri? More info might be helpful for people to offer you opinions.

Jess_Missouri_RN · Mar 20, 2012

St. Louis and surrounding areas. Thanks.

caliotter3 · Mar 20, 2012

I had to take a second look to see that you are from Missouri! Good luck!