Seriously thinking about quitting

paddler · Jul 11, 2011

I wanted to quit every day for the first 6 months. But, I've since managed to pare down on as much of the "crap" that sucks up sp much time (like stepping foot in the office as little as possible to avoid getting sucked into the vortex), keeping my charting as simple but direct as possible, getting uber methodical about everything, and getting as much done in the patient's home as possible. I don't often have much work when I get home. THat being said, I am sure you've tried to improve in all these areas... and perhaps your agency just expects too much or is inefficient in it's processes. Giving a month's notice is very nice of you. I came to home health from a worker bee nursing job and I was BORED to tears dreading work every day, but, maybe that is the break you need right now. I wouldn't give notice until a new job is secured though. Best wishes!!

caliotter3 · Jul 11, 2011

Switch to extended care home health. When your shift is done, you are done. You need not become more involved than where you want to set your boundary. Can be boring, but it is work, and you are taking care of one patient as well as you can, each shift you work.

KateRN1 · Jul 11, 2011

Have you considered trying life at a different agency? Sometimes processes are better in another agency. Ask around, see if you can find an agency where there is little turnover and the nurses are happier. I've found that the medium-sized agencies work best for me--not so big that they're impersonal, but still big enough that they have plenty of coverage. Also, check the home health compare website and see what agencies in your area have the best scores. It doesn't mean that they have the best agency, but it's indicative of their processes and how streamlined they are.

Good luck!

meriposa · Jul 19, 2011

I was with amedisys for a year and couldn't even hang in there to complete the 12th month for my sign-on bonus. It was 24/7...the paperwork, phone calls from patients and MDs up to 10pm at night all days of the week, the micromanagement. Multiple times a week I would get called out after 5:30pm, after I had picked up my kids from daycare. It was just endless... Fast forward to three years later and I decided to give HH ONE more and FINAL go. Different company, and now per diem instead of FT. Needless to say I feel even worse this time. Now, instead of my salary, I'm per visit rate and I'm having to follow-up on things on days off when I'm at my OTHER job. Its harder to juggle the 24/7 stuff when Im working my other job. Not to mention, I do alot of vacation coverage so I get thrown in with patients I've never met before and the other nurses leave things an absolute mess, meaning I have to devote even MORE time trying to pick up the pieces and straighten things out.

I constantly go back and forth about which I would rather put up with...punching a time clock and being locked in four walls...maybe being in an office job (which I did but was mind-numbingly boring)...or having the freedom with my schedule but having the work follow me around everywhere I go.

cathrn64 · Jul 20, 2011

WOW 6-10 pt's a day is a lot! I see 5-7 a day and that can be overwhelming especially if I am at the upper level more than once or twice a week. Is 6-10 required or your choice? I am full time and need 27 pts a week (1 pt per visit, 2 for a SOC etc) I get paid by the visit, so I could make more if I see more, but I don't really want too. I like to have my weekend requirement all in one weekend, if possible. I turn off my phone when I am off for a weekend. You need to do that or you will burn out.

Maybe you need to find a different agency

Kim, HHRN · Jul 20, 2011

Are you paid per visit, hourly, or are you salary? I used to work salary at my first HH company and it became a nightmare! I worked 60-70 + hours per week. We had 17 RNs on staff at the time and the turn over rate was astronomical! We all were overloaded with visits and the computer system was horrendous! It would take forever and a day to do a start.

The second company, I have worked per hour and it has been better but not easy because my supervisor is a micro manager. It really is annoying, too because she expects you to get 2 starts and a routine visit done in a day. That's not easy, considering the fact that you have to go back to the office, input all the data, not to mention fax the doctor and set up who knows what else and the PT/OT/ST and MSW trying to talk to you too. So naturally, I have looked for another job......again (wasn't too happy about that, but it happens). This time, it's much better but I'm only working 3 days a week. I'm getting paid per hour and my new boss is nice.

I guess sometimes you just have to keep trying until you find a good company. It can make all the difference in the world. Good luck to you!

twokidsmom,rn · Jul 21, 2011

I get paid per visit. And I am overwhelmed. I was writing notes, coming home and typing them all up at night. It would take me another 1-2 hours and if a SOC or Recert or Resumption would be longer. I decided to stop typing and if they have to ask me about my handwriting then that is what they will have to do. I have read other nurses notes and I can not read them either. They need to get us computers. I now have 22pts I am trying to care for and this week monitoring 5 others for another nurse. AHHHHHHHH.

nursestacey62 · Jul 21, 2011

Your post is why I went to work in the office after two months in the field. I used to have to say I was going out of town to get a weekend off. The paper work is endless, especially for any oasis, and it feels like the job is 24/7. We never had enough nurses and, after working there for two years, we still don't. There is only one nurse on call on weekends and we sometimes get 10 starts. The office isn't that much better but at least I have weekends off except when I'm on administrative call. I thought I would like home health. The money is great in the field but I need down time and you don't get it in this field. I know it's a shock for hospital nurses who are used to working 3 shifts a week and it turns into 7 days in home health.

KateRN1 · Jul 21, 2011

Maybe I don't understand. You said 22 patients. Does that mean you have 22 patients to case manage, 22 patients to visit? Or 22 visits to do? Honestly, that doesn't seem like much to me with what I'm used to. What are your frequencies like? Are you teaching/training caregivers/family members? Are you doing things that other disciplines should be doing, like MSW? Do you have an MSW available for consult? How about an LPN to help with the revisits? What does your agency say about your productivity? What are your requirements? Are you meeting them? Do you have a large geographical area to cover? What is your paperwork like?

Lots of questions, I know. I'd love to help if I can.

boy_genius_fnp112 · Jul 21, 2011

I remember those days working in the hospital as an RN. The management was just terrible and the politics of the hospital was even worse. That is when I decided to become an NP and now working in a hospital clinic. It is a much more relaxed place to work.

twokidsmom,rn · Jul 21, 2011

I have worked for my company for 1 year now. I have 22 pts that I see and case manage. No MSW in our company. I contact all involved PT/OT/ST. No LPN's, I see each pt 2-3 times a week. I was writing then going home and typing since my hand writing is bad. But not this week it is just too much. I have seen others and I can not read there notes so why am I typing 1-2 hrs a night. I understand when I have a Oasis to do but not daily notes. I see 7-10 pts a day. Leave 730am get home around 5pm each day. And see some pts on the weekend too.

Any suggestions? I have to see at least 5 a day. No meetings, just email/text messages questions to my nurse manager. I travel up to 40min away from home.