Should I leave the ICU for VNA?

Larry3373 · Jul 24, 2015

I think PACU would be a less stressful option for you. The PACU nurses I know seem to never want to leave.

Libby1987 · Jul 24, 2015

Having recent experience making a visit with rush hour traffic, city sprawl is different than semi rural.

Kcattanp · Jul 24, 2015

I did forget to mention the plus side. Yes, there is a plus side to all this madness. It's the autonomy, the ability to use your critical thinking skills, your assessment skills, and knowing that the doctor made the right decision bases on YOUR knowledge. That is a satisfying feeling.

gibsongirl · Jul 24, 2015

How much charting are you getting done in the home? How much time are you putting in to make calls and review charts? Do you chart between visits?

Kcattanp · Jul 24, 2015

What I usually bring home with me are my follow up calls. Because of the traffic, it's difficult to do that in between visits, I need that extra time to keep on schedule. For the most part, charting is done in the home, unless the home is too hot, or dirty, or there is nowhere to sit due to clutter.

tachynut · Jul 24, 2015

The stress that I have at work is both an emotional one and a physical one. I physically cannot be on my feet for at least 13 hours a day without sitting, eating, or peeing. My whole entire body aches and my head feels as if it will explode at the end of my shift. I am frequently having auras after work (migraine related). I have gained 35 pounds because I end up eating anything and everything when I get home, since I have not had a chance to eat all day. I hear ventilator and ECG alarms in my shower and sleep. Driving in to work I am anxious because I know I am usually up for the Code or the Admission (which is frequently a train wreck). I want to care about the little old lady in bed 6 who is ready to transfer out and puts her call light on because she is thirsty, but I am more consumed with the two other patients on the unit who are circling the drain ( I am a team player, perhaps to my own detriment). The florescent lights, the constant alarms, the Code pager, being pulled in a million different directions at once and needing 5 more of you to complete the orders that the doctor puts in but doesn't tell you about..... all of these things are very stressful to me. In addition I live about 40 minutes away from the hospital so my day ends up being around 15 hours or more.

I may be glamorizing home health/ hospice. I really cannot say what it is like since I have never done it. I do know that driving- even with traffic- does not stress me out. I tend to really enjoy driving as I find it relaxing to listen to music and look at the scenery. Having one on one time with patients (no distractions!) sounds amazing. Taking work home at the end of the day-- not sure :/. I do know that I am extremely organized. I am always able to leave before the other nurses I work with because they still have to document, but I am finished. I am very good with computers/technology, and wondering if there are methods people are just not using right now that might be helpful? Has anyone tried using voice dictation to document their notes while driving? Even if it would need to be saved in another file and copied/pasted, I am sure it would cut down on time. Again though-- I have no experience in the area so you all might be laughing at me :cheeky: lol.

The nurse that I followed when I shadowed HH in nursing school was done seeing patients by 2:30 pm. I am guessing she then went home and charted. Not sure how long charting takes usually. I certainly would not be thrilled to be documenting until 8 pm, however the fact that you are able to do it from home sounds alluring (kick your feet up, enjoy some tea, and get busy). IDK. I just need a change.

Kcattanp · Jul 25, 2015

I'm not laughing, I sympathize. You do need a change, that is for sure. Nursing takes a toll on you, no matter what field you chose. I wish you luck, and you shouldn't feel discouraged by the negative comments ( myself included), if this is something you feel you must try. It sounds like we all might be feeling a little burnt out.

Libby1987 · Jul 25, 2015

There is definitely a variation in organizational, multi task and time mgmt skills. Comfort with tech helps a lot but many times the younger nurses are very tech savvy but then get slowed down by lack of nursing experience and take longer to problem solve and/or researching.

But if you're quick with learning the EMR, have strong organizational skills, good soft skills and deep nursing knowledge, you can do this if you give it enough time to learn the specific HH regs and skills

Libby1987 · Jul 25, 2015

But if you switch, having seen many trying to escape burn out, take a couple of weeks, hit the gym or exercise of choice, eat well, treat yourself to something special and fill your tank

gibsongirl · Jul 25, 2015

Go for it! Drive time is down time. I have seen the most beautiful landscapes, farm animals grazing, beautiful neighborhoods in the suburbs and stopped for some great pizza for lunch. Even if you have to eat while you drive, you will nourish yourself. Every stop has a bathroom (not that you would want to use some of them!) I stop at a fast food joint. You will be in control of your time. You will be able to drink a cup of tea and relax while you chart when you get home. There is another thread here that is quite telling about the downside of homecare. I refer you there to get the full picture. I have been in homecare for 3 years. I have been out on call a handfull of times. Most calls can be handled over the phone. Even when my days are long and frustrating, I take a break when I need it. I sleep well, even on call. Regardless of whether or not you stay with homecare, it sounds like a much better situation for you. I am concerned about your health. Eventually, your body or mind will take you away from there. You will take much better care of yourself in homecare. I would rather be in control of that decision. Good luck.