STRESS LEVEL: Home health VS Hospital job

[redhead09]

I'm a new nurse of 8 months. I currently work on an orthopedic med/surg telemetry floor. Last night I had 9 patients to myself and two other nurses who are newer nurses than I am had 8 and 9 patients each. This isn't a frequent occurence (twice in 8 months for me) but in general the stress level for me is very high. I'm always going home wondering 'did I do everything I needed to do??'.

I'm wondering, is home health a less stressful environment? I realize nursing can be stressful no matter where you are working but in general I would think home health would be better. I really enjoyed it during my clinicals and I think my personality would go well with home health.

Any opinions would be appreciated!

[RNStudy]

I personally think to each his own...I worked the hospital for 2 years and found it stressful, yes, though rewarding.

I just recently started home health. 1 patient with CP from 8am to 8p twice weekly. To me that was more stressful. Its just you and the patient and you have to do everything. Im the PCA and the RN:

Changing poop

Bathing

ROM

Vitals

Meds

G Tube feedings

Resp treatments

Transferring from bed to W/C

Etc...

Just a lot of work for the little pay. Here in South Florida home health agencies pay VERY little...starts $18.00 to $21 (that was the highest Ive found)

Not only that but I enjoy variety and learning new things which you are able to do in a hospital setting.

I would stick it out longer in the hospital. Perhaps look into other hospitals near you.

Good luck !

[job2010]

Thank you very much for the information. The agency has wonderful orientation, so I just waiting to start clinical part. By the way we are not dealing with blood, but I’m not sure about chest tubes. We do take care of stomas. As I can see now, it’s a lot of double work: paperwork then computer. So, I’ll see. Thanks a lot. J

[aodem1119]

Hi I am starting as a Case Manager this next week. What supplies would you recommend me to have on hand. Thank you.

[aodem1119]

Hi I am starting as a Case Manager this next week. What supplies would you recommend me to have on hand. Thank you.