The Best Foundation for Home Health

[doglover1]

I'm a soon-to-be new grad who ultimately wants to become a HH nurse. Realizing that I will not have the experience that I need right out of school to be out on my own, I was hoping I could get some feedback on where I should ideally start out to best prepare me to be a HH nurse. Med-surg, oncology, ortho??? How long does it take the average person to gain the skills needed to become a HH nurse?

Also, I hear that there is a trend in HH that is moving toward salary vs. hourly or pay-per-visit and I hear that a lot of HH nurses are ending up working OT and not getting paid for it. Is this true?

Any thoughts on either question???

Thanks!

[TazziRN, RN]

HH in this area is hourly.

Specializing in onc or ortho or anything like that will actually hinder you in HH because you will not have the skills to care for other problems. I suggest either medsurg or ER. I spent 19 years in the ER before switching to HH in June, and while there is still SO much I have to learn (I only recently learned what a wound VAC even looks like!), my assessment skills are right on. Having ortho experience is great, but what will you do when the pt you are seeing for the first time just came home after a bout with CHF/COPD?

[wonderbee, BSN, RN]

I have a critical care background. I'm finding that it is an excellent foundation.

[bgogal]

A strong background in med-surg should be sufficient. Specialty in cardiology or oncology is a plus. Either way, as long as you have good assessment skills and a strong advocate for your pt i.e getting to speak to the md if a problem arises before you leave the pt's home would make your day worthwhile.

[caliotter3]

Agree with bgogal. A strong foundation in med surg, some experience in cardiology or oncology would not hurt. But primarily a well rounded experience in med surg. Most agencies will ask you to have one to two years experience in acute care med surg. Some will hire you right out of school. If this is the case, you must be careful that you receive all the orientation and training to the specific case(s) that you need, and can rely on your supervisors for support and guidance.