Transitioning from home health to hospital?

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Hi All,

I am a new RN looking for work. So far I have not had any luck landing a med-surg/hospital position. A few of the home health care agencies in town are hiring, and I'm considering applying. But here is my concern - Once I work in home care, will it be difficult to get a job in a hospital? Will I pigeon hole myself by starting in home care? Do any of you have experience going from HH to Hospital?

Thanks!

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Specializes in Home Health, MS, Oncology, Case Manageme.

No I don't have any info about home health to hospital. But if you are hired by home health, make sure they give you a lot of training. Because you are a new grad, you should have a preceptor and ride around with her for no less than 8 weeks, maybe more. More and more patients are being discharged from the hospital in guarded condition, and you will have to be smart, confident and calm out there. Before you are out on your own, you'll have a lot to learn, you can't just ask another nurse across the hall to go check out a situation that you are not sure of. Good luck!

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I'm in the same situation! I interviewed for a home health job yesterday and they said to call them if I'm interested in working there. But they require a 1 year commitment or else you're required to pay back the cost of training you ($15,000). I guess I wouldn't mind working there for a year but I'm concerned I won't be able to work in a hospital after working in home health. Is there anyone out there that has done something similar?

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Specializes in Home Health, MS, Oncology, Case Manageme.

Not sure about going back to the hospital but if they are REALLY going to train you, then that may be a good opportunity. Not sure where they came up with the $15,000 amount tho'. It is hard to get a job in home health without any experience. I have noticed that some agencies are starting these training programs because of the shortage of experienced home care nurses. The reality is home care is where the jobs are now and are going to be in the future. Medicare and all the other insurance companies want the patient out of the hospital ASAP and to stay out. Decreased hospitalizations = less nurses needed in the hospitals.

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