Want to get into HH - where should I work first?

[dander625]

Hello everyone!

This is my first post. I am a new RN ADN grad and want to eventually get into the HH field. I have a BA degree and a management background. I realize that I would need to obtain Med-Surg experience first. Hospitals in my area have openings in specific units, such as Ortho, Gastric Bypass, Med-Surg Telemetry/Renal/Surgical/Oncology. Which unit(s) would offer the best experience? Also, would starting in LTC-Rehab qualify to get into HH? I appreciate your advice.

Thank You!!

[caliotter3]

I went into home health with a background in LTC. However, most agencies look for a background in med surg and will say so when asked. There are a few agency offices that will hire a person right out of school, but this is not recommended. Any experience that gives you the opportunity to practice assessment skills and basic nursing procedures will be acceptable to most agencies.

[bshaw96]

I just started in home health in February after 10 years in LTC straight out of ADN school! Other than a year in hospice, LTC was all I knew. I'm not finding it that hard of an adjustment. All that time in LTC really hones your assessment skills. And I've seen wounds of all sorts which is a big part of our business on the nursing side. I've also dealt with PICC's, central lines, ports, etc. I'll say the area that makes me uncomfortable is the IV part of it. I've done basic IV ABT's and stuff, thru various lines, but nothing more. Our agency hangs TPN and chemo in the home, and I've had absolutely no experience with that. Of course we have to go thru the orientation and be checked off before doing it independantly, but so far, that's all I've seen that my background in LTC hasn't prepared me for. But if just looking for general experience, any med surg floor should do. Good luck on your nursing career!!!!

[sherrytzu]

It depends on what state you are in. In Texas, Home Health regs state that an RN/LVN has to have one year of Med/Surg or hospital experience to work in home health. I was hired right out of RN school but I had 13 1/2 years of LVN experience, most in home health/med/surg and it counted as 6 1/2 years of RN experience. Hope this helps.