2 weeks in

I, too, have been an RN for 2 years now and just recently enetered the field of home care. I graduated with my ADN and immediately started working on a stroke/tele floor and also went right into my BSN. I have 2 kids, also, so I know how hard it is! I also worked midnights for about 9 months (12 hour shifts) and just couldn't do it anymore-I was in a constant state of "brain fog" and felt terrible. Yes, it paid more and yes it was only 3 days a week, but it was making me sick.

I always wanted to work in Public Health since I began nursing school, but in my area, those jobs are few and far between. When I saw the home health positions, I though it may be a step in the right direction as far as working out in the community.

I have been there now for about 4 weeks, and I am finding it very overwhelming already, but also very rewarding. Luckily the organization I am with has a very long and thorough orientation process, so all the responsibility is being given in slow, small chunks. When I first made the decision, I had several people tell me I was making a huge mistake because of al the charting, all the hours, all the responsibility, etc., and I was very scared after hearing that, but I have tried to just remain positive and try it for myself. Some have told me I will be back at the hospital before long...

So, with all this said, I have also been told by my preceptors and co-workers that it takes a year to feel comfortable in home care and really have a good, efficient system of getting the job done. They also said the feeling of being overwhelmed is perfectly normal and that with time it will become much more "doable"!

I have been told that it is very important to keep yourself organized, don't fall behind on your charting, and always communicate with the clinical supervisors about any questions, concerns or if you feel like you are drowning.

I hope you find what you enjoy and what works for you..so far, I love being outside of the hospital and going to different places, getting to actually spend time getting to know the patients, feeling like I am actually making a difference, and the flexibility-all things that never happened in my last position. If you really love home care and enjoy what you are doing, give yourself time to learn and grow accustomed to the position-it is VERY different from hospital nursing!

RebeccaJeeper

Thank you so much. I am going to put more time in. Your company sounds much more helpful, I hear from my boss a couple times a day, on my own the 2nd week. Trying my best not sure what form to fill out some times and getting my notes back from week 2. But will keep trying it is better than working full time nites. Just want things to work out. I would not say I love home health but it is great being appreciated and getting to know my patients. Thanks again

You are very welcome! :) I do feel very fortunate that I got a position where they have a great orientation-it is 12 weeks long, and I don't even start building a case load until week 6. We each have a preceptor who helps us along and lots of meetings with all the other staff members to see what everyone does in the office and how they can help-today I spent the day with the WOCN nurse at the hospital to practice and learn some about wound care and ostomies, which was very helpful.

I hear alot on hear about poor orientations (or even a lack of) which seems really crazy-I can't imagine trying to take my own caseload and doing OASIS by myself from the beginning! I guess where I am they didn't have this program a while back, but they were also losing a lot of new nurses and rethought the process!

Good luck and I really hope things get better for you!

How about working part time in a hospital (like 2 days) and rest in a home health.That is my plan.