Why Did You Choose Telehealth Nursing?

webbiedebbie · Sep 22, 2010

I have been a registered nurse for 21 years. I chose telehealth nursing because 12-hour shifts were too much for me. I love the work but it depends on the company you work for. I started in a call center and enjoyed everyone I worked with. When I moved to another state, I was able to take my job with me and work from home. Then I was laid off after 4 years.

I started with another company that was small and offered no benefits and was part-time. I stayed for a year until I got a full-time job working in an office but this one did not have guidelines to follow and I was told to use my nursing judgement. Needless to say, I left after 2 1/2 months.

Good luck in your decision. I sometimes miss the bedside care but have found telephone triage to be just as exciting. It can be very frustrating, though, because you cannot see what they are talking about and they often don't take your advise. You do use nursing judgement but you should have standardized guidelines to follow.

Destiny12 · Sep 22, 2010

Thank-you for responding. I am looking forward to this new opportunity. I'm sure everything will work out. :yeah:

Vtachy1 · Oct 1, 2010

I have been doing telephone triage for 1 1/2 year. I work from my home, which is the number one reason why I chose phone triage. I was so close to getting medical transcription degree because my number one goal was to work from home. I was very burned, burnt to a crisp! I had been a nurse for 18 years, worked in ICU most of those years, and I needed healing. I had severe burnout. I have two kids and this job has been wonderful, I feel like I'm not as much of an absent mom now.

I only make $15 an hour but for me the benefits outweigh the costs. This job has helped me so much. I was ready to quit nursing and throw in 18 years of experience. This job has helped me love nursing again. And I can actively be a mom, instead of being totally spent. I used to be too spent to care for my husband and kids and care for my home.

Working in ICU I was an adrenaline junky but after much gray hair, I was unable to come off of the adrenaline high, I could not escape the "fight or flight" and was sleeping 30 min to 1 hour every per 24 hour time period.

Added bonus, no tired aching feet and painful backaches after lifting 400 lb patients and NO HELP in the ICU, being expected to do way more than one human can do in one shift. Feeling like a failure because there was not enough time to do all that I was supposed to do and care compassionately for my patients.

Destiny12 · Oct 1, 2010

Hello fellow professional,

thank-you for your informative response. I am really giving this form of work a lot thought. I am looking for an area that suits my needs. I wish you continued success in your new chosen area, may you always be happy.

G'smommy · Oct 22, 2010

I had no motivation other than to be at home with my kids. I don't feel like I need a bleach shower after work now, so that is one perk. I get to work in my pjs. Downside, parents can be rude and not take your advise. I let that bother me at first. Now it doesn't. I just chart that they will not comply and I move on.

SOCALRACERX911_RN · Dec 24, 2010

work from home, no commuting, no sitting in traffic.......the list goes on

SOCALRACERX911_RN · Dec 24, 2010

LOL...thats how i was at first gsmommy......i toke it personal when callers did not take my advise at first.....you won't last if dont get over it...ama caller and move on to next call.

auntsas82 · Dec 28, 2010

Hello fellow nurses,

I realise this is an old post but thought I would go ahead and ask a question on it. I have recently moved to a rural area with very little nursing options available. I currently have found a part time ER nurse position but need somethign to go with it. Am researching and looking into telephone triage nursing from home, can anyone give me any feedback. Their thoughts/views/pros/cons etc. What company are you with and do you recommend them? Thanks for any information Auntsas