Would you hire me and what questions should I ask?

Specialties Home Health

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Specializes in CCRN, TNCC, CEN, CFN, CNOR, CMSRN.

I've been in the medical field for 30 yeras, 18 as an RN, most of it with the Navy as a reservist on active duty. I have med/surg, trauma nurse, critical care, flight nurse and peri-operative certifications. I spent a year in Iraq and most recently returned from a tour in Afghanistan where I was team leader in a trauma bay treating injuries straight from the battle field. I no longer want to work in a hosptial setting and am seriously considering home health nursing. Not because I think it'd be easy, far from it, but I'm just burned out. Fried would be a better word.

I don't have an arogant bone in my body so please don't take this the wrong way. Would and employer think I'm over qualified? I could always "tweak" my resume, tone it down a bit.

If/when I do have an interview, what questions should I ask? If you could go back to your first interview for home health nursing, is there something you wish you could have asked? I have no clue what would be good questions and what I should look for in an offer/employer. Thank you.

Regards,

Frank

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I've been in the medical field for 30 yeras, 18 as an RN, most of it with the Navy as a reservist on active duty. I have med/surg, trauma nurse, critical care, flight nurse and peri-operative certifications. I spent a year in Iraq and most recently returned from a tour in Afghanistan where I was team leader in a trauma bay treating injuries straight from the battle field. I no longer want to work in a hosptial setting and am seriously considering home health nursing. Not because I think it'd be easy, far from it, but I'm just burned out. Fried would be a better word.

I don't have an arogant bone in my body so please don't take this the wrong way. Would and employer think I'm over qualified? I could always "tweak" my resume, tone it down a bit.

If/when I do have an interview, what questions should I ask? If you could go back to your first interview for home health nursing, is there something you wish you could have asked? I have no clue what would be good questions and what I should look for in an offer/employer. Thank you.

Regards,

Frank

I'm actually in hospice but it is a division of home health I guess. I think an employer would love to get you because you know how to triage. I don't think you should tone down your resume one bit. You should be very proud of all your knowledge.

As for what to ask, a big question I'd ask is how often you will be on call, if at all. Pay matters too of course LOL Good luck.

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With your extensive experience, employers may offer you supervisory roles. You may not care to do this, at least in the beginning. Be firm, if you want to do field nurse work before entering the supervisory role, if that is what you want at this time.

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First - THANK YOU! :loveya:

Now, I don't think you should "tone down" your resume at all. Your triage skills are a big plus in home health. Along with your strong ability to prioritize and manage your time. Any agency would be blessed to have you working for them.

As for what questions I would ask: on-call (is it mandatory and how often), pay rate (some agencies give an allowance for mileage others pay more per visit which account for your mileage), how much time to they allocate per visit (some visits may be less than an hour, others may be complex and will require more time - again leads back to $$).

Oh! Almost forgot - this has to do with charting. Some agencies will want you to chart immediately after the visit...others expect it at the end of the day/shift.

Be prepared to answer questions about why you would like to work in home health as opposed to the fast paced career you've had thus far.

Best of luck to you! And DON'T tone down that resume!!! :nono:

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Specializes in Hospice / Ambulatory Clinic.

I think they would hire you in a heart beat. In general home health interviews are less rigorous mainly because theirs not a lot of training so if the candidate doesn't work out they have lost so much time and resources.

I think you'll love the change of pace it is different but in a good way.

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Depending on what kind of Home health care you are applying for it can be a very stressful job. I'm sure they would prefer someone with your experience. I would not want to go into a home and be the only caregiver around for a patient on a vent, some home care settings can be quite acute.

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Specializes in CCRN, TNCC, CEN, CFN, CNOR, CMSRN.

Thank you all for your feedback. I appreciate all the pointers and good advice.

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Specializes in director of patient services.

Hi, Ive been in home care for 15 years , I think its very flexable and maybe would be quite rewarding for you. Remember when you go on an interview they are selling their product to you as wel lso its a two way street. Make statements like I'm a team player, dedicated .... Its nice bec the patient load you get you stay with alot and they are adoreable and enjoy just the fact someone is coming to see them.The companies always have you shadow until you learn the paperwork. There are many options part time , per diem and full time.. I became PRI and screened in which if I ever do that on my own I can get 150-200 a pop. In interview they should explain job description, you need to ask if flexable, what benefits they offer and so forth . I hoped that helped. You sound like you would be an asset where ever you go.. and thank you for helping serve our country, that alone speaks volumes...

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