Your thoughts on 2 year LPN who's now a RN looking for HH

[changeofpaceRN]

I have been a LPN for over 2 years now. During this time, I went back to school and just got my RN license on Friday () Anyway, I've always wanted to do HH visits. I'm running into the enthusiastic OH A RN HOW WONDERFUL to oh but you just got your license and were only a LPN before. No experience in HH either. I know LTC and rehab nursing is not the same as med/surg or other areas in the hospital. However, I did do many admits to the facility and I was assigned to the rehab side. As a LPN, I also did IV therapy, wound care, ect.. I worked side by side with RN's and there were a few differences that LPN's were not allowed to do. So what is the problem? Not enough time on a floor as a nurse or that I just got my license a few days ago. Any pointers on getting hired?

[annaedRN, RN]

I was an LPN who got my RN and immediately started in HH. (was employed doing private duty through same company) If you have experience with assessments, wounds, IVs, etc you could probably make the transition easy enough. Learning the RNs role...meaning the OASIS paperwork...is difficult....but that would be the case whether you are a new RN or one transitioning to HH from another area. In general, having experience with a little bit of everything and being able to be independent in your judgements and assessments is what is needed in a HH nurse. THe right agency will take the time to train you if you have the right HH personality. Good luck to you!!

[Aredhel13]

Congrats to you. I think the issue is that you need more experience in med-surg or DOU, someplace where you can get experience assessing a patient head to toe, and planning their care. You need to be able to draw on that experience when you are all alone in the patient's home, developing a plan of treatment, or deciding whether to call 911 or the doctor. You need to develop that sixth sense that tells you "Something is not quite right here" and moves you to action, and that only comes through a variety of nursing experiences. I was a nurse for 20+ years, had worked in ICU/CCU, med/surg, as a supervisor, and when I started in Home Health I was not so sure of myself. Now, 10 years later, I never want to do anything else. Give yourself some time, get some experience, and you will be an even better home health nurse in a year.