New home health rn in need of tips

[oskie_06]

Hello Everyone,

Well like the post said I will be a new home health RN starting Thursday and I just wanted to see if anyone had any pointers for me or advice. I am actually a fairly new RN with only 2 months experience. I actually started off my journey as a RN in August, I began on a med-surg/oncology/off site telemetry unit and unfortunately I was just feeling miserable. Luckily I had this opportunity presented to me as a home health nurse. I actually had a chance to rotate in home health during my senior practicum while completing my BSN and I actually loved it. I loved being able to build these amazing relationships with my patients and their families. Reason why I feel it is the place for me. Unfortunately it doesn't seem like I got exposed to a lot of the actual job of a Home health RN. I was able to assist my preceptor with completing home health visits, and I did help her with wound care for one patient we did have, but thats about it. I didn't really learn a lot about the paper work and the regulations that home health entitles. I was wondering if I could get some guidance and tips. I really want to do well in my new position, especially considering that the DON that hired me told me her self she is willing to take a chance on me considering that I am a new nurse, so I really want to do well in my job. Any advice would be helpful. I am actually very excited to embark in this new position. I thank you all in advance for your advice. THANK YOU!!!!

[french543]

Always carry a box of dog treats in your car. Sounds silly, but is the best piece of advice I ever received. You need to make friends with the family dog for your own safety, it makes the family happy and can keep you from getting a nasty bite. I always made sure to let FiFi know before I even thought about touching their owner. I did home health for years and was never bitten, many of my co-workers could not say the same....

[starr-rn1]

I am a H.H. nurse, and I got a tip for you to help you have a long and very fruitful career. At my H.H. agency we give, what is called "hand release maggages". It not only makes them want you back, but it promotes a special relationship like no other. Just remember your PPE girl (also if they are out of it, and have some pets, just put some peanut butter on it and let them lick it off! IT WORKS!!!). Dont worry to much about the paper work, no one ever really looks at it anyways.

[starr-rn1]

One example of my extra help, is a vented women at home, yet I help the husband get through his grief and let him "blow off" some steam ( 8=====D ~~~~~ ). But I get to drive the wifes BMW, which saves this girl some $$$

[french543]

HELLO!!!!! Is there a moderator on this site? starr-rn1 needs to be dealt with. Not cool

[starr-rn1]

Hey french543, don't hate, all I am doing is telling oskie_06 what works for me, just like your dog biscuits.... Because if anything it sounds like you are threating me, but hey I forgive you.

[scotttyna]

I am a H.H. nurse, and I got a tip for you to help you have a long and very fruitful career. At my H.H. agency we give, what is called "hand release maggages". It not only makes them want you back, but it promotes a special relationship like no other. Just remember your PPE girl (also if they are out of it, and have some pets, just put some peanut butter on it and let them lick it off! IT WORKS!!!). Dont worry to much about the paper work, no one ever really looks at it anyways.

Thanks for sharing!!!

[starr-rn1]

no problem!

[rinaric15]

Always carry a box of dog treats in your car. Sounds silly, but is the best piece of advice I ever received. You need to make friends with the family dog for your own safety, it makes the family happy and can keep you from getting a nasty bite. I always made sure to let FiFi know before I even thought about touching their owner. I did home health for years and was never bitten, many of my co-workers could not say the same....

it is little funny and nice suggestion french has passed you for this. I can see you have great career coming days , you will definitely be succeeded in you way to lead yourself in this caring world .

[nomad444]

i think starr-n1 is cool and right on target!!! prudes can go elsewhere!!!

[NurseEducator]

Map your way 1st, call ahead to save wasted trips and time. Make binder with patient teaching materials for meds like Davis Drug guide or other and common procedures explanations like injection teaching and leave with pt/family and document teaching sheet given from ex: Springhouse Skills 2013.