What to Expect from Working as a Home Health RN
On a broad scale, Home Health is a type of service that uses nursing care to provide skilled services within a patient's home or another such facility to deliver medically necessary healthcare to individuals who cannot make their way to a medical facility. Each state has specific regulations on Home Health Nursing so it's important to make sure you understand your local laws before you begin practicing.
Home Health RNs are an invaluable piece of the continuum of healthcare, but many new grads do not understand what it's like to practice home Health nursing. That's why I am here, to tell you all about what to expect and how to prepare for your first Home Health RN job.
Adaptability and Flexibility
Another thing to expect as a Home Health RN is having to show considerable levels of flexibility and adaptability. Unlike nursing in the hospital or clinical setting where tasks and even hours remain generally consistent, Home Health does not give you this luxury. As such, you must be ready and willing to change almost anything at a moment's notice; you must be flexible with your visits, adjust to patient demands, and deal with any technical problems (like internet access) during your visits to a patient's home.
Bottom Line
Home Health Nursing is a wonderful and rewarding career with the potential for enormous growth and opportunities. As a Home Health RN, you will not only have the joy of working on your terms but there are also countless education opportunities. Being self-directed can be very empowering and the sense of autonomy a nurse can have when working Home Health can also be very freeing.
No matter your approach, it's important to remember to continue to do what you do best: providing excellent care with a creative and compassionate approach. Keep these tips in mind as you prepare for your first Home Health job and they will certainly serve you down the line. Finally, know that at MLee Healthcare, you are not alone in your job search. Our experienced recruitment team can put you directly in touch with the companies you are most interested in, so you can start your nursing career with the perfect fit. Reach out to us today to learn more.