Question for any nurses who work in Home Health Care...?

I am an LPN/LVN considering looking for work in either a clinic or home health care. I have been having health problems lately and cannot handle working a 12 hour shift in a hospital. How does home health care work? Is it working 8-12 hours a day at the patients home, or is it going to a patients home, doing basic nursing care and then when you're done, you go to the next patients house? I need something that is flexible, non-stressful, and something I can do 2-3 days a week. Any suggestions?

Home health might be a good fit for you, as it is more flexible and you could, for example, carve out 2-3 hours in the middle of the day to rest. You need to be up front with your employer, however, because sometimes continuity is really important with these patients. They look forward to seeing the same person every time.

You don't mention whether you are experienced or not. I don't recommend home health to a new grad, as you are completely on your own...if you have problems, you don't have the luxury of calling another person in right away. It also can be lonely, as you have no peer group. On the other hand, the patients absolutely adore their nurses.

I don't think home health is less stressful, just different. As I said above, you're flying solo--should I send this patient to the hospital? Can I find the house? Am I running late? Did I get all the paperwork finished? Do I have all the supplies I need? Is it rush hour? You may also have to take call--and that can be disruptive.

Another thing: home health is very unpredictable in terms of case load; some days you may see two patients, other days they may ask you to see 12. Can you accommodate this fluctuation? Both physically and financially, it's a bit of a challenge not knowing what the day will bring.

Good luck!