Okay, yesterday and today were my orientation for my VERY LAST nursing classes (of my BSN). Here's what I have learned so far about home health:
1. We may be going into Bad Neighborhoods, but, in the words of my professor, "I don't care how much you cry, or if your parents call the dean. You are GOING to your assigned locations, or you don't graduate. So deal."
2. Wound / ostomy care is SO not going to be my specialty. It's not very fast paced, and, frankly, it smells bad.
3. I am most definitely going to get lost trying to get to these people's houses
4. It is UNLIKELY (but in no way impossible) that people will have guns sitting out on tables. If they do, ask them politely to put them away. This has only happened once so far to my professor.
5. This is going to be a long three weeks if this heat doesn't break...its REALLY FREAKING HOT here.
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5 comments:
YIKES!! That sounds a bit scary. Hopefully it goes by quickly and as uneventful as possible (at least as far as guns are concerned)
So that's what I have to look forward to in the spring... goody. Good luck!!
I was doing a Betadine foot soak and IV antibiotics for a patient one time when I looked out the window and saw Police with assault rifles covering the back yard while other officers raided the apartment upstairs for drugs. A bit creepy, but nothing beyond that. I was told to get out of the hood before dark, as they lock themselves in at night. The supervisor ended the case immediately upon hearing about the raid, but honestly no on ever bothered me.
As for getting lost, invest in a multi-page city map with index, or a state gazetteer if your patients are rural. Local bookstore carries these. Look up client addresses in Streets & Trips or MapQuest and print out directions. Beware of Google maps; they aren't always accurate.
Have all your patient care equip on one place, like a carry-all with many pockets for organizing. I used a Lands' End soft-sided briefcase. Don't forget pens & pencils, post-its, etc.
Be sure car is in good repair and you have plenty of gas. A AAA card isn't a bad idea, and ALWAYS carry a charged cell phone. A good nurse is always prepared!
Cheryl
Thanks, Cheryl! I'm sure it will be fine, i'm just more used to going into houses with police backup...
Yes, the home health nurse doesn't get to "stage". ;-)
Cheryl gave excellent advice. I would trust paper maps and such over electronics. Although I have found Google street view and satellite helpful, too. Remember tho, things change. One time, I was scouting out a vaccination clinic site. When Google streets cruised by, it was an empty lot!
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