After First Visit, They Were Sold on Homecare

by Barbara Schultze, RN, BSN, BC, HDS-C

After working for 10 years in commercial display, Barbara decided to return to school and become a nurse.  In her last semester, after several practice areas that were not a good fit, she found home health care nursing. 

My first visit was to an elderly diabetic lady with an independent spirit, determined to manage on her own in a mobile home — even though she couldn’t see the markings on the insulin syringe.  My proctor was delighted to turn this patient over to me, wondering how I would teach a visually impaired patient to take control of her diabetes.  The proctor sat back with a grin as I sat on the floor, close enough for the patient to see me and I asked what it would take for her to stay in the home.  Before I left, we had a plan.  Over the next few visits, our relationship blossomed into trust and respect.  I realized I never wanted to be anywhere other than in homecare, helping people to stay in their homes as long as possible.  I am a homecare ambassador.  All of our new nurses have to listen to me gush about how wonderful homecare is.

* * *

Barbara started her homecare career in 1987 and has worked as a staff nurse, case manager, and team leader.  She is currently the Quality Coordinator for Home Healthcare of Holland Home in Holland, MI, a Premium member of the Beacon Institute™.
--------------

by Lynn Blanton, RN

Lynn made her first visit in October 1986 and she still loves home health care.

As a new homecare nurse, the thing that stands out was my fear of PRN visits.  I did not know what I would walk into and didn’t know what to expect.  My first PRN visit was to a patient with a G-tube that wasn’t working.  Once in his home, I gathered all my skills, figured out what was happening, and came across to the patient and family as knowing what I was doing.  I should have started a journal because I have seen so much since then.  I love ministering to families, using my nursing skills.  I wouldn’t do anything else.

* * *

Lynn has worked as a field nurse, supervisor, admission nurse, and now is again a supervisor for Health Related Home Care in Greenwood, SC.
---------------

by Judy Peterson, RN, BSN

Judy started her homecare career in 1977 with a rural agency in central Vermont. 

I was the youngest nurse in the agency and got the territory furthest out — that could only be traveled by four-wheel drive.  There was less regulatory pressure on nurses; visits were not as skilled or as high-tech as they are today.  I remember a visit with my supervisor during orientation.  An 80-year-old man, with very long white hair and beard, lived in a shack with a dirt floor, no plumbing or running water, and no phone.  It was a hot July day and he was wearing long johns, a flannel shirt, and bib overalls.  In spite of the fact he cursed at us during the visit, we were able to straighten out his medications and teach him how to take them correctly.  It was amazing what we could accomplish by reaching out to our patients. 

* * *

Judy has been with Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, in Barre, VT, a Standard member of the Beacon Institute, since 1983.  On August 1, she became the Chief Operating Officer.