The Pros and Cons of Working in Home Health
Working as a home health clinician is often like running your own small business within a home health agency. You are your own marketer, scheduler, clinician, assistant, and troubleshooter. Clinicians with high levels of street smarts and discipline often thrive in this field, bringing innovative solutions to their patients' needs. There are several pros and cons of working in this setting but listed below are the two big pros and cons of working in this field.
Pros
Flexibility of Work Schedule: One of the most attractive aspects of working in home health is the flexibility it offers. Home health clinicians can often set their own schedules, allowing them to work at any time of the day. This flexibility means that clinicians can take breaks whenever they need to, run personal errands, and adjust their workload based on their personal needs. Additionally, they have the option to take as many or as few vacation days as they want (though unpaid beyond what's allowed by the company), giving them control over their work-life balance. For instance, many clinicians, including myself, have the freedom to work longer hours from Sunday to Wednesday one week, then take Thursday to Monday off for a short trip outside the state or even to a neighboring country. Upon returning, they can work longer hours from Tuesday to Saturday without missing a single workday. Of course, you should always assess the needs of your patients are met and there is coverage during your absence, if your patient needs you. This ability to mold your work schedule around personal commitments provides an unmatched work-life balance.
Higher Pay Than Other Healthcare Settings: Home healthcare typically offers higher pay compared to other healthcare settings. Clinicians are often paid per visit or based on a point system, where different visit types have different point values. For a typical 40-hour week, home health clinicians can earn 25-50% more than their counterparts in other settings. This pay structure rewards the clinicians for their efforts and allows for potentially higher earnings.
Cons
More Driving and Exposure to Weather Elements: A significant drawback of home health work is the amount of driving required and exposure to various weather conditions. Unlike a clinic or hospital setting where clinicians spend most of their time indoors, home health workers are frequently on the road. They must navigate through different weather conditions, whether it’s bright sunshine, rain, or snow. This can be physically taxing and sometimes challenging.
Tedious Documentation: Documentation in home health is often cited as the most burdensome aspect of the job. Many clinicians find the documentation requirements overwhelming, and it is a primary reason why some choose to leave the field. The paperwork can be extensive and requires a high level of discipline to stay on top of it. Falling behind on documentation can lead to a cycle of playing catch-up, which can be difficult to break. Clinicians need to create their own templates, understand the documentation of skilled services, and meet insurance requirements. However, once they master these processes, it can significantly ease their workload.
In conclusion, while home health offers many appealing benefits such as flexible schedules and higher pay, it also comes with challenges like extensive driving and demanding documentation requirements. Clinicians considering this field should weigh these pros and cons carefully to determine if it aligns with their professional goals and personal preferences.