Jayne’s Love for Home Nursing

Our People

Jayne

Jayne O., RN, Resource/Transition Nurse at Independence Plus

Jayne O., RN, can be found working with many of our ventilator-dependent patients at home. As Resource/Transition Nurse for Independence Plus, Jayne works open shifts with our high-risk, 24-hour nursing cases. Jayne is also a member of our transition team—training nurses on new cases, stabilizing our newest patients, and establishing reliable care routines in the home.

I sat down with Jayne to find out more about who she is and why she loves Home Nursing…

Why did you choose to become a nurse?

I am the youngest of six children. I remember watching my mom get ready for work—she was a nurse’s aide and wore a dress uniform, white tights, and starched hat. I wanted to be just like my mom!

Like my mom, I started as a nurse’s aide at a hospital. Eventually I moved on to other areas of the hospital, including 12 years as the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) secretary. I was so inspired by the ICU nurses, I thought to myself, “I want to do that!”

It took me seven years to get through nursing school and graduate. My mom never had the chance to go back to school, so I dedicated my nursing license to her.

How did you choose Home Nursing?

I started working at Independence Plus after hearing about home health from my niece who is also a nurse. My first two patients were new to Independence Plus (like me!) and had recently transitioned home.

I experienced first-hand how rewarding it is to transition a patient home. I was put at ease by the impressive training I received from the transition team, and found myself wanting to work with this group of nurses more often. Two months later, I was promoted to Resource/Transition Nurse.

What do you like most about being a Resource Nurse?

I really enjoy getting to know all of the families. Every family is unique, with their own dynamics and culture.

What does it take to be a Resource Nurse?

You have to be passionate about nursing and our patient population. You also need to be flexible and have a support network—whether it’s from your family, friends, or community.

What surprised you the most about your job?

I always said I wouldn’t do pediatric nursing. Even though I’m a mom with two children, my experiences in the hospital taught me that when kids are sick, they can go bad very quickly.

To my surprise, I discovered a deep love for pediatric nursing. Our kids are normal, happy kids, even though they require 24/7 nursing at home due to complex medical needs, like having a tracheostomy and/or ventilator.

What is something about your job that would surprise us?

When I originally accepted the job at Independence Plus, one of my hospital nurse friends told me I would be bored to tears working in Home Nursing. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.

In Home Nursing, you’re the nurse, physical therapist, respiratory therapist, housekeeper, chef, social worker. You have to wear many different hats, and in the meantime, you still have to reassure and comfort the patient and family.

So, Home Nursing isn’t boring?

No, not at all. This job has been one of the most interesting, rewarding, and challenging jobs I’ve ever had (and I’ve had a lot of jobs!). It’s never been “boring!”

 

We’re currently hiring Resource Nurses to join our growing team. If you’re interested in learning more, view our open positions here or call us at (630) 463-4450 (option 1).

 

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We’re expanding our services and offerings. We want you to be a part of the team that is delivering personalized, individual, people-focused skilled home healthcare to those in need. Come join us.

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