If you’re a new grad nurse, chances are you’ve heard a familiar message on repeat: “You need to get at least a year of floor experience before trying anything else.”
But here’s the truth—you don’t have to start in a hospital to be a great nurse.
In fact, more and more new grads are choosing to launch their careers in pediatric home health—and finding flexibility, fulfillment, and one-on-one mentorship they never expected.
If you’re curious (or cautiously interested), here’s some honest advice to help you decide if pediatric home health is right for you.
🏡 What Is Pediatric Home Health?
Pediatric home health (or private duty nursing) involves caring for medically complex children in their homes—often children with trachs, vents, feeding tubes, seizures, or rare diagnoses. You’ll work one-on-one with the child, support their family, and often become part of their day-to-day routine.
Shifts are typically 8–12 hours and may occur during the day, overnight, or even at school.
🌱 Why It’s a Great Fit for New Grads
✅ 1. You Get to Focus on One Patient at a Time
There’s no better way to build confidence than by slowing down. With home health, you get to:
Learn at a manageable pace
Deliver detailed, hands-on care
Get to know your patient deeply—not just their chart
💬 “I wasn’t juggling 5 patients and 20 meds—I was learning how to be a nurse with a real support system.”
✅ 2. You’ll Develop Critical Thinking and Emergency Skills
Caring for a medically complex child teaches you:
How to spot subtle changes in condition
How to manage trach/vent emergencies
How to think independently while still supported by agency clinical staff
Many nurses say they learned more about airway, neuro, and respiratory care here than in their entire first year of clinicals.
✅ 3. You Get Real-Time Mentorship (Yes, Even in the Home)
Worried about being alone? Don’t be. Many agencies offer:
Shadow shifts or precepted training
24/7 on-call RN support
Ongoing skills labs, CEUs, and supervision
Pairing with low-acuity or “new grad-friendly” cases to start
🧠 You are never truly alone—and you’re never expected to know everything on Day 1.
✅ 4. The Schedule Can Be Flexible Around Your Life
Want to work part-time while you study for your NCLEX? Looking to avoid night shift burnout? Home health lets you:
Choose your shifts and locations
Work days, nights, or weekends only
Start with one or two shifts a week and build up
📅 Many new grads use PDN as a stepping stone—or find they love it enough to stay long term.
🛑 But It’s Not for Everyone—And That’s Okay
Pediatric home health isn’t fast-paced, and it’s not packed with constant activity. You’ll need to be:
Comfortable with quiet moments
Patient and observant
Proactive with questions and communication
Emotionally aware—it’s a personal, family-centered space
It’s ideal for nurses who are compassionate, curious, and eager to grow—not just those who want “an easy job.”
💬 Questions to Ask an Agency Before You Start
Do you accept new grads?
What kind of training or orientation is provided?
Can I shadow a case before committing?
Will I have on-call RN or clinical support?
Do you match new nurses with lower-acuity cases to start?
Can I work part-time while I study for boards?
💙 Final Thought: You Don’t Have to “Pay Your Dues” in the Hospital
There’s no one right way to begin your nursing career. If you’re drawn to slow-paced, high-impact, family-centered care—pediatric home health might be the perfect place to start.
You’ll build real relationships, learn essential skills, and grow into the kind of nurse every family hopes for.
💬 Already a new grad in PDN? Tell us what surprised you most! Tag @HelloNurze and share your journey to inspire others.