Is this NORMAL behavior for home health?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Specializes in Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.

I have vomiting and diarrhea as I write this question. I called my home health agency to tell them that I can't make it to work tomorrow morning. They said to call back at 7 am to confirm. However, my being sick so suddenly will count as a mark against me. Is this normal for home health? I'm feel like I'm puking my guts out, but they want me to go see the patient tomorrow anyway. Isn't that dangerous, not just for me, but for the patients? Is this normal for home health? I wanted to stay with this job for a year for resume purposes, but this incident and a few others have me concerned...

Specializes in Emergency Room.

I don't work home health but usually any absences count against you. What other incidents have you concerned? I wouldn't worry too much about it unless you have excessive absences, tardies, or other disciplinary actions currently.

Specializes in Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.

My main concern is that I have viral gastroenteritis, and the agency wanted me to go into work anyway and possibly infect the patient I'd be working with.

Specializes in Emergency Room.
My main concern is that I have viral gastroenteritis, and the agency wanted me to go into work anyway and possibly infect the patient I'd be working with.

Oh wow I would definitely stay home. I wouldn't want to infect the pt. Just to be on the safe side I would get a doctor's note just in case they give you a hard time. Feel better soon!

Specializes in Long term care.

I've done home care.

They want you to go into work anyway because 1. They will probably not be able to cover your shift and will lose money from that client for that shift....money out of their pockets.

2. They are probably thinking that you are not REALLY all that sick and if they tell you that you need to still report to shift/or call to confirm in the morning that you will likely still go in because you are not really all that bad.

I'd call them in the morning "as they requested" and tell them that you really are pretty sick and are in no condition to be at work and you are concerned about putting the client at risk for getting sick. Then go get a doctor's note if at all possible. You may still get "points" for the call out, but the note will soften that as proof of being sick.

Specializes in Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.
I've done home care. They want you to go into work anyway because 1. They will probably not be able to cover your shift and will lose money from that client for that shift....money out of their pockets. 2. They are probably thinking that you are not REALLY all that sick and if they tell you that you need to still report to shift/or call to confirm in the morning that you will likely still go in because you are not really all that bad. I'd call them in the morning "as they requested" and tell them that you really are pretty sick and are in no condition to be at work and you are concerned about putting the client at risk for getting sick. Then go get a doctor's note if at all possible. You may still get "points" for the call out but the note will soften that as proof of being sick.[/quote']

I've been thinking about quitting to be honest. In addition to not caring about their employees or patients, whenever they assign a case to me, their information is always out of date. I won't find out that a patient has dementia or other conditions until I get there. I don't need this job for the money, and I actually work two jobs. I was going to wait until I found another CNA job, but home health cares about their patients about as much as a nursing home, none.

They're probably thinking it could be something that may pass quickly. Asking you to confirm is not the same as telling you to come in. It just means wait and see how you feel in the morning. Unless you've been to a doctor and have a diagnosis, it could be something you ate.

Agree with what has been previously said. I would not take this to heart unless it happens more often. You might feel better in the morning, if not, confirm with them and get a doctor's note if you think this might turn into an ongoing problem.

I left home health after similar issues. I had a tough schedule and anytime I said no to a shift, they put a mark against me. Frustrating for sure. They also didn't tell me anything about the client and would get into questionable situations because of not knowing enough.

I am now at a great skilled nursing facility with half rehab and half long-term care. It has been a much better experience and has given me the skills I need for nursing school. Good luck!

Brook

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