I have recently been filling out applications at various nursing homes, trying to find work as a CNA. I have had several interviews and I think a couple of places are interested in hiring me. Both nursing homes are both fairly compatible with each other in size and seem like nice places to work. One of the nursing homes hires through several different agencies (in fact most of their staff is through various agencies) and the other does not. However, one doesn't seem shorter staffed than the other one. My question is this: Should I be leery of places that hire through agencies? Does this create a "red flag" saying that they can't keep help? Why do nursing homes hire through agencies, if they can hire someone cheaper off the street? I'm sorry for all the questions, but I want to make sure that I make the right decision, about which place to work at. I have never worked for a nursing home that has mostly agency staff working for them, such as this place does. Also, I was told at the interview that they "mandate" three times a month. I have also never worked for a place that "mandates", so I was wondering if this is normal. I am new to a different city, and maybe things are done differently here, than the small town that I come from. I was just wondering what the benefits are of hiring through an agency, and why some nursing homes do that and other do not. Thanks in advance for any help or insight that you can give me.

I can understand your qualms about the agency thing. I certainly don't know enough about LTC (I work in a hospital) to know if this should be a red flag to you, or if it is simply another staffing option that works well for this facility. During my brief stint in LTC, it seemed to be a pretty high turnover industry, so it's possible that the other facility, even though they don't use agency, faces the same staffing problems.

As far as mandating, my facility does not mandate often. I've been there for a few years and have never been mandated. I think if it's something you don't mind, i.e. you don't have to pick up your kid from school or it won't cause you to miss a class, etc., and you get paid overtime, then don't let it scare you. If, however, you have obligations that would be severely impacted by having to stay over, then I'd think twice. Also, as with the agency thing, the other facility may also have less than stellar staffing tactics that you're just not hearing about.

There are a lot of nurses here with a lot of LTC experience who can probably be a lot more helpful to you. I'm sure they'll chime in!

Hi,

All good questions and unfortunately no definite answers. :) I like doing a share day on the unit where I am considering working. Not that you can tell everything but it sure gives more insight than if you just take the job and start working. Good luck!

Jules