Home Health teamwork: CEO taking referrals!

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Had to chuckle today: 8 inch snowstorm in Philly area today. Our homecare agency had delayed opening at 10AM as storm mostly over ---stopped around 12Noon. I made it to office by 9:15 figeuring have some catch-up time NOT---referrals piled up on fax machine.

We process average of 75 referrals on a friday with 4 RNs, 2 clerks and one insurance verification specialist by the skin of our team.

I am down to 2 FT RN's due to retirement. Insurance clerk went home sick Tues afternoon so her work's pilled up. 1 clerk out sick yesterday. Per diem RN called out Wed as husband hospitalized

RN CEO visits office 11:30 AM to see "how staffing is". Tell her is me (manager) 2 RN's and one clerk--phones ringing off the hook and missing business "I've got some things to handle and will be back to help".

Office did have Pizza, soda and cookies from store across street CEO picked up--I see her eating and relaxing at 1:30 PM as I zip by after a BR run and grab slice of pizza, on hold verifying insurances as I gobble a slice.

Well, 2PM she shows up: tell me how phones work--since we have que system, get me referral forms, I don't know the new computer system. She gets 10 minute orientation----and stayed till 5:15 handling calls. Got first hand rude treatment from one referral source we've all complained about "Just wait till that referral VP starts complaining----I've PERSONALLY received her staffs rude treatment and can't wait to set her straight"

I've had applicants for my vacant position, unable to fill since hospitals/SNFS salary 10,00-12,000 dollars more. CFO already has wage comparison in the works.....Really think this experience will help get my wages improved OR she will need to take the position to avoid "loss of business."

Told her retired perdiem RN on Monday doesn't drive in snow so if next storm here, just 2 RN's on Monday...she said she'll be back.

Can't wait till our management meeting on Monday to hear her story!!!

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Specializes in MS Home Health.

OMG Karen what a horrible day................................I hope Monday is better.

renerian

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I see Philadelphia got a lot more snow than the Burgh.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

I called our Pittsburgh office to let them know we opened at 10---you had 1 inch!!!!! We've gotten 24inches so far this season and two more storms expected next week.

Radio guys were joking that at least we can water the grass this year as our drought of last summer should be resolved.

ONE good reason for teenagers: I only had to brush off my front windshield as kids teemwork had two cars uncovered in 20 minutes.

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Specializes in MS Home Health.

Yes Karen I hear a doozy is heading our way for Friday. That is my birthday and we have out of town hotel reservations in Logan Ohio to do some winter hiking in hocking hills. I hope it does not happen.

renerian

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I must have missed the weather report, I will be driving through Philly next weekend on my way to Atlantic City, better take the 4 wheel drive. I am impressed that your CEO pitched in, hope you all get raises.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

:balloons: :biggringi :balloons:

As part of my facilities Values in Practice initiative, rounding was held by our "Champion" our chief finiancial officer last month with my staff. One of the issues voiced was pay inequity with field nurses. A request was made to due wage comparison by CFO.

Had great response to nursing employee ad: most candidates working in SNF/Rehab/hospitals which all pay higher by about $10,000 over what current job offering. Been keeping HR and VP nursing aprised of candidates and their current wage.

Since CEO's visit, wage comparison completed: staff getting a 3% market adjustment AND 3% raise scheduled for July03 given early starting with next pay period.

Staff are elated as they've never had this type of raise in homecare and all have 20+ years in nursing---one retired RN does two days wk covering for WE comp time, been RN 48 years.

Sometimes timing is EVERYTHING!

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Specializes in MS Home Health.

Wow that is great news Karen! I know several agencies in this area that are cutting staff pay.

renerian

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Looks like the Friday storm missed us, less hope for the Sunday into Monday storm missing us. I guess home health does not get Presidents day off.

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Well the snow is finally starting to melt. Is that a good thing? Not if you have to use a motor boat to get to work.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

I have 7 feet of snow at the bootm of my driveway and 4 ft around the house---now heavy rains this weekend. Love it that I live at TOP of our hill.

P.S. My staff get their first paycheck with new raise in 2 weeks. And I'm allowed to hire a new insurance verification specialist. New RN starts March 4th... won't have to cover every other weekend and in three months will have FT WE coverage....two days off together again.

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