Is this normal/typical?

[charebec65]

I just accepted a job to do pediatric homecare. It's nice because it's flexible and I'm in college bridging from LPN to RN and need that flexibility and only want to work part time.

However, I oriented with a nurse regarding my first patient a couple of days ago. She's telling me that it's my responsibility to sweep, dust, mop, do dishes, do laundry, etc. and that it's standard in homecare. Now, I realize that there are things that I'll need to keep clean, organized and maintained insofar as equipment and supplies necessary for the patient and the fact that I need to clean up after myself and my patients. It's not that I don't want to work. I used to work in education and would like to spend any 'down' time doing educational activities with these patients. But, if I wanted to be a housekeeper, I'd have not spent $10,000 so far on my nursing education. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against housekeepers, I wish I could afford one. However, I would not have had to go to nursing school to do it.

[morte, LPN, LVN]

i did home care for a year (IV), this was most certainly not an expectation.....good luck

[z's playa]

Sigh..........what can I say Cinderelly ......:rotfl:

Sweep???? Dust???? Mop ?????

Home care (at least here in Canda) does not necessarily mean...HOME CARE.......its just an expression folks......meaning to care AT home.......as in patient...not floor.....:roll

Z

[texas_lvn]

NO. IT IS NOT EXPECTED where I work. I would simply go to another agency. If you are so busy cleaning, how are you taking proper care of the pt? That is what I would say. Good luck!

[Lacie, BSN, RN]

That is why they hire housekeepers not LPN/RN's. Ask for a copy of your job description and see where it specifies this is your responsiblity. Personally if it includes these task run, dont walk to the nearest exit!!

[txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN]

Sounds like she has no clue that you are a LPN...

I just accepted a job to do pediatric homecare. It's nice because it's flexible and I'm in college bridging from LPN to RN and need that flexibility and only want to work part time.

However, I oriented with a nurse regarding my first patient a couple of days ago. She's telling me that it's my responsibility to sweep, dust, mop, do dishes, do laundry, etc. and that it's standard in homecare. Now, I realize that there are things that I'll need to keep clean, organized and maintained insofar as equipment and supplies necessary for the patient and the fact that I need to clean up after myself and my patients. It's not that I don't want to work. I used to work in education and would like to spend any 'down' time doing educational activities with these patients. But, if I wanted to be a housekeeper, I'd have not spent $10,000 so far on my nursing education. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against housekeepers, I wish I could afford one. However, I would not have had to go to nursing school to do it.

[charebec65]

The job description says....among many things that are relevant to nursing...

perform household tasks which are directly essential to the client's needs

maintain a clean, healthful and safe environment

Those two statements are clearly open to interpretation but I certainly don't interpret them to mean that I'm do do the household laundry and dishes or clean, mop, sweep floors, etc. What is everyone else's take on this? Thanks

[charebec65]

In addition, I was told that I am to prepare all medications for the family to give later on. I'm sorry, but I was taught that I am to only prepare what I am to give and I do not feel comfortable doing anything else. For heaven's sake, could mean leaving a medication filled syringe lying out. I don't think so.

[Keepstanding, ASN, RN]

run forest....run !!

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

I used to fill a weeks worth of insulin syringes and those sun. mon. tues boxes for my home elderly ADULT patients with low vision.

I'd make sure there were clean glasses, towels, sheets available but didn't do laundry! There are agencies that provide home care aides to bathe 3x week etc.

What kind of meds are they to give the child? Are they not able to read the bottle label?

If they can't give adequate explanation then I believe you need to vote with your feet and get a more professional agency.

[nell]

When I did pediatric home care (CA & Oregon), we were responsible for keeping the patient's equipment clean but NOT for doing any household chores. We didn't even vacuum/sweep the patient's room - well, often they were set up in the living or family room....

There were some families that I would do household laundry or dishes for as a favor when the parents were overwhelmed (most of them worked outside the home) but only when the patient was asleep. Awake time is for assessments, treatments, therapy, developmental or educational work.

I can't for sure remember if we drew up meds for the family to give - since I can't remember, I'm thinking NOT.

I've never heard of RNs or LVNs being expected to do household cleaning - the patient is what you're there for. I agree with other posters - try another agency.

nell

[ceecel.dee, MSN, RN]

In addition, I was told that I am to prepare all medications for the family to give later on. I'm sorry, but I was taught that I am to only prepare what I am to give and I do not feel comfortable doing anything else. For heaven's sake, could mean leaving a medication filled syringe lying out. I don't think so.

Well...we fill insulin syringes and med tenders for a week at a time, and leave them laying around for patient's use every day.