Does everyone work 7 days a week in Home Health?

scifispam · Mar 17, 2014

Absolutely not. The nurses in my agency get to pick and choose what days and hours they want to work up to 40.

We also pay their benefits 100% though.

caliotter3 · Mar 17, 2014

No. Not normal. Most agencies do not allow it because they won't pay overtime. If you have a salaried position and find yourself working seven days a week, they will tell you that you have poor time management and will still refuse to pay overtime (for the employee that might go to the Labor Board over their work schedule).

startofcare · Mar 17, 2014

I am paid by the visit , I have patients with QD visits. I'm also 1099 perdiem

edmia, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2014

Ah ha! Per diem. So they've been scheduling you every day and you have not said No. Just tell them to only schedule you for 5 days.

As per diem, you really choose how many days you wish to work. At least that is how per diem work was done at every workplace I've been in. Some places ask that you commit to a certain number of days or shifts per week, but the idea of per diem is that you work when you want to.

startofcare · Mar 17, 2014

This is correct. I am trying to acquire enough experience and apply to a different home health provider.I feel obligated to take on whatever is assigned to me as the agency claims there are no other RN to open cases or do high tech visits.Since I pay my own Liability Insurance I want to be mindful of not jeopardizing patient care and my license. I'm just leary of looking at other opportunities since it took do long to find a job..

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2014

No, everyone does not. Put your foot down.

startofcare · Mar 22, 2014

I appreciate everyones comments. I approached managemnt about reducing my days and the response was that there are no other nurses available. I have a hard time believing that but as i mentioned on a previous post this is a first job in a long time, I had gone to medical sales for a few years and left, and my nursing experience was obsolete. Needless to say I am starting over, I sent resumes all over and the only response I got was from a craigslist ad. I was elated, well Im doing SOC, ROC, recerts, d/c, high tech wound care, IV, etc. The pay is terrible, and no mileage reimbursement,no benefits I am going into high crime areas to do pt care. I feel stuck Im only at 4.5 months, Im not sure I'll make it to a year , Im really trying. Also as far as the agency, I dont even know the DON, I only communicate with an administrator who is non medical, I have never even had a case conference meeting, and the nurses never communicate with each other.

scifispam · Mar 22, 2014

What state are you in

toomuchbaloney · Mar 22, 2014

I appreciate everyones comments. I approached managemnt about reducing my days and the response was that there are no other nurses available. I have a hard time believing that but as i mentioned on a previous post this is a first job in a long time, I had gone to medical sales for a few years and left, and my nursing experience was obsolete. Needless to say I am starting over, I sent resumes all over and the only response I got was from a craigslist ad. I was elated, well Im doing SOC, ROC, recerts, d/c, high tech wound care, IV, etc. The pay is terrible, and no mileage reimbursement,no benefits I am going into high crime areas to do pt care. I feel stuck Im only at 4.5 months, Im not sure I'll make it to a year , Im really trying. Also as far as the agency, I dont even know the DON, I only communicate with an administrator who is non medical, I have never even had a case conference meeting, and the nurses never communicate with each other.

So, if I understand correctly you have told them you do not want to work 7 days/week and they have essentially told you that as a per diem staff member you must be responsible for their inability to provide other nursing coverage for patient care; is that correct?

Since they don't have enough nurses (apparently) are you concerned that they are going to fire you if you refuse some of the work? Do you feel that you alone are responsible for the care of these home health patients? Have you reviewed your employment agreement with them? What does it say in there about the requirements of your job?

It sounds to me as if you are allowing the employer to take advantage of you and then allowing them to guilt you into continuing the pattern of abuse. Further, it seems that the agency is working per diem nurses as if they are full time but they do not have to provide health insurance benefits or paid vacation time. I bet you don't even make more $ per hour than the FTE nurses. How convenient for the employer.

anotherlifeRN · Mar 22, 2014

As others have said this is not at all normal. One of the main benefits about working PRN HH is that you set your own schedule. They don't tell you when you are going to work, your tell then when you are available to work

This company is taking advantage of you. The fact that they have no other nurses is their problem not yours

Review the agreement when you signed on with the company, some PRN positions do require you to work a minimum number of hours per week/month. Give them, in writing, the days that you can work. On your days off or that you do not want to work do not answer the phone when they call, they will just try to manipulate you and make you feel guilty.

Cant imagine they are gonna fire you if you are the only nurse. You actually putting your license at risk by working 7 days ( make mistakes because you are too tired and develop a bad attitude due to burnout ) and you cant dedicate time to your family

Good luck :)

startofcare · Mar 22, 2014

What state are you in

I am in Florida.