I am in need of some serious advice. I am currently employed as a Clinical Manager in a Medicare-certified agency. We have seen a great deal of sudden, steady, increased census over the last several months with no sign of "letting up." I consider myself well-versed in Medicare CoP's, OASIS, PPS, practice standards, etc., and understand the business end of things. I am being asked more and more, though, to compromise and implement what I believe to be "in the gray areas," ...at the very least. I am seeing our outcomes decline, our surveys suffer, and more complaining by once happy staff. I have been trying tirelessly to make my bosses (new & plural!) understand the clinical
necessities in order to make an agency successful, compliant, and, most importantly, provide our patients with the best care we can deliver. They however, are not clinically trained, and it has become a constant battle to make them understand the rationale for what is needed. The shoestring has been stretched to its breaking point, as well as some of my staff! This is taking it's toll on my mental and physical well-being. I guess I am asking advice on whether it is all worth it. Would I be chopping off my nose to spite my own face if I were to say "see ya" and move back to field nursing, or get out of home health altogether? From what I am hearing and reading, the nursing market is looking pretty dismal right now. I am so frustrated and disenchanted that I don't even know where else my skills could take me, and I have been a nurse for almost 16 years! Any thoughts or advice would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks
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