Re: Hospice Opportunities in Arkansas?
Hello Amy: I just picked up your message and wanted to respond. Actually, I was not in Arkansas 15 years ago.....ironically I was living in Arizona at that time. Yes.....Hospice HomeCare is now a for profit organization. They do have a beautiful in-patient unit off of Bowman Road in west Little Rock (an area which has grown tremendously since you were last here). I began working for Arkansas Hospice (a non-profit) around six years ago. I loved the organization their true emphasis on the individual patient. Unfortunately, the woman who hired me suddenly passed away (between visits, for Gods sake), and she was replaced by a guy who had previously worked in the payroll department. As time went on, the situation became a bit awkward as he wanted to cross my personal boundries and became harassing.
I then went to Hospice HomeCare......and it has been different, yet still satisfing. Their emphasis is definitely on the bottom line. I used to do continious care (which I loved) but HHC does not do such duty. They had rather fill up their inpatient unit. They are also in some flux as they are facing a multimillion $$ fine for Medicaid fraud (cutting deals with local nursing homes). Things are changing slowly, as they have some new investors. We will see. They usually have openings for RN's (as does Arkansas Hospice)......and with your experience, you should have no trouble at all. Also, the big VA hospital next to UAMS is opening a pallative care center soon (next few months). They have great benefits and pay. Arkansas Hospice does pay better.....at HHC, I make $21.66/hr as a PRN nurse. You are probably used to a higher rate of pay, but again, your experience could easily warrant a higher rate. Let me know if I can answer any questions for you. Come on back......the property values here are still holding steady, and the cost of living still very reasonable. Hope this helps, and will give you any assistance I can. Sincerely, Robert Morgan
Nursing News