Vitas Experience?

renerian, BSN, RN · Jul 15, 2003

Well I can say that I contracted through my company for a for profit hospice. It was very different. Lots of cost control (way more concern over money than non profit), they did not and would not do death calls unless the clients family was a total mess, less desire to give equipment. They most definately did not want to do anything inpatient or respite-to costly. This was my experience.

Hubby runs a non profit hospice and I won't tell you what he said. I cannot post it due to a slanderous side to it.

I hope you hear good things from someone.

What is their on call like?

renerian

Wren · Jul 16, 2003

Renerian, you are telling me what I suspected about Vitas (or any for-profit Hospice). I know how close to the bone most non-profit Hospices are run and I just couldn't see how a for-profit organization could make it without cutting patient services. I was hoping someone would paint me a rosier picture. :rolleyes: Maybe they still will...

I haven't actually interviewed at this one so I don't know what call is like. I just saw they were running ads and thought about applying. I'll post if I decide to interview and find out more specifics.

Thanks! :nurse:

renerian, BSN, RN · Jul 16, 2003

Good luck and let us know what you decide!

renerian

Agnus · Jul 17, 2003

renerian,

You say your hubby runs a not profit. Is it his company? If so I would like to talk to you further.

Agnus · Jul 17, 2003

Originally posted by renerian
Well I can say that I contracted through my company for a for profit hospice. they did not and would not do death calls unless the clients family was a total mess, less desire to give equipment. They most definately did not want to do anything inpatient or respite-to costly. This was my experience.

S'cuse me? Huh! How can a hospice NOT do death calls? Did I miss something.

What did they do? (in general that is)

renerian, BSN, RN · Jul 17, 2003

Angus they just let the family work through it themselves. They never, company policy, did death calls at a facility. Said the facility should handle it.

Hubby is the director of a county hospice. He reports direct to the board. They are doing a capital campaign to build an inpatient hospice unit. His people are treated very well. I volunteer for that hospice but did work with another non profit hospice as a volunteer to make now 10 years doing that.

Angus what can I help you with?

renerian

Mandee · Jul 17, 2003

You know I used to work for a for profit hospice and they gave excellent care, any equipment the patient needed was provided, all deaths were attended regardless of where the patient lived, if they needed a PCA pump they got it etc,etc.....so maybe not all for profit hospices are so bad.

military spouse · Jul 18, 2003

Hello! I work for a for-profit hospice that is extremely generous in meeting the needs of their patients. We pay for numerous meds off-formulary and will provide the pt/familty with the staff support that they need. We do not seek donations from the community, but we still take unfunded patients. In addition, we are treated very well by our supervisors. We have had several recent new employees join us from non-profit hospices and they are amazed at how well both patients and employees are treated. I'm sure this is not true of every for-profit hospice, but I would imagine non-profits vary greatly as well. :rolleyes:

renerian, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2003

OH gosh no not all for profit hospices are bad. Some are,some are not. Glad you posted such. I am glad to here other people are having good experiences with for profits. Hospice is a great organization. I have worked with alot as a volunteer too for over 10 years.

renerian

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Jul 18, 2003

Heard same stories about Vitas ----does not have a good name in my area. How can you make a profit off of people who are dying except by having GREAT bean counters?

Wren · Jul 22, 2003

Thanks everyone for your responses! I didn't hear from anyone who had ever worked for Vitas but I ran into a nurse in my community who works for another for-profit Hospice and loves it. Like some of you, she finds them to be generous and compassionate. :) :)