What's is like working for Carestar

just me in ohio · Sep 12, 2007

My experience is over five years, and I have seen things worsen over time. When you refer to any consumer as a "whiny constituent," it sums up part of the problem.

Apparently you missed my point. My point was that when people complain, they are more prone to get what they want, whether they are deserving or not. Perhaps I should have chosen "squeaky wheel" or something less offensive to your sensibilities.

As to confidentiality- what you noted may be inappropriate but it is not a breech of confidentiality. Within any agency, staff are allowed to discuss cases with other staff. And please don't tell me you have never vented about a difficult patient or consumer. Ever. In your life. If you have never done that, you are the only health professional on the planet to never have done so.

HappyMSW: Glad another employee has chimed in, I was feeling all alone in my defense of CareStar. You make good points, probably better then I have. I agree with you that no agency is perfect, but I have to say that in my 15+ years in health care, it is the closest I have come. Are there problems? Of course, or people like Prittle wouldn't be so discontent. But it is far better at CareStar than anywhere else I have worked.

And I was there for the move, what a nightmare. The owner you speak of was awesome in helping get things organized and together. That is leading by example.

HappyMSW · Sep 12, 2007

[My experience is over five years, and I have seen things worsen over time. When you refer to any consumer as a "whiny constituant," it sums up part of the problem. I hear the consumers being referred to as "whiny" or thinking the medicaid card is a "christmas card program." That is troubling. These consumers are disabled and most are trying to make the best out of very difficult situations. I find that case managers talk among themselves about consumers who are difficult to handle, which is a breech of confidentiality]

While I cannot speak to the feelings you have about your experience, I am certain that there MUST BE SOME REASON, you choose to stay at CareStar. As a Case Manager who is has worked in MRDD, MENTAL HEALTH and the MEDICAL field, more than 90% of the the professionals I work with vent and discuss problematic cases. How else do we learn to be more healthy ourselves? I am not saying go to your local elevator and start blabbing so every person around can hear. It is certainly a breach to do so. Bottling it up inside is not healthy for the case manager or the consumer. Case Managers are not perfect (and we have already concluded that there is no perfect job) so what would be unethical about their venting to a colleague who is in the profession and may have some feedback? These are GLO's- golden learning opportunities!! Our consumer's do get agitated and whiney- this could speak to a medical illness, a mental illness or just down right being sick and tired of the who waiver system. I can't say that I blame them. THE BOTTOM LINE- they will continue to whine and we will continue to talk. There are far worse things going on in agencies. An by gosh, I have had some difficult independent providers to deal with..... and I have talked about it with colleagues and my supervisor, particularly when I was new. How else was I going to learn? Prittle-- I think your thinking is harsh and rigid. I really wish you were able to step back from the situation- give your colleagues the benefit of the doubt and maybe even build the type of relationship with them that you can talk openly about how they speak of others in your presence. This is a core ethic/value in social work in approaching other professionals. We are on the same team. If you are tired and worn out, change teams- you are a free agent. CareStar is not perfect but in most employment situations the one thing you can count on is CHANGE. CareStar is trying to make positive changes. Speaking from experience, I did not start off a good foot at CareStar. I had a personality conflict with a manager. IT was rough.. but I am proud to say, that those is charge assisted with resolving this situation with integrity and sensitivity and if they do it with me, I would have a hard time believing they would have another agenda for consumers.

For those reading, know that some consumers take advantage of case managers and abuse the system, which leads to stricter rules. This is the tough part- but it is a checks and balance system so persons are not getting more money toward home care that is NOT MEDICALLY NECESSARY.

JUST ME IN OHIO-- glad I could help. we got this. Even at 5 years-- why? Because we are catalysts for change and part of the solution, not the problem!!

Caregiving Advocate · Sep 13, 2007

I work for Carestar and I love my job!!

just me in ohio · Sep 25, 2007

I decided to wait until after the Ed Days before I posted anything. Wow, what changes are coming that will make life easier. Consistency in how the PEAT is supposed to be written, clearer guidelines on LOC. I hear the whole PEAT is being revised to make it easier.

Got to talk to one of the owners. He actually came up to me and sat down to chat. Remembered my name, too. What a down to Earth guy. So earnest. It is true that it starts at the top.

JulieRN07 · Oct 9, 2007

hello- is the pay at carestar way above average like I hear?

just me in ohio · Oct 9, 2007

hello- is the pay at carestar way above average like I hear?

I can't speak for others, but my salary increased significantly.

sunshineandsmiles · Oct 11, 2007

I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to side with Prittle13. The owner may be a wonderful gentleman, but ultimately other management is responsible for what happens at the ground level. I felt somewhat forced to sign a contract stating I would not work for any other medicaid homecare providing company for 6 months after being employed here. I don't even know if that's exactly legal. I've had to work lots of late nights and have also heard inappropriate talk Prittle13 speaks of. Some of it isn't blowing off steam, and is just making fun of consumers and even coworkers. I just try to be left alone and not associate with anyone so I don't get involved. The salary is good, but you earn every penny of it. The stress is really bad.

JulieRN07 · Oct 11, 2007

Can someone tell me what the job is exactly- and if it requires experiance. I have a couple friends from school that are wanting to get started into Carestar because of the money, but I don't want them to get in over there heads.

terns259 · Oct 22, 2007

I am thinking of taking a case manager position for Carestar in Ohio. I was wondering just how much of your week is spent at home. I am continually told that the case managers are home 80% of the week throughout the year, and I wasn't so sure about that. Any other useful information i need to know on the job ??

Thanks

HappyMSW · Nov 22, 2007

Hello. Basically your day and your schedule all boils down to time management. Your home is your office and aside from education/training and CEU days or visits to consumer's homes, you are at home working. I will be the first to admit I miss spending time with co-workers in an office setting, but I DO NOT MISS OFFICE DRAMA.

I LOVE Carestar. A lot of changes are taking place and it is good. It will seem like a lot at first, but once we all get the hang of the new processes, it will be fine. For new employees, it may seem overwhelming at first, but there is plenty of support from staff to help out. My pay increased 18,000 from my last job through my first year. In no way can I complain. It really depends-- if the person wants to work or not... not meaning this in a mean way of course- You will get what you need there if you tough it out. It is a lot of information to learn and apply at first..... it is worth an interview- IN MY HUMBLE OPINION !!!

heartworkingnurse · Nov 26, 2007

Hello,

I am new to this site but maybe someone has advise on how to get started with Care Staff. I am an LPN working in Ohio and need help on finding a RN Supervisor,any advise?

calmcool1 · Nov 27, 2007

Hello,
I am new to this site but maybe someone has advise on how to get started with Care Staff. I am an LPN working in Ohio and need help on finding a RN Supervisor,any advise?

Hello,

You can go to www.ohindependentproviderservices.com and follow the link to nurse listings. RN Supervisors list their contact info and the counties they serve. Or you can go to the carestar web site www.carestar.com and look under the provider directory.

I hope this is helpful.