A bad day in home health...

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Specializes in L&D; GI; Fam Med; Home H; Case mgmt.

Today I had to help our admin fire one of our CNAs because of my findings (I am Field Staff Sup), and another of our CNAs died of cancer. I've only been doing this 7 months and this is one of the worst days...

:crying2:

I'm not used to being a Supervisor. Today I got a big dose of what it means. It can be really tough.

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Sorry to hear this. Hugs to you.

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Specializes in L&D; GI; Fam Med; Home H; Case mgmt.

Thanks Cali.

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Specializes in COS-C, Risk Management.

I know how hard it is, I struggle with it, too. I will give people chance after to chance to prove themselves good, only to be disappointed and ultimately have to write them up or ask for termination. However, you must consider the goals of the agency and how this employee is affecting those goals. When you have HHAs who miss more visits than they make, don't treat patients well, or commit fraud, you have a duty to protect the patients as well as the bottom line of the agency. I know that it's cold comfort, but you really are acting in everyone's best interests when you terminate for cause. Have a good cry, not because you're sorry you fired someone but because someone was such a poor judge of character that they hired inappropriately in the first place (even if that someone was you). (((hugs)))

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Specializes in L&D; GI; Fam Med; Home H; Case mgmt.
I know how hard it is, I struggle with it, too. I will give people chance after to chance to prove themselves good, only to be disappointed and ultimately have to write them up or ask for termination. However, you must consider the goals of the agency and how this employee is affecting those goals. When you have HHAs who miss more visits than they make, don't treat patients well, or commit fraud, you have a duty to protect the patients as well as the bottom line of the agency. I know that it's cold comfort, but you really are acting in everyone's best interests when you terminate for cause. Have a good cry, not because you're sorry you fired someone but because someone was such a poor judge of character that they hired inappropriately in the first place (even if that someone was you). (((hugs)))

Thank you so much.

I didn't hire her - I didn't hire any of them, actually - but this was the first employee that I actually had to write up and ultimately fire (very poor judgment, put a client's life at risk- seriously at risk, crossing professional lines, contacting clients and their POAs "on the side") - it was bad... it was very warranted but still, difficult. Thanks for your support.

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I'm relieved to hear that I don't have the only really dumb HHA's working for me. I struggle with the same issues. On Fri. I gave 3 write-ups for the same stuff. I could've fired all 3 but gave them another chance. I hope I don't live to regret it.

It does get easier though, especially when you know you are terminating someone who is a danger to your patients. I hate that our agency has a policy that I can only confirm the dates of employment of employees I fire. This enables them to just go to another agency and I know they are still out there giving lousy care to others.

Kyasi

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

{{CFitz}} Hugs to you. But thank you so much for not turning a blind eye to whatever inappropriate behavior the first CNA engaged in. :redpinkhe

One of my most liked caregivers is battling Stage IV ovarian cancer with the bowel obstructions almost constant now, and her attitude is so sweet it breaks my heart.

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Specializes in L&D; GI; Fam Med; Home H; Case mgmt.
I'm relieved to hear that I don't have the only really dumb HHA's working for me. I struggle with the same issues. On Fri. I gave 3 write-ups for the same stuff. I could've fired all 3 but gave them another chance. I hope I don't live to regret it.

It does get easier though, especially when you know you are terminating someone who is a danger to your patients. I hate that our agency has a policy that I can only confirm the dates of employment of employees I fire. This enables them to just go to another agency and I know they are still out there giving lousy care to others.

Kyasi

We have the same policy. HHAs jump from agency to agency around here. Mostly, I have to say, we have some really good people. But there are a handful that make me very nervous. They get only the lowest acuity cases...

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Specializes in L&D; GI; Fam Med; Home H; Case mgmt.
{{CFitz}} Hugs to you. But thank you so much for not turning a blind eye to whatever inappropriate behavior the first CNA engaged in. :redpinkhe

One of my most liked caregivers is battling Stage IV ovarian cancer with the bowel obstructions almost constant now, and her attitude is so sweet it breaks my heart.

How are people like that? How? I just don't understand what grace they are given to somehow put aside the horrible circumstances they've been dealt and behave with such graciousness and dignity. It truly is something to behold, and I pray that I would be so gracious under similar circumstances.

Thanks for the support, by the way. :)

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Wouldn't you love to be able to clone the good ones?!! I've been weeding out my less desirable HHA's but I sure wish I could clone the cream of the crop. It would make my job easier and our clients would be well cared for. It is amazing how well some people interview and then how lousy they are on the field. And some of the people I hired but had reservations about turned out to be great. I wish there was a magic formula to use during the interview process!

Kyasi

Kyasi

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Specializes in COS-C, Risk Management.

I think I'll get a Magic 8 Ball. Can't be any worse than current method of "hire anyone who comes to the door."

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