Applied to Maxim online, but now having second thoughts

[iwanna]

I applied online for a LPN "home health" position through Maxim. They called me the next mornng after I applied and left message. Then called again and left message on my home phone. After giving it much thought, I think maybe I am not quite ready for home health. I am on disability, and wanted to work just a few days a week, at my pace. I did not become a nurse until age 40. I have 5 1/2 years in psych. I never worked med-surg. Although, we did have geri-psych for awhile. And, that required good assessment skills. We were not a medical facility. If our patients had to be addressed for medical problems, we sent them out to hospital. I did have pt. with colostomy, and feeding tube. Our pts. on IV were seen by outside team. Maxim sent me an email that from my resume, I was qualified. Actually, I feel only qualified for "psych" pts. I am just finishing up refresher course. (I was not working for four years) I was hoping to learn some clinical procedures, but we were not placed on med-surg floor. It was more of a rehab type floor. I would love to shadow a nurse around to see if it would be a good fit.(unpaid, of course) Would it be okay to ask for this in interview. Saying before I make a commitment, I want to make sure that it is a fit for me. And, I won't waste anyone's time.

[highlandlass1592, BSN, RN]

I think that is totally appropriate. You don't really want to waste your time or the agency's time if you don't think it will be a good fit. I'd go for it, worse they can say is no. Good luck.

[caliotter3]

I worked for Maxim for several years. The personnel in the office that I worked out of were very good about working with nurses to make certain that the nurse is comfortable. If you are up front about your needs and if they want your services badly enough, they will provide you with opportunities to shadow and orient. I always had as much orientation as I needed, because I asked for it. They were more than happy to accommodate me. My office also accommodated several nurses who had limitations due to age or disabilities. You just discuss all of your questions with the personnel in the office. I would suggest that you call them and make an appointment when you can talk to the Director of Patient Care Services as well as the staffing coordinator. You should take this approach to any of the home health agencies that you consider going with, not just Maxim. Believe me, agencies are hungry for employees and you can tell right away if they are a group you would like to work with. Good luck.

[neonurse97]

I applied with Maxim's private duty division and was called the next day. After talking with the recruiter who seemed anxious to hire me, she decided after listening to what hours I was willing to work, that basically if I could not work at least 8 or 12 hours shifts, they couldn't use me. I preferred more flexibility which is what they advertised. I'm not impressed with them at all.

[caliotter3]

I'm surprised at how you were treated neonurse. My Maxim office provided four and six hour shifts when available, or they would tailor schedules for people to accommodate nurses and clients. Not even an offer to have you on the books and call you if they came up with something? Very strange indeed, for any hh agency. Apparently that office has all the nurses they need today and they don't care about the effect this will have on their reputation tomorrow. Their loss!

[ArwenEvenstar]

I'm really not surprised to hear "contradicting" stuff about Maxim. Remember each individual office is run by different people. I've heard some are run by more business minded people who do not "get" nurses, while others are run by personel who do "get" it. My Maxim has changed a bit over the last year or so. One of the office guys who did scheduling was a complete idiot (and I am being nice)...he had no understanding that nurses expect some schedule flexibility and options. But now he is gone and things are soooo much better!! It is nice to work with more competent people who have a clue!

[iwanna]

I had called and requested to shadow a nurse, but was told they could not do it due to liability issues. And, they said that only "hired" nurses get to shadow. Okay, so I went in and filled out all paper work. I will try it their way. I am still uncertain, but am willing to check it out. When I asked about the length of orientation, the recruiter told me several hours in the home. This is private duty HH. It just does not seem like enough of time to orient. But, if I am uncomfortable I will definitely let them know. I am probably jumping the gun here, anyways. I have not even been hired, yet. I don't know how I did on the unexpected tests that I took. I just thought that I was picking up some information, and was not prepared to take a test. Also, I have to make arrangements to have a criminal background test done. They could not do it, since I live in a different state. It is not a big deal, but I will wait until the holidays are over.