CNA home health aides - are you out there?

walkingon, CNA, LPN · Apr 3, 2008

Apparently I was wrong.....no HHA's hanging out here that I can see! :thnkg:

dee78 · Apr 4, 2008

Hello. I'm actually looking into home healthcare when I complete my CNA. The local hospital has some positions that will work with my schedule. But I do have concerns about starting out in HHC, with only clinical experience.

love_being_an_aide · Apr 4, 2008

Hey! I'm not a CNA. I work in a hospital as a Unit Assistant, another name for a patient-care tech. or unlicensed aide. But I am a certified Home-Health Aide. The agency I work in is wonderful. We are reimbursed for gas and mileage, and are paid on routes between cases. These agencies are out there! Before I worked for the one I do now, I worked for an agency that was very nice in its mission, but the pay was terribly low, with no benefits. Unfortunately, this agency has now closed. I do know that in New York State anyway, CNA's can be HHA's, but they need to take the course. One reason is that in New York anyway, CNA's are trained for the nursing home setting, and can't give meds. I am licensed to give oral medications. Not "pass meds" because if I say that and am overheard I will lose my job, because only an licensed nurse (RN or LPN) can "pass meds." We call them medication reminders. Anyway, good luck on your endeavor! Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have!!

walkingon, CNA, LPN · Apr 5, 2008

Dee78....I had only clinical experience when I started as a HHA.....actually, I was desperate for a job and it was the only one I could get at the time. If it's what you want to do, you shouldn't have a problem finding a job.

love being an aide....wish my agency was like yours, the turnover would be much lower! We do the "medication reminder" thing too here in OH (only with PO meds that the client or their family already has in a clearly labeled med box). It's interesting that you have to take a course geared toward home health in NY, but here you don't have to do anything but walk in and apply. Sounds like NY's way is better for the clients.....

dee78 · Apr 5, 2008

Thanks, I may give it a try.

iwillbnrn1day · Apr 9, 2008

i have tried it before . but just had a bad experience so i never returned. I had a resident who had two broken wrist due to couple of falls she was a lovely lady . went into the house the daughter in law tells me what her mom does for the day and what i needed to clean and wash -she warned me about the mouse traps in the kitchen counter- The daughter in law had just lost there home from a house fire and was staying with her in-laws the grand daughter comes out of a room with two black eyes (im like Wooo ) so they left . and while i was with my resident she advised me that her son is in jail and comes to see her from time to time . needless to say i was on pins and needles . and two hours later here he comes strolling up !! AGGHHH!

At the end of my shift i called and told them i wont be coming back lol

love_being_an_aide · Apr 9, 2008

Wow. I had a similar situation with a patient once. Except it was TWO son's that were in prison and moved in with her. It turned out ok on my shift, but I was a little nervous the whole time. My friend who was the following me after I left was there when the police raided the house and re-arrested the one son for starting a meth. lab. So, we both got reassigned.

Cashboy's Mom, CNA, RN · Apr 11, 2008

You're not alone! I am a CNA and LNA (in the state of NH where I trained they issue licenses) and just got my first home health care position. I thought this would be a good job while I am in nursing school getting my ADN.

How about you?

I like the work so far, but I'm not sure there will be enough hours available for when I am available. I think ideally I'd get a job as a CNA in the hospital setting.... :clown:

SweetErica · May 6, 2008

Well, I'm new, so sorry to be responding a month late!! I am a CNA doing private duty for the past 2 1/2 years with the same patient. I absolutely love it. I have to admit, it is a cushy job. My patient is in his 90's, with Alzheimer's, but otherwise in near perfect health. We are permitted to sleep at night in the guest bedroom (we use a baby monitor to listen for him call out or get up to his BSC), and do housekeeping, cooking, etc for him. It's the perfect job for me as the hours are flexible when I begin LVN school.

Arf2n · Jun 21, 2009

Im a CNA but I've never worked for Home Health before and I was wondering what do you usually start out making as a CNA/HHA? I know that some places pay per hour and some pay per visist, and most pay gas mileage. I started out making $8.50 an hour as a CNA in LTC.

Cashboy's Mom, CNA, RN · Jun 21, 2009

I think it depends on what part of the country you work in-I'm in Massachusetts, west of Boston/southern NH and $12 per hour is the going rate for home care CNAs...I have only worked in that capacity, they also have us fill in per diem for the local Assisted Living.

Mine does NOT pay mileage (only if you are going from one job to another) and even then they will only pay $.40 a mile, which I found pretty cheesy because the current IRS mileage reimbursement guideline or whatever they call it is $.55 a mile.