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Discussion

Conflict of interest...

So I have been working for a home health agency for the past 5 years and I recently had the opportunity to become a partner in a startup agency (10%). Word got out that I was involved in this and rumors were spread that I was soliciting employees of the agency I work for to come to the one I was partnered with, which is untrue. I had to explain myself..but don't really understand if it is indeed a conflict of interest. The business that I am partnered with has no employees other than an RN as the DON and the other partners and no clientele. Originally it was to be providing companions and we do currently have an active health care service firm license. In the future the goal is to provide skilled nursing care but that is not happening right now. I told my agency that I would be up front and let them know when the agency I partnered with will be servicing clients with certified home health aides or nurses. But if I am not stealing any of their current clients or employees how is it a conflict of interest? I have been very loyal to them and never mentioned anything to any clients and when I did say anything to anyone it was to people whom I thought were friends just bouncing ideas off them who also worked for this agency and that apparently backfired into me "soliciting" employees. I am so hurt and upset by this and I don't know if I should just bow out gracefully and find other employment or stay there...I was honest and told them we have the health care advice firm license and that my title there is director of patient care...

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    • Experts

    Well, how are they treating you? If your explanation went over well, and they are not pressuring you, then don't allow this to bother you. However, I would make plans to change the working relationship sooner rather than later when the time comes that a change becomes necessary.

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    • Author

    I am just transitioning into the RN role, currently awaiting my license #. I really like the client and family I am working with through this agency and the hours I am getting are working, but I do realize that a change may be in my best interest and I am currently applying for other jobs. I just don't like feeling like my integrity is being questioned and treated as if I have done something wrong when I haven't. I do understand the company's point of view as far as what my intentions are and I told them I would let them know when the time came that I was accepting clients that would then make it a conflict of interest..I just don't know if they are going to accept that. I hate this!!!

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    • Author

    As far as if they have accepted this I am unsure. The meeting about all this was today and I told them I would get back to them with more info tomorrow. It sounded to me like they may consider keeping me on as long as I hold true to my word that I will let them know when it comes time for me to resign.

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    Sorry to say this, but I think you will always be under a BIG cloud of suspicion regardless of your assertions not to 'steal' other clients/staff. And regardless of what your current place says now. BUSINESS is BUSINESS. And you are considered to be a 'pirating' threat.

    I've known career backlash to have happened to blue collar and professionals also. I've seen realtors, hairdressers and financial analysts get zinged early as soon as their current employer got wind of their activities. As in fired STAT, walked out of the bldg, and personal items (coffee mug, baby pix, etc) mailed to them.

    BUSINESS is BUSINESS!

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    • Author

    Honestly though, it's a bit ridiculous because you're talking about a drop in the bucket compared to a huge organization. Is it really a threat? People are going to want to advance their careers. If I was forthcoming about my plans in the beginning the story would be the same.

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    • Guides

    If you are starting a business that will ultimately be a competitor for future clients I don't think it matters if it is technically a conflict of interest or not. I honestly don't know of any agency that hasn't dealt with some form of employee self-interested politicking when nobody is around to hear it. You may be honest and forthright but lots of people are not and you'll be paying the price for it.

    By the way good luck on that start-up! I've often fantasized about having my own agency and what I'd do differently! Just like anything else, if the service is awesome people will be attracted to your agency and switch all on their own!

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    I'm not telling you anything new, but as a start-up you'll be the new kid on the block in a competitive business. I worked in a community that had 3 homecare agencies. It was cut-throat among the agencies, all vying for the same few & far between referrals. Those agencies all tried wining & dining the hospital UR/discharge planners for referrals up the wazoo! They also approached area NHs to seek out soon- to-be discharged pts. And we had staff that floated from agency to agency to agency. Maybe it was just my neck of the woods at the time?!

    I commend you for your initiative in your effort for independent career mobility. Good luck!

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