Excited for a new job opportunity

caliotter3 · Nov 11, 2011

You can find many posts and threads in the home health forum that will give you good background info. PALS is not required to do peds cases, but it could be helpful. If you are looking to supplement your current job for the time being, you will be most likely offered extended care work. Extended care is also called continuous care or shift work. Private duty refers to extended care that is paid for by the client out of pocket. Mostly routine care for stable patients, thus you will see more LPNs doing this. Do not be surprised at the low pay rates for this type of work.

lsvalliant · Nov 12, 2011

I've done both extended care/ private duty (lots of people use these terms interchangably even though their a little different) and I have done Visits. There is a BIG difference between the two and I dont even think they should be lumped together under Home Health. I did peds extended care last year as a RN in Pittsburgh. The only cases that paid more and are RN level involve TPN and there may be a few other instances. I was a little bored though and didn't really feel like I was nursing to my full potential. Its good for supplimental income though. Lots of down time too and great for people who are in school if you have a light case.

Now I am a visiting nurse case manager. Very involved in many different skills and I'm on the phone constantly following up on things. Its very challenging and pays alot more. Its better for me, but PD is cool too.

muesli · Nov 12, 2011

Thanks! I hope the pay isn't too low. It is only supplemental income, but I just wanted to try something different without jumping into a type of nursing I'm not sure I'll like. I'm not sure the level of skilled care it requires, but it does sound like the patients will be mostly extended care. I am run ragged on the floors, so a day with a little downtime sounds better than another evening spent exhausted on the floor. I'd be interested to see if the pay varied depending on the type of patient.

caliotter3 · Nov 13, 2011

How you are paid depends on how the agency handles it. Some agencies will hire you at an hourly rate of pay and that is it. Other agencies will vary the pay depending upon the type of case and how they receive their reimbursement. Private pay is one rate, various insurances another, and the medicaid type cases will be the lowest. Then, there are agencies that will do it both ways, depending upon the circumstances; you may be able to negotiate if you speak up for yourself. One thing to be careful of, is discrepancies from one employee to another. Say, you are told one rate but you find out another nurse on the same case is being paid more, even though you were told that everyone is paid the same. This happens quite frequently, especially with the less than ethical agencies. You have to assert yourself or they will walk over you when it comes to pay.

SE_BSN_RN, BSN · Nov 18, 2011

Thanks! I hope the pay isn't too low. It is only supplemental income, but I just wanted to try something different without jumping into a type of nursing I'm not sure I'll like. I'm not sure the level of skilled care it requires, but it does sound like the patients will be mostly extended care. I am run ragged on the floors, so a day with a little downtime sounds better than another evening spent exhausted on the floor. I'd be interested to see if the pay varied depending on the type of patient.

My pay for HHC is more than my pay was for LTC, and both hourly. I think it depends on location and company, too. Good Luck!