Hello. I am a Registered Nurse who took on another career as a Flight Attendant for 18 years. During this time, I worked occasionally through agency assignments. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer (at age 43) that had metastized to the bone and spine. As a result, I had to take an early disability retirement from the airline, as the treatments and nerve compression from the tumors had affected my performance at work. I am blessed that my airline allowed me to keep my much needed United Healthcare insurance, and with an aggressive round of chemo and radiation, my "hot spots" are actually shrinking at an amazing rate. I did have to go on disability (both SS and a private policy the airline provided). Therefore, my income has decreased dramatically. I am looking to go into Hospice or correctional practice. Fortunately, I have been granted interviews next week at the two largest hospice organizations in my area (Little Rock, Arkansas). One is for-profit......the other non-profit. Would anyone have any input or information on the difference in the operation, quality of care, attitudes, and pay/benefits for a PRN RN for both organizational structures? Also, any advice for my interview. I have been up front with them on my condition, which I actually think might benefit me as I have actually "been there" with an original terminal diagnosis. Any advice from the fine folks here would be greatly appreciated. Lets all take care of each other. Thanks
Hospice care in a nursing home done according to regs would not be double dipping. We are careful to supplement the care the nursing home gives rather than doing their job for them. I cannot speak to "under the table" deals since we do not engage in that sort of thing.
In the past year we have taken over at least 4 patients in nursing homes that had been under the care of a for-profit previously. Families felt they got a very slick presentation up front but the day to day care did not live up to their expectations. Two big issues were staff turnover and lack of response to after hours needs. Their bereavement care is practically nonexistent.
Excellent point! There are two local hospices here that they refer patients families who need bereavement help to 1. another hospice LOL or 2. a local support groups LOL. I know the regs don't say they have to do support group meetings, home visits etc but dodging their duty by referring to another hospice who actually PAYS to put that service on to help their PATIENTS family sure stinks......grrrrrrrrrrrrr big smile.
Thanks for bringing that up Amiee and thanks for posting.
aimeee, BSN, RN
932 Posts
Hospice care in a nursing home done according to regs would not be double dipping. We are careful to supplement the care the nursing home gives rather than doing their job for them. I cannot speak to "under the table" deals since we do not engage in that sort of thing.
In the past year we have taken over at least 4 patients in nursing homes that had been under the care of a for-profit previously. Families felt they got a very slick presentation up front but the day to day care did not live up to their expectations. Two big issues were staff turnover and lack of response to after hours needs. Their bereavement care is practically nonexistent.