Is it okay to work as a private CNA?

[xmilkncookiesx, RN]

Hi all.

I've been looking for jobs as a CNA, I am certified. I haven't worked since this past January of 2016. I was working as a home health CNA through Phoenix Home Healthcare from November 2015-January 2016 prior to beginning nursing school.

I haven't worked since. But since I am beginning third semester soon, a lot of the upper class students said third semester was easier than second semester (second semester was HELL).

I posted on craigslist that I am searching for work as a CNA. A single mother emailed me asking if I have any experience with autism, she is in need of someone to help with daily activities and interaction with her child that has autism. I wasn't sure if I am able to work under private duty, she says she pays cash and that she has had previous CNA's as private duty, but never through an agency.

This is what she responded to me: "Yes but I don't like to go thru agencies . As the guardian I am allowed to hire my staff . The payroll is paid thru an agency and the rate of pay

Is up to $ 14 an hour but I am truly looking for someone with A LOT of patience and experience with autism"

Even though she may not accept me due to no experience with autism, I am asking in general if I can work as private duty (legally). I live in Kansas City, Kansas and Wyandotte County.

Has anyone ever worked as private duty as a CNA? Is there a Liability Insurance to get? I don't know any of this

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

When I was in nursing school, I was asked by a family to consider working in their home with their child (who was inpatient at the time that I met her). However, health care workers were provided by a home health agency so I had to apply to work with this agency, pass a background check, go through their orientation, etc. They did hire me because the parent was requesting they do, but it was by no means quick or simple. Something doesn't sound right about "payroll is through an agency" if the agency is not screening and approving of the workers. That opens that agency up to huge liability.

As a CNA, you are "certified" not "licensed" and therefore cannot work on your own in that role. If you were to accept a private position like this, it would need to be outside of your certification. Meaning you would not be working as a CNA, but as a babysitter, home aide, care assistant, or whatever term you would use to clarify that you are not working as a nursing assistant under your state, but of your own accord, performing tasks that otherwise require no special training or certification. It is logistically complicated and probably not something you want to tackle without the guidance of a lawyer. For example, you'll need a written contract between you and the employer that specifies your schedule, responsibilities and pay. This is to protect you as well as the employer. Then you need to make sure you're setting aside money for taxes, as they will not be taken out if you're being paid privately. And while you could eventually include this job on your resume, you would not be able to count it as CNA experience.