Home care companion

[DinoJack]

Hello all!

I am a RN and my background is in perioperative nursing. I also have a lot of experience in management. I have been unemployed recently for two years by choice to be a full time stay at home home. I decided to go back to work this month and I actually got several job offers to my surprise. I ended up choosing a home companion position (different from home health). My job as an RN is to work part time as a contractor and to do patient admissions in the patients homes and conduct occasional supervisory visits for the CNAs. This is a great schedule for my personal life and I feel the position has potential. I could eventually become a case manager or director for the company.

Anyways, I am nervous about the job. I am in the state of Florida and this is a new home companion/home care company. I want to make sure everyone is following policy and my license is protected. I am actually nervous to the point where I might give up this great opportunity. I am so confused why companies like these don't need a medical director? How can an RN go to a potential clients home and determine if the patient needs companion care or home health care, ect? This just seems out of my scope of practice. Also, this is my first time that I am working as an independent contractor. Do I need to notify my BON? This stuff is brand new to me and I feel like a new grad again. The job seems easy enough....I am just concerned about legality issues. Does anyone have experience in this field? I would love to hear for your thoughts or experiences especially if you reside in Florida.

thanks!

[caliotter3]

If your immediate supervisor can not allay your misgivings with the orientation you need, perhaps it might be better to find a more structured position with an established company. You might want to even try a field position for awhile before moving into clinical management. Just a suggestion.

[DinoJack]

My supervisor is VERY helpful. I was just looking to discuss the job and legality issues with other nurses who are in the field. Many nurses own and operate these home companion companies. The concept is just new to me as I have never worked outside of the hospital. I have read all the laws and regulations. In the home care setting, management is a proper role for me to take as there are not field nurses. CNAs care for the clients. It's home care - not home health.

[caliotter3]

Sorry I hit a nerve with you. Was just responding to your comments by trying to be helpful. Hope you find the help you need.

[brillohead, ADN, RN]

How can an RN go to a potential clients home and determine if the patient needs companion care or home health care, ect?

This should be the easiest part of your job, I would think.

Does the client need help with laundry, vacuuming, cooking? That would be a home care companion (lay person or CNA) situation.

Does the client need help with transfers, bathing, dressing? That would be a home health aide (CNA) situation.

Does the client need help with oxygen administration, trach care, ventilators, medication administration (not just reminders, but actually giving them the meds), urinary catheters, dressing changes, tube feedings? That would be a home health care (LPN or RN) situation.