Home Care in Southeastern, MA. ?'s :)

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Specializes in Psych/Substance Abuse, Ambulatory Care.

I'm interested in taking a per diem home care position to get the feel of it because I don't think I've quite found my niche yet... I like what I hear from people on this website, but I wanted to ask my fellow MA nurses... ( FYI I'm an LPN in southeastern MA with almost 3yrs exp in both primary care and substance abuse)

What's the pay like? Are there agencies that I should avoid- any good ones in particular that you'd recommend?? Is it true that it's just you, your car, your computer, and a few meetings every so often?? How about case load- do you get any choice in the matter of what type of clients you see? Actually, any information at all, or links to places where I can find it would be GREAT. Haha...

Thanks in advance for any advice :)

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What about VNA? I know years ago, they had part time positions

to fill in. Good luck!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, ER.

If you're all about the pay then Advantage Homecare pays about $36/hour for an LPN, but you have to be self-motivated because there's really no orientation.

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Specializes in Wound Care.

I live on Cape Cod and know about a few local agencies. The VNA doesn't pay, but, they have great education. It might be good to start with if you are new to home care. They offerred me $24/hour as an RN with 10 years experience. Gentiva pays around $30/revisit and $45/admission for an RN, but, their systems are antiquated and they don't monitor their staff well. In other words, they are on paper and have some terrible nurses working for them.

I usually go into the office once a week for meetings and to drop off paperwork, otherwise, I start the day from home and end it when I want. If I have a doctor's appointment, I just rearrange my visits around it that day. The flexibility with home care is bar-none, expecially if you have little ones at home. As long as the required number of patients are seen that day, everyone is happy. For an 8 hour day, 5-6 visits is usually asked of you on the Cape. If you work per visit, you can do as many as you'd like.

I now make $32/hour plus on-call pay. I take home little over $1500/week for 40 hours. Not bad when you figure I spend about 30 hours on the road and the rest at home with my computer.

Hope this helps! Anything else you need to know, just ask.

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Specializes in Psych/Substance Abuse, Ambulatory Care.

Thank you for all this info!!

I live on Cape Cod and know about a few local agencies. The VNA doesn't pay, but, they have great education. It might be good to start with if you are new to home care. They offerred me $24/hour as an RN with 10 years experience. Gentiva pays around $30/revisit and $45/admission for an RN, but, their systems are antiquated and they don't monitor their staff well. In other words, they are on paper and have some terrible nurses working for them.

I usually go into the office once a week for meetings and to drop off paperwork, otherwise, I start the day from home and end it when I want. If I have a doctor's appointment, I just rearrange my visits around it that day. The flexibility with home care is bar-none, expecially if you have little ones at home. As long as the required number of patients are seen that day, everyone is happy. For an 8 hour day, 5-6 visits is usually asked of you on the Cape. If you work per visit, you can do as many as you'd like.

I now make $32/hour plus on-call pay. I take home little over $1500/week for 40 hours. Not bad when you figure I spend about 30 hours on the road and the rest at home with my computer.

Hope this helps! Anything else you need to know, just ask.

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I am currently doing psych home care in brockton area. Love the elders, but I truly am having trouble coping with the drug seeking, system sapping pts. Plus it is a bit dangerous to go into rooming houses at night to give meds to paranoid schizophrenics, LOL. Does anyone know of a reputable agency in the Greater Plymouth area, Upper Cape to Weymouth for home health RN? I am currently per diem, $39 per hour no mileage, but half of the time my pts don't bother to show up, I don't get paid. I really need to change my situation soon. Thanks in advance for any replies.

MauraRN

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Specializes in Wound Care.

I am starting next week at Centrus in Plymouth. I've seen some mixed messages on these posts about them, but, the jury is still out for me. What drew me to them was the ability to combine both skilled visits and private visits. I can do 4 visits on Wednesday and then spend 8 hours in one home on Thursday. However you want to combine it to get however much money you want. I saw an ad on Cape Cod's Craigs List for them, so, I know they are actively looking for nurses. They pay $35/visit and in the high $20s for private hourly pay.

As far as mileage is concerned (Maura), I've never not received mileage for any company. Per diem, per visit...whatever. You should always get mileage. I have also been able to finagle getting a set amount (maybe $5-$10) for any 'not home, not found' visits. Nothing worse than traveling for miles (in the snow) and find no one home then realize you just wasted valuable time.:rolleyes:

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thanks so much for the reply IMelissa. How is the job? Could you pm me with any info? I really need out of this psych only, missing med surg and elderly pts.

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Specializes in Wound Care.

I'm still waiting to start, Maura, but, I'll let you know when I do. The entrance process is quite vigorous which I think speaks volumes for their staff. First, I had to complete two very thorough tests on general nursing and pharaceuticals. Second, I interviewed with the branch manager and the clinical manager. They have spent the past two weeks running a fine-tooth comb through my resume, certifications and references. Now, I have to wait on my Cori, my credit report and TB two-step results.......whew. :eek:

Like I said, I'll touch back in about a month. That's usually how long it takes to determine many of the 'cons' of a new employer.

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Thanks imelissa!! I look forward to hearing from you.

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Specializes in Wound Care.

Well, I've been with them for a month now and can tell you a few things. First, they don't do skilled visits anymore. They are strictly a private duty agency. I like that, though. Rather than driving everywhere, I go to one home and stay there for the entire shift. The shifts range anywhere from 3-12 hours. I have a great case on the Cape and am learning a tremendous amount amount tracheostomies and G-tube feedings. I have also branched out into pediatrics which is also something I have feared in the past.

As far as a schedule goes, they don't offer a Monday through Friday routine. They give you a list of available openings and you decide when you'd like to work. I go from working 20 hours one week to 40 the next. That works well for me right now. I'm trying to concentrate on weekend hours so I don't have to pay for child care this summer.

Hope this helps. Let me know how you make out. :redbeathe

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Specializes in Wound Care.

Maura, did you get a job with Maxum (Centrus)? I heard a new nurse started at a case I am working in Harwich with a Psych history, but, won't be returning. I was just wondering if that was you.:confused:

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