Home health- benefits/insurance?

[karenkorz]

I am looking at leaving my hospital job (weekend option has killed my soul!) to try home health nursing. I am wondering if some of you can share some insight as to:

-how many hours a week do you have to work to qualify for insurance and benefits?

-how many hours is a typical shift?

I know every company is different, but I want to get an idea of what to expect. I went on an interview last week at a private-duty company and they don't offer insurance until you've been there a year!. Then the recruiter told me that their plan doesn't even meet ACA requirements. I think home health would offer a bit more stability for guaranteed minimum hours and hopefully for beneifts. Please help!

[BethCNA]

My home health agency offers 8-12 hour shifts. We get paid above the local average, but have access to only a limited 401K, and no other benefits. The director is doing everything in her power to not hire any more people than necessary, to avoid ACA requirements, and she'll tell us that openly. One thing I wish I'd fully realized before coming to work here is that on home health, your departure times are even less guaranteed than in a facility. I serve several 24/7 clients. I cannot leave until my relief shows up, and that has meant being late for subsequent classes or appointments more often than I care to recount. Something to think about if you have kids counting on Mom to be there at a specific time. Good luck!

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Look for HHA that are part of the The Visiting Nurse Associations of America: VNAA for these are mostly established non-profit agencies that have been around several years. Most offer benefits.

My employeer 2nd largest in PA offers budgeted part time and FT employees PPO health plan which staff contribute 25% cost -starts immediately, 3 wks vacation, 9 days PTO plan, 403b plan, dental, vision -- 6 month probationary period. 6 wk orientation period. Just transitioned from laptops to tablets. Look for established HHA to find best benefits.

[nursekatielpn]

I work for a staffing company and the home care shifts I fill in for are 8/10/12 hour shifts. My employer offers health insurance and some other benefits like PTO and sick leave and even employee referral bonuses and free continuing education courses! Home care is mainly made up of quadrapaledics due to car accidents, vent/trach pts., wound care, dressing changes, lots of sitting and watching over pt. to make sure there are no problems, medication administration, G-tubes and Mickey Buttons, Hoyer Lifts, and wheel chairs! Be personal, very courteous and friendly but always act professional you still are a nurse taking care of their family members. Bed baths, trach care, suctioning trachs with cough assist, vital signs, head to toe assessments q shift, and oh yea home care is a wayyy slower pace than a facility so don't feel surprised or uncomfortable if you sit there watching tv or playing on your phone for 1-3 even 4 hour increments depends on day or night shifts. You meet great families on the way and you really feel good after every shift knowing you helped improve and maintain that pts. Life !! Also, Be good at documenting!