How do the homehealth agencies get their patients??

[Blackheartednurse]

Just wondering?

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Discharge planners from the hospital, nursing homes, doctors offices, word of mouth.

[Blackheartednurse]

ok so when i call a certain patient to schedule the "first" visit what do i say if they ask how did you find out i need a nursing care or what should i in general...like for an example "hi i'm a nurse working for x agency that is covered my medicare and i would like to schedule a visit with you? i was given one patient to open her up and i called her introduce myself that i'm calling from x agency and would like to meet up with her (i also told her that this time i will be coming with anoter nurse (although i didnt mentioned i was a new nurse) but other times i will be coming alone.the first time i called she was agreed for me to come to her house,i vertified her adress,set a time,and then at the end of our conversation she asked if i can give her a vitamin b12 shot for which she goes to her "regular" doctor office every month (the day i set to meet with her it was her due date for the shot) i said no problem mam and i asked her if she has the medicine with her,and she said yes but she doesnt have the syringe and the needle,so i said no problem i will get one,so i called my boss notified him that the lady wanted me to give her the b12 shot and that i need the supplies in the form of a needle and a syringe,he said fine pick it up during office hours,also he told me to call her back and get her doctor's name and phone number.so i call back and then she asked me how did my agency find her? i didnt know what to say and then proceed to tell me that no one show her interested when she first got out of the hospital and now she doesnt want our help.she was uspet and she cancelled her appointment.

[caliotter3]

Sometimes no matter how knowledgeable or fast thinking on your feet you are, the client beats you to a conclusion. Don't worry about it. Next time you will know how to answer this question. Even then, the client might get upset and try to take it out on you. No need to let it bother you.

[CFitzRN, ADN]

We once had the mother of one of our pediatric PDN pt's tell us that we were heartless jerks who sat on our butts and benefited from her daughter's misfortune. It was horrifying. They just have no idea what we do.