Just wondering what you all think is the best way to find reputable home health agencies to work for as a new LPN. I was thrilled several weeks ago to have been offered some home health work because realistically this is the "first bite" I've gotten as a newer grad (graduated about 9 months ago). But the more I interact with this agency the more I'm noticing red flags - no training is provided, no orientation minus how to enter notes, being offered multiple jobs before my drug screening has been completed, being given a badge the first day I applied, all nurses there are new grads, and several other signs of general shadiness.
That being said, I am going to do one day's worth of work tomorrow and then let the agency know that I am unavailable for the next few weeks (I want to see whether or not I get paid for my day tomorrow as I haven't "recorded my voice" through medicaid and didn't even know about this until a patient's mother explained the process).
SO how do you know whether an agency is reputable? Home health in itself is not unappealing to me; I can do it with the proper training and orientation to each case. But where does one find agencies that offer hands-on experience, aren't medicare scams, and provide an honest day's pay for an honest day's work?
I'm located in Miami, FL so if anyone has first-hand experience and recommendations, that is greatly appreciated. Keep in mind it would have to be a place that accepts new grads with limited experience (minus my g-tube infant case that I'll be working on this weekend).
I'm a fairly new grad with minimal experience and two agencies picked me up. Like you said I got a feeling that one is better. The better one tested you first - two tests that you must pass, pediatrics and geriatric. They give you on the job training, a full day orientation as per the agency rules and guidelines. The other agency, no test - seemed very unorganized, no orientation as yet. Always go with your gut feeling. Remember that Vagus nerve
I actually agree with awheat. Yes, it is the agencies responsibility to train the nurses and to have a supervisor on call if help is needed. But there are just some skills you don't master until you have experience. When you work in other facilities, hospitals, etc you have other nurses you can go to for help and a second opinion. For instance. When I was a new nurse, a patient's Blood sugar was high, gave them the appropriate insulin per sliding scale, and 15 mins later they bottomed out. I did not recognize that that was the problem. I had given them VERY little insulin. I had the RN come in and she was able to tell what was wrong. Learned that pt's with pancreatic cancer have very unpredictable blood sugars and can bottom out at the drop of a hat. Having someone there to mentor you if needed is an asset to a new nurse. You won't have that in home health. Sure, you can call, but it can take twice as long to figure out a problem over the phone than in person. That's why many home health agencies won't hire new nurses. My company only hires those with experience, does the testing upon hire AND gives orientation. And that's for experienced nurses. That being said, whatever you choose is your choice and I wish you the best either way.
I've never heard of state surveys - not surprising, haven't heard of many things yet but that's a good idea. Ill know for future to look them up or ask about them in advance.
You said you were in Miami, FL. Here is a link to search by Facility (including Home Health Agency) state inspection reports. Click on "Search by Facility Type/Location" to get started. You can try choosing "Home Health Agency" and enter a zip code, or a county. I never even apply to an agency for work until I look here. The records have recently been culled in some way to only include the last few years results. But it's a starting point in seeing both the type of deficiencies the State writes up often, and the agencies that get written up for a lot of deficiencies and/or complaints repeatedly. For example, after you chose an individual Home Health Agency from the search results, click on AHCA Reports: "Inspection Reports"
NurseJoy33
25 Posts
I'm a fairly new grad with minimal experience and two agencies picked me up. Like you said I got a feeling that one is better. The better one tested you first - two tests that you must pass, pediatrics and geriatric. They give you on the job training, a full day orientation as per the agency rules and guidelines. The other agency, no test - seemed very unorganized, no orientation as yet. Always go with your gut feeling. Remember that Vagus nerve