Medicaid Waiver Homecare Nursing

Hello Everyone,

I've been working for Ohio Medicaid Waiver as an independent contractor for 4 years, 3 as an LPN and now 1 as an RN.

Would like to know of experiences you've had in this field. The good, the bad and the ugly.

Gwen

[ohpn]

how did you get into that field? do you like it? what are the qualifications?

[nursegwen1]

I actually started as an advocate; doing gratis work for clients. Yes I like the work very much; however have hit a legal snag. I wouldn't do it. Too many loopholes.

[lynneat]

What legal snag? also do you do independent care through carestar or alone/self pay etc.? I'm independent but still working for an agency.

lynneat

[lynneat]

ps i found out by working independently and not through an agency there's a problem that if the client (carestar) goes to the hospital that an agency must reopen the case...not an independent nurse. so nurses have to hookup with an agency then leave the agency to go independent again. this sounds hard and messy....any comments would be appreciated. Thanks. lynneat

[nursegwen1]

I did waiver nursing just out of school Honestly, experience matters. I now have a new appreciation for documentation. All I can say is document, document, document. Make sure all you I's are dotted and t's are crossed. The grace and mercy of God came through!

I will never work independently again. The system in Ohio is too loose and just leaves one open for issues. I love home care nursing especially pediatrics.

[CloudySue]

Some nurses take issue with the agencies "taking over half of what's mine" but I don't feel that way at all. LET them deal with the business end, I'll gladly take what I get if I can just show up, do my shift, and go home, and fuggetabotit!!