New to Agency Nursing

[infoseeker]

Hi! I have been an RN for 15 yrs. but haven't worked in about 5 yrs.. Going to several agencies to complete paperwork and tests next week. Need to know what I should review to pass tests. How is agency work? Need info. on pros/cons of job. Here in NC they only pay about $21-23/hr. for pvt. duty vent patients. Seems very low! Is there a lot of "down time" with a vent patient in the home? Any info. would be appreciated! Thanks!!!!

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

Hi! I have been an RN for 15 yrs. but haven't worked in about 5 yrs.. Going to several agencies to complete paperwork and tests next week. Need to know what I should review to pass tests. How is agency work? Need info. on pros/cons of job. Here in NC they only pay about $21-23/hr. for pvt. duty vent patients. Seems very low! Is there a lot of "down time" with a vent patient in the home? Any info. would be appreciated! Thanks!!!!

Hello and Welcome to Allnurses.com:nurse:

Great to have you with us. Enjoy the forums.

[Lilith]

Hi,

i have occasionally worked for an agency, but I'm in Massachusetts and do critical care. The paperwork is usually little more than standard HIPA and precaution stuff, and a self appraisal of your skills. I usually get about $40 and hour but, again, thats ER and ICU stuff.

I've never worked with a homecare vented pt. I'm not sure what you would do other than assess their lungs and general condition, suction the trach, give some meds.....sometimes these patients have other problems that require extensive personal care, turning and such, dressing changes....you'd better get specifics from each individual client before you take an assignment so you can decide if you are being under paid.

Good luck!