Odessey Hospice

NC29mom, ASN, LPN, RN · May 19, 2011

I went for an interview with Gentiva yesterday. VERY EXTENSIVE! I submitted my app online through monster.com. Was looking hospice, but also applied to some home health agencies. Gentiva was very quick to respond. Called and e-mailed me several times. Did a phone interview with Employee Recruiter and also had to fill out paperwork (e-mail) and send back to them. I didn't like the fact that they asked for my social security # before ever laying eyes on me.....I feel like that information should be shared later in the process.

Well, the Manager who interviewed me was VERY PROFESSIONAL and VERY NICE. Extremly welcoming enviroment. Everybody sooooo nice as I was waiting for my interview. The interview lasted approximately 3.5 hours. YES, I said 3.5hrs!!!!! VERY LONG and VERY EXTENSIVE QUESTIONING!! According to my interviewer, the next step would be for them to reach out to me to come in and take a computer skills test, which would also take several hours (some offices do the 1st face to face interview and skills test at one time, this office did not - and I was grateful). As of right this second, I haven't heard back from them, so don't know any more information as far as the steps involved after the face to face interview.

I did like what I heard about the company. They are supposedly the LARGEST home healthcare company nationwide. They recently bought out Odessey Hospice, so will be expanding even more.

You should visit the glassdoor.com and read what others have written about the company as a whole. I did, and wasn't impressed. There is also a nationwide class action lawsuit against the company where employees are claiming they weren't compensated for work completed. Gentiva pays their nurses by the VISIT, not by the hour. Apparantely, this benefits the company, and not the employees. You can do a search on google to read more about the lawsuit.

My Interviewer also stated nurses were expected to see no

Hope I have helped you some!!! Another thing is they have an extensive training program. You have to be certified to perform ANY NURSING DUTY. (training last 6-8 weeks) I did like the fact that education is very important to them and they provide a lot to their employees.

Feel free to ask me any ?? if you want more feedback.....and GOOD LUCK!!!

(love all the hospice nurses out there!!!!)

Lonestarrn02 · May 19, 2011

Thank you so much for the response. Wow the application process sounds involved.Such A large corporation.. a little worried, i have worked for a very small non-profit organization, family type atmosphere. I do like the fact that they place emphasize on education, since it's been a few years since I've worked Hospice, anyway i submitted my App and resume on line yesterday and haven't heard back yet. But thank you so much.

SoCalRN1970 · May 21, 2011

I'd say.. I work for the Big O. Our requirements are corporate standards, saying that our office should be no different then Texas..

I am expected to do 21 visits a week.. that is the full time expectation They frown upon overtime but seriously? I have patients that are an hour drive from our office. Take into consideration the service area. If your patients are all in the same SNF it's easy to do 6 and get it done.. But when you have to drive 50+ miles and sometimes it's an hour or half hour commute.. it has to be factored in.

tewdles, RN · May 21, 2011

This is a for-profit hospice...large...wanting to be larger. The first objective is to make profit.

jeannepaul, BSN · May 22, 2011

I just spent 20 min. typing up relpy and lost it when I decided to read comment policy because I didn't want to get banned. I have a lot to say about the way they treat their employee's so if you want to hear it, pm me. I worked for Odyssey in San Antonio for 6 years, Both as case manager and on call. they cannot keep nurses for very long and there is a reason.

Nurse TT · Jun 19, 2011

Can someone tell me around how much a RN case manger makes in the Dallas area with Odyssey? Is the position salary,hourly or based per visit? If it is hourly what happens if the census is low? I have an interview later this week and any information would be helpful. Thanks

SoCalRN1970 · Jun 19, 2011

I work at this time for the big O. They are hourly. If census is low.. you still make your 8 hours as long as you work it and are full time. Only Perdiem staff get cancelled.

Wages here on the west coast are about 80K give or take a few thousand up or down for experience. Giving you are in Dallas. your salary will 20-30% less giving cost of living being a bit less.. My friend worked in Dallas at O. She is a reliable source.. They will negotiate with a qualified candidate. DO NOT take less than you can comfortably work with.

:heartbeat