Published May 12, 2007
susanj1213
8 Posts
I am an RN with nearly 30 yrs of pediatric experience, 7 in private duty. My home health positions were through local children's hospitals, Cincinnati and Cook's in Ft Worth. We have recently moved to NH and there are no major pediatric facilities here and I was wondering if anyone knew of any agencies that specialize ( or at least offer) pediatric private duty. I really don't want to travel to Boston, I am living in the Concord area and would prefer to stay in NH. Thanks
ArwenEvenstar
308 Posts
Hi! I am in SC, so I can't give you any local, specific advice. But when I was looking to get into private duty (pediatric or adult) over two years ago now, I just sent my resume out to a bunch of different home care agencies in my area. Several responded that they did not currently have any RN level private duty cases, but wanted to talk me into traditional home health (visiting nursing). But I was not interested in that. But anyways, one agency did respond that they did have a RN peds case that needed a nurse because the current nurse was retiring. And I have been on this case over two years now! So...my advice is just get your resume out there - you don't know what cases might be out there needing a nurse.
I will tell you that I have heard nothing but bad things about PSA (Pediatric Services of America). They are located nationwide and specialize in peds private duty. I frequently get ads in the mail from them, but I would not touch them with a ten foot pole.
I sent you a private message as well...
Good luck!
kukukajoo, LPN
1,310 Posts
Not sure what part of NH you are in but New England Home Healthcare specializes in Peds. They are out of Lexington, MA but have border town jobs as well as a few in southern NH.
I think they have a website too. Owner is Kathy and she is awesome.
milwrite
1 Post
I'm an RN doing Pediatric home health (block time - shifts) for an agency. I work per diem, but average 24 hours per week. Three agencies I know of that do pediatric private duty are: Interim HealthCare (various offices thoughout NH), Maxim HealthCare (Manchester) and Nurses PRN (Merrimack). Hope it helps. Good luck.
DKS3132
6 Posts
Has anyone dealt with Loving Care Agency wout of Lenox and Springfield, Massachusetts?
I have 13 years experience in Homecare but not in Pediatrics.
Any advice on switching to Pedi care?
caliotter3
38,333 Posts
Has anyone dealt with Loving Care Agency wout of Lenox and Springfield, Massachusetts?I have 13 years experience in Homecare but not in Pediatrics.Any advice on switching to Pedi care?
You could ask for some training in peds. Review your peds assessment principles so that you know what to expect and what is abnormal. Main things with peds patients are g tube feedings and trachs. Also expect the family to be more into supervising care. They always ask a new caregiver about their experience in peds and may watch you like a hawk until they start to get some confidence in your abilities. Not to be taken personally. I would ask to be assigned to "easier" cases to begin with if you think you might be uncomfortable. Some peds cases are basically almost nothing more than babysitting. Parents will give all meds and the child is ambulatory and basically ok, just needs some supervision around the house while the parents are away. Other peds patients are complex cases with lots of meds, maybe on a vent, with resp problems, tube feedings, spit up a lot, tend to get sick easily. You want to work your way to these harder cases. That's about it as I see it. Hope you enjoy working with kids. :wink2: