Does anyone go to school with their client?

[HisTreasure]

I was offered an amazing case. It's almost too good to be true, it's so amazing. Heck, the agency I just got hired with is AMAZING so I don't particularly know why I am so shocked. Anyway, I will be working day shift going to school with the client. After school I will get the client off the bus and situated and my day is done. The pay is my base plus reimbursement bonuses, and there are NO weekends. I am so excited, but a little skeptical because I've never done a case like this before and I'm not sure what's expected of me when I go to school with the client. Obviously, I would be doing the nursing interventions as ordered but do I help with school work, sit off to the side, etc.? I know my situation may be slightly different than someone else's but I would love to hear your story regardless.

[Itshamrtym]

Thanks for all the replies. I wanted to update my thread. I accepted the job and I have been with the patient for five months. I do not do anything academic, I am just there for medical as he has a 1 to 1 aide as well. I was bored for a while but I started bringing my laptop and I got a blackberry so now I mostly study and look on the internet in between interventions and medical "emergencies". He has PT so I lay him down and they range him. I have to feed him, though he is on a regular diet and eats fairly quickly. During breaks I am still with him during the day at home... more to keep my income stabilized than out of necessity as his family is very comfortable with his care. This summer I will accompany him to summer school (very advanced special education program that is nearly year round) and I will be with him at respite when school is out of session. I really like the job and I love the patient though I am thinking of getting an internal transfer to HH visits as he has been hospitalized three times since my start and it hurts like HECK to repeatedly lose a weeks worth of income.

Thanks again for the update:redpinkhe.. I have had that situation too with patient being hospitalized back to back for a week or two... It does hurt $$$$$... Like previous poster stated we could move to another case while this is going on.... But, when you find a good fit, it hard to do that... I keep doing peds private duty, even though I have tried other things and still work in the OR PRN... Pay and benefits stink.... Didn't really have to worry about that too much until 5 months ago when hubby got layed off....... So I'm thinking.... HARD, about doing something else... have to do to the situation. I do love Peds private duty though...... Able to give awesome care and make a difference........ Take care ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:redpinkhe:nurse:

[Elektra6, ASN, BSN, RN]

No, but I do get to go to the movies!

[BA.LVN]

I can relate to those who are unable to work when/if their client is sick and/or is in the hospital and not able to attend school. I had quite a few days like that this last semester during my PD case....when my patient had to go home early b/c they felt sick or the school schedule was minimum days, I wouldn't get paid for those hours (obviously).

So I have another question.....how many of those who work private duty in the educational settings, do so through an agency and how many of you work directly under the school district? I was curious b/c I know that agencies don't necessarily pay the greatest (and I've been working under one for the last 9 months...although it's summer now, and I'm currently w/out work b/c they haven't found me a case). So I'm wondering 1.) Can you market yourself to school districts? 2.) Can they hire you directly so you'd get the same benefits as OTHER school staff and better pay?

I'm thinking of doing this, but wondering what others have done. Any input is greatly appreciated!

And do you feel working through an agency is unsettling in that the hours/pay/benefits aren't the greatest? I really do LOVE private duty in an educational environment and would like to continue.