NeedingInfo

HI, I am in Arizona and recently started working with a pediatric home health agency. Basically I took the job because the hospitals aren't hiring and I can't say that there is one area I really want to work in, I feel that I want to try everything and I really do enjoy working in HH. Everyday is a learning experience. The baby was born premature and is now one with a trach and G Tube. I've attended dr appts and been at the house when PT and OT are there.

I suppose I didn't write the question correctly, what I was wanting to know if there were any LPN's in Arizona doing home health and what there experiences were.

Hello, I have recently started with a home health company in Arizona as an LPN and I work shifts of 4 to 12 hours depending on the the needs of the family and wanted to know if there were other LPN's in Arizona doing home health like this and what they think? Thanks

Hi, I too have my LPN for about 3 years and recently finished school for my RN and test in July. I work at a Banner Hospital and their pay range for LPN's is 17-22/hr, although they are not currently hiring. And census has been low so I am only getting in a shift or two per pay period. Recently I started looking into home health agencies Nursing Solutions pays $20/hr for shift work varies from 4-12 hrs depending on what you want, no benefits though. MGA pays 21.50 hr. Also, in the nursing homes you can get pool positions starting at $24 hr, if you can get them. Its just slow everywhere right now. Where did you go to school?

Are you familiar with externing at Banner?

I would call Rio and speak to Anne McNamara (director of nursing). She is very helpful and busy so you may have to try a few times. Don't give up!

Rio Salado is good for those that are self learners. Because you do assignments and quizzes online and see your classmates every other weekend for clinicals. In the class I was in students were from all over even some from payson. I completed the LPN portion and I am waiting for next May to start the last 2 blocks for my RN. Good luck!

I was at their info session yesterday and they emphasized the fact they have a physician and nurse teaching the A&P class. I was already planning on retaking it through the community college because it's been several years. My question to you is how is the teaching by a physician going? I took A&P from MCC several years ago and at the time they hired a physician from out of the country and she didn't speak very good english and due to some problem couldn't start teaching on the date the class started so we had several different teachers filling in.

Congrats on your new job! It's hard work but it's good experience. My experience is orientation varies upon facilities and their need for you on the floor. Most orientation's I've had have been focused towards the facility such as layout, procedures/policies. You just need to remember to speak up if you need assistance or have questions. Remember: protect your back, lots of lifting as a CNA. Good LUCK!

The community colleges failing score is 76%. They average the midterm and final and it had to be 76 or better then quizzes are added on after that. Are their drug calculation tests before each block, too? I did the online LPN program at Rio. It was convenient but difficult.

I am going to information session next week. Have you heard what they do for those that have their LPN?

New grad pay at Scottsdale healthcare & all Banner hospitals is $24/hr. The only place that I know of that pays differently for a BSN is the Veterans Hospital in Phoneix. I know Banner doesn't pay differently for a staff nurse who has a BSN nor does St Joe's.

Has anyone attended PMI or know someone who has? I've noticed they have a nursing program (RN) and wanted advice.

I think something more important to look at is the number of students that fail....Are those students getting the support they need?

Frank, Thank you for the information. I have done clinicals at the VA and the LPN's were great. Are you working on the floor or in one of the clinics?

Rebecca, Would you mind answering a few questions? How did you hear about Kindred? What is your schedule like? Thanks Monica

Can anyone suggest places to work as a new grad LPN? I've searched the web but most require 1 years experience not including clinicals.

Hello, I am new to allnurses.com and would like to know if new grads are hired as home health employees in Arizona. Thanks

The Rio accelerated program is online. The lessons and quizzes are online and you go into a testing center for mid terms and finals. Clinicals thus far for block 1 & 2 are Sat & Sun 12 hr shifts (gets ya ready for the real world) block 3 & 4 are either Fri-Sun or Sat-Mon depending on the hospitals sites. Currently Rio uses the VA & St Joe's but from what I've heard St Joe's isn't renewing their contract because they are working with Grand Canyon Univer. The course work is alot of reading. For example, assessment and pharm are 8 week courses and process goes the full 16 weeks. So for the first 8 weeks you just know you have to buckle down and push through it. Depends on your learning style.

Have you been able to find out information regarding excelsior students passing the nclex. I've recently spoke to a student who ended up switching schools and retaking the last semester of the nursing program because of excelsior problems.

What is the schedule like? Where are clinicals done and what are the hours?

Depends on what type of school schedule your friend is looking for. The Maricopa Community Colleges have the traditional 2 year courses, some offer accelerated 18 months, part time 3 yr and even the accelerated 18 months online program for an RN. General cost is about $5000.

Are you asking peds RN or peds LPN? Most hospitals don't hire LPN's. A few like Paradise Valley (North Phx) and the Veteran's Hospital (downtown Phx)do. Recently several hospitals raised their new grad RN pay to $24 Banner Health and Scottsdale Healthcare. I've lived in Arizona for 11 years and I love it. Great things to do and see!

Any LPN's from Arizona?