JM3RN

1 1/2 yrs after my last post, I have a desire to help people in their homes, privately. I would like to have a small group of trusted people working with me to provide nursing, CNA, and homemaking services. On another note, I I have an NPI number and wonder if IL regs have changed so I can Bill medicare/medicaid independently.

I noticed the saying at the bottom of your post. I think you should be gentle with yourself. I need to apply that to myself as well. Maybe depression and being hard on ourselves go together. I can't imagine going through what you are just to go to work. I used to have to peel myself out of bed to go, but reading that you are throwing up made me feel sad. I understand having to work, which is where I am as a single mom of two adopted children. I am 58 and they are 17 and 18. My daughter is the 18 yr old and she has bipolar and is not functioning well because she's not compliant with the things that help her stay well. My 17 yr old son is a junior in HS. I have to keep pushing on. God is my strength when I am so low I can hardly get out of bed. Do what you need to do for yourself.

I've married 3, and almost 4 Mr. Wrongs.

I just posted on the regular forum about being 58 and not being able to find a job, then I saw this thread. I have had depression, anxiety, and panic attacks most of my adult life. I wasn't diagnosed until my early 30's. I worked med/surg for 13 yrs and was struggling with symptoms and I didn't know what they were. In 1993 I ended up in a psych unit. Ultimately I felt I could no longer tolerate the stress of work and my symptoms. Since then it has been very difficult for me to tolerate the confines of a normal job. I have had jobs since then, but have only tolerated them for about 1-2 yrs at a time. I have worked about everywhere in my small town. I have been teaching CNA classes for 6 yrs, and mostly that works because I can call a lot of my own shots. However, it's not full time, and the classes don't always fill. My mental illnesses have affected my work life and my personal life.

I was just thinking that it would be nice to have a forum for "older nurses." I am 58 and without a job presently. I still have 2 teenagers at home (single mom) and really need to find a job. I have applied at too many places to count, even non-nursing jobs. I live in a small town, so opportunities are limited. I have done private duty in the past, but the jobs are not consistent. I have gone to the Workforce several times and the last time I met another nurse there who is also out of a job and trying everything. It feels very much to me like a strong factor is the recession. The nursing homes aren't even hiring. I really want to be self employed. I'm researching and praying about this. I'm thinking maybe I'm burned out on nursing.

I am also doing some staff education and teaching CNA classes and am interested in establishing my own business. I am not getting enough work. Would you please discuss this with me as well? Thanks

There is homecare, but Medicaid won't pay for independent private duty nurses (RNs or LPNs) who perform skilled care. I believe from what I read that, of course, if you work for a home health agency Medicaid pays them for the allowable services, but then that's not private duty.

I got a call from Medicaid and was told that in Illinois one has to be an advanced practice nurse "with additional credentials", they expect more training that other states. Interestingly our governor was impeached last year for trying to sell President Obama's Senate seet when he became President, as well as other misconduct. Interesting, different standards, I guess.

I am in Illinois. I applied for and got an NPI number. As posted previously, I contacted the State Medicaid provider office and asked if I could apply to be a provider as an RN, not an advanced practice nurse, and was told I could and they would send me an application packet. I received it and began filling it out and could not find a provider code for RN, so I called them. I was told in the phone call that as a "plain" RN I can't be a Medicaid provider, and there was no code for just an RN. I looked back on the Medicaid website for IL and found a code for an RN and called them back. They said they had that code crossed out on their provider list. So I don't know if at one time they did allow RNs to be providers, and now, for some reason have taken that away, or if there is a mistake that I have to get to the bottom of. I called back again to try to get to the bottom of things, and asked to speak to someone who could enlighten me. I was told the supervisor was not at her desk, and they took my number. I have not heard back yet, and will call again today. Does anyone have any insight into being a Medicaid provider in Illinois as an RN, not nurse practitioner or advanced practice, so I can do private duty and get reimbursed by Medicaid? Maybe it varies from state to state. Thanks - Joy

For anyone who is already getting reimbursed by Medicaid: what kinds of services does Medicaid pay for? I am planning to get the handbook in the mail with my appication for a provider number, but if I can get an idea what services I can advertise, I can start working on advertising and marketing. Thanks

OK, I finally found a number for Medicaid through the Dept of Human Services in Illinois. I am being mailed forms to fill out to get a Medicaid provider number. I also contacted Medicare and was told that an RN can not get reimbursed by Medicare "at this time." A nurse practitioner can. The lady I spoke to is also sending me a handbook explaining billing, etc, which she said is often times not sent if you don't ask.

OK...How do I find the info for a provider number? I thought the NPI was it. Oh well, onward with the search! Thanks for the support and feedback. Joy

I just got my NPI! Check the time from my last post! Now what do I do, see what services Medicaid will cover and advertise those (of course within my training and scope of practice? Does anyone know how to get started? This seems like a big deal to me to get the NPI. Joy

Hi, I'm from Illinois. I just did a search, compliments of a previous post on "NPI." I found this site - National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) nppes.cms.hhs.gov. I was able to apply for an NPI there, and it will be processed. I hope this helps. It wasn't as impossible as I thought. Joy

Is anyone else finding it nearly impossible to find a job? I am in a rural area, and not even the nursing homes are hiring. Any experiences? Makes me want to go into another field, but which one? It seems there is a general job shortage.