Starletta

Unfortunately, my sister isn't very hands on when it comes to my mother's care. I did get a resolution though. I called the P.A. who comes to the Nursing Home and she totally understood my concerns and wrote out a "Consult" sheet. :) So I called a Cardiologist and Neurologist and have appointments set up with both. :) Thank you again for all the suggestions! I really do appreciate it.

I was reading the post about Day vs. Night shifts and have a question, between 1st, 2nd and 3rd shift. My Certification expired and I have to re-test and was going to ask the same question. :) I haven't yet worked in a Nursing home and was going to ask about all three shifts and what is the difference, as far as type of work, on the three shifts. I'm the type of person who likes to start learning slowly, then working my way up. Wondering what is done: 7am - 3pm 3pm - 11pm 11pm- 7am Thank you.

Thank you very much! My sister is her "Power of Attorney", but honestly, never questions anything. My mom made my sister POA in the 1980's. I'm the one who questions when things don't look right. Example: Her briefs were soaked, causing my mom it itch her buttocks until they bled! Long bloody scratches. I took photos with my cell phone and WENT to the Director of Nursing to show her and question how often the briefs get changed. My sister would never had done that. I'm not a pain in the orifice over every little thing. I know they are understaffed. Just the big stuff. We take my mom out all the time. So, I'll just take her out and bring her to another Doctor for a second opinion. She could be declining, which I accept. I just want a second opinion. Sorry for another question: If I brought her to her previous G.P., would he want to get involved? If he suggested different Meds., would the House Physician ignore his requests? Thank you again... :)

As the title says: Can you take a family member out of a LTC facility for an appointment with a Physician of your choice? My mom is in a Nursing Home (long term) and I rarely, if at all see the Home's Physician or his P.A. He also has a G.P. Practice in the same town. I called his P.A. once in the past about a concern and she just argued with me. Nothing solved. My mom is 86, with slight to normal dementia. I still take her out and about. Last Fall I took her to a Tennis Court and she was hitting the ball against the backdrop, and self-volleying!! Never missed it unless I tossed it to her incorrectly. This was all done in her wheelchair! Something strange started last week. Very "spacey", so weak she could barely talk, "Zombie" like. She said her head hurt quite badly. Holding her Temples. I took her pulse several times yesterday and it varied from 58 to 63. Normals are 60-100. The LPN took her pulse once, got 63, said it was normal, gave her a Tylenol. Done. I don't think she'll last in this condition much longer. It very well could be due to aging, but I'd like to take her to a Cardiologist to be sure. Could I ask for copies of her records, med chart and tell them I'm taking her for a Doctor's visit? Or would they frown upon that and say she has to see the Facilities Dr.? She is on Medicaid if that makes a difference. Or just ask for copies of the records, med chart, as I'd like to see them? Then take her "Out" for the day and go to a Cardiologist? Thank you....

Curious, as it is generally 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift. Not just day vs. night. My Certification expired and I have to re-test and was going to ask the same question. :) I haven't yet worked in a Nursing home and was going to ask about all three shifts and what is the difference, as far as type of work, on the three shifts.

I assume they didn't require you to have a Drug Screen as well?

I'm a *young* :) 54 yr old and have been trying to get into some of the local Hospitals for ages... I've applied for Cleaning (Environmental Tech) positions, Transport Tech, everything that doesn't require a degree. I complete the on-line application, attach a resume and cover letter. If I can upload more, I include two written references, plus my last work review (Which was very good) and nothing. No call backs, nada. I've even called H.R. and asked to speak to the hiring Manager. One, to get a contact name, and two, I'd like to speak to them to ask when they will be interviewing, and to confirm they received my information. Always get their voicemail, and ask if they could call me back. Nothing. I certainly understand they receive many Resumes a day, but by calling, I'm trying to prove that I really want the job. I've had all the qualifications they required and now wonder if it is Age Discrimination? Yes, that is illegal, but no one can prove that. Finding many people my age are also having a very difficult time finding employment. Some had very good jobs in I.T. positions and now are working at COSTCO and other retail jobs. One man I know is a pizza delivery driver for Pizza Hut!

I live in Connecticut, and people called out at the slightest amount of snow, burdening the rest of us with an extra workload. My former boss finally said, "You all live in New England, get used to it." I'd never live in a "Snow" region without an All-Wheel Drive, or 4 Wheel Drive vehicle.

tiffinij, do you work in the city? That's a very good salary! I live in CT and could never, ever live off the average $11-$13 that most CNA's make around here. Even being married, it would be difficult.

Duskyjewel, Thank you very much for the information. I never heard of Glassdoor.com , but I'll certainly check it out. I see you specialize in Hospice Care, so I'll probably have more questions if you don't mind. Missingyou, I see that you are from R.I. Surprising to see such low pay. I'm in Connecticut (Next door neighbors) :) and assume your cost of living is almost as high as ours. I could never survive here on $9.00. The company I am interested in pays for mileage, but not for time in between clients. Checked out their Employment section yesterday and verified that they try to keep your clients around your own home base. That probably ensures employees don't get burnt out driving and not getting paid for a lot of driving time. Thanks again!

I'm hoping someone can help me decide on a career path. I was Certified, but expired as I choose to work somewhere else in the Health Care Field. Checked with my State and can re-test to become certified without taking the course again. I do NOT want to work in a Nursing Home, as I am not as young as I used to be. Here is my dilemma; I do love the Health Care Field and helping people. While visiting my own mother at her Nursing Home, I started talking to a Hospice CNA who is employed by a large credible facility in my State. She loved her job. Which entailed traveling from Nursing Home or to a Client's home to give Hospice Care. I too would like to be on the road a bit, instead of stuck inside all day. She also stated that her facility tries to set up Client's in the area where you live, she gets between 30-40 hours a week guaranteed. How would I go about finding what a Hospice CNA makes per hour? It would have been too tacky to ask the CNA I met and I haven't seen her since. Would this facility tell me if I called? Doubt it... I live in a State with a very high cost of living and could not live on what the average CNA makes. I don't want to re-test, THEN apply for a job, only to find out, the pay is marginal. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Thank you Tom... I would not employ anyone and would be doing this solo. My husband also has a side business (LLC) and has to pay State Income Tax. He is the sole employee of his entity. He also suggested meeting with our Accountant. I would have to be bonded, get liability insurance in case someone falls in my care?? Or if I was in a car accident and they were injured. I would advertise more as a helper for Seniors and can offer many services as I mentioned above. I just wonder if they would feel more comfortable having a "CNA" helping them? I can also offer Blood Pressure checks and light personal care if needed. I also wasn't sure what would be a fair rate per hour. As I said before, I'm in a semi-rural part of the state, but plenty of wealthy people. Not that I would take advantage of that. But I know of a woman, (not a CNA) who is hired as a companion to a wealthy elderly woman who pays her $20.00 a hour just to help garden, take shopping, etc. and this is 5 days a week! She also employs others to come in for the evening.

Has anyone ever started their own LLC Company (self-employed) as a CNA/Senior Helper? I'm 51 and graduated from the American Red Cross CNA program this summer. After working at companies for 20 years, I'd like to be my own boss. I live in a semi-rural, but upscale part of the state and wonder if there would be a need for a CNA to provide one on one care helping Seniors. Everything from taking them grocery shopping, putting away the groceries, light house keeping, pet care, dog walking, Doctors/Vet appointments, etc. The town does provide bus service for Seniors, but from my experience, some don't want to be on a bus schedule, never mind, anyone helping them put away the groceries, in addition to what I want to offer as explained above. My husband says I'd need to see an Attorney for advice as far as insurance, setting up an LLC, getting Bonded, etc. (which I agree) Any thoughts on Pros and Cons??? Different ideas? Thank you!

Thank you for the explanations. :) I guess it is time to start sending out resumes. :)

The Testers didn't tell you if you passed or failed before you left the testing facility??? I'd be on pins and needles if I had to wait.. Good luck. Hope you passed!