tracey1968

I have worked the gammet of nursing jobs, same BS different facility. The problem with short staffing does indeed boil down to one thing and one thing only MONEY. Yes, we go to nursing school to help others and make a difference and feel better about ourselves, at least some of us do.( For others it's the amount of money you can make in this field. ) Regardless of why we become nurses, this is who we are. The facilities on the other hand are in it because it is a business, bottom line, they are in it to make money. Health care is a multi billion INDUSTRY. Yes, INDUSTRY. They are in it to make money and believe me they are making it hand over fist. So think of it as just that, a business. I am not saying that it is right, but that's the truth of it. Ask any nursing home administrator what their job is, they will tell you (if they're honest) their job is to cut expenses and to save the facility money. At what cost? Yours, mine, and the patient. The corporations that operate these facilities (hospitals included) are in this business because there is money in it. Don't believe the advertisements that say "We care about your loved ones" BULL. What it should say is "We want your money". I know there are places out there though few and far between that put on a good show, but again its all about the money. My solution? I have become an independent provider of nursing service, I am self employed, I work cases I want to work, the hours I agree to work and I get paid nicely. I enjoy what I do, but I have taken on the responsibility of directing my own future. I would not ever consider going back to work for a facility again. I agree that nurses need to join forces and do something to stop the short staffing "ABUSE" that they are subject to, there is strength in numbers, but you have to get hundreds or thousands of women, and men to agree on this and make that change. One more note, I have been in touch with the BON, in Ohio they send out a bimonthly news magazine. If you read it carefully you will see that the BON is set up to protect the patients, NOT the nurses. They are responsible for regulating the practice, the punishments of malpractice etc, but they advocate for the patient, not the nurses. They will hand out punishment if found negligent, but will not help you the nurse out if an employer is negligent. SO, if you are not happy with what you have going on in your work environment, make a change. I am certainly glad I did.

I work as an IP (independent provider) I am making $55 The first hour and $22.80 each hour after that. I can make as little or as much as I want, but I generally work 20-30 hours a week and I am making close to $40,000 this year

Hello Nellie nurse, I have been a HH nurse for the last two years. I started with an agency and recently became an IP (Independant provider). I really enjoy providing home care and my experience with home care has been better than any nursing home situation I ever worked in. I can honestly say that I had more "scarry" situations in the facilities than with HH. I do agree with the other posts and encourage you to give it a try. I will never ever go back to facility life, if you've been there you'll understand what I mean. Good luck!!

I recently received my IP number in Ohio and I've been working for about 4 months. What you need to do is find a consumer on the waiver program, they tell their case manager they want to bring you into the IP program. The consumer will need your name and address. Once the CM gets this request from the consumer Carestar will send you an application. You fill it out and get your fingerprints done (the ymca does this in my area) It costs $20.00 You will submit the application to carestar and they will get it to the state. In less than 4 weeks you will get your IP number and away you go. If you need more help, drop me a line. Tracey