re : ready or not

[cherilee]

When you say "shift work" does that mean 1 client per shift??

or does it mean 8 hours a day, you have x amount of clients?

Also, do these agencies train in skills you DONT have? For ex. Ive never taken care of a ventilated patient before, etc.

Thanks again, this thread has been a wealth of info!

[caliotter3]

One client per shift. A shift can be anywhere from four to sixteen (or more if your client goes to the hospital, you go and there's no relief ((rare)) hours. Some agencies are better at training you on skills you don't possess than others. As for vents, I've received inservices on vents from one of my agencies. These inservices were given by the DME companies that provide the services. The quantity and quality of training varies by the agency, and even by different offices of the same agency. You have to be proactive in asking your agency for orientation to patients and training. That is part of the responsibility of your supervisor. Good luck finding a good agency.