Refusal question, please give me your thoughts.

coltsgrl · Jun 8, 2008

just my opinion...run, don't walk. First of all, with all the running around you'll be doing, you will end up PAYING to work in those wretched conditions. Gas is beyond ridiculous and only getting worse!....and $8/hr, you can work at Taco Bell for that. I don't mean to sound upset at you, but the company you work for, that is above and beyond the call of duty:eek:

Most nursing homes are desperate enough to give you whatever schedule you want, go find one!! (and I've heard that assisted care FACILITIES) are even easier, but not sure...that's just what I've heard. I would leave that place before you get your license, and maybe it will never show up that you even worked there, and it won't have to be a bad place on your resume.....GOOD LUCK! I feel for ya'!!!

CritterLover, BSN, RN · Jun 8, 2008

i think you should tell them that you are allergic to cats -- as it appears as though you are -- and can no longer help this woman.

if they won't respect that, then you need to find a new job. an agency that won't respect a legitimate health concern isn't worth your time.

(if this has already come up, you can let them know that one or two cats don't bother you [if that is the case] but that a whole bunch together bothers you and you start having a difficult time breathing.)

Karynica, RN · Jun 8, 2008

I would run far away from that job. With the price of gas, you are going to be spending more money than it's worth.

I worked in home health for a short while. I had a lady that kept a monkey in her home. After I left her home I was covered in fleas. I had to literally strip my clothes off before entering my home and run to the shower to get rid of the fleas. It was so bad. I couldn't understand why she could receive services with her place covered in fleas.

You don't need that type of environment. I agree that there must be something else you could do. Home health is never easy and really hard on your car and pocketbook.

gr8rnpjt, RN · Jun 8, 2008

I agree. Your services are needed elsewhere and you don't need that kind of working environment. Tell the social worker at the home care agency that the house is in deplorable condition. State health inspectors should be called.

loricatus · Jun 8, 2008

Well it sure sounds that you are having some sort of allergic reaction or just irritation from the filth.

You can certainly refuse this person if having to help them affects your health. And, since you are being hired as a health aide, you should not be doing any duties that belong to a housekeeper. It is out of the scope of your responsibility and the home health care agency's to be doing house cleaning. Maybe they are fraudulently trying to bill for home health services when they are trying to use you for basic cleaning services. Tell your agency that is they want that infested house clean, to have the CEO do it him/herself.

Maybe you should call adult protective services because it sounds like this lady might also have a mental problem and may just need placement to keep herself safe. It just doesn't sound like she knows how to take care of her basic needs & a health aide is not responsible for keeping the person's house sanitary, cleaning kitty litter & teaching basic hygeine.

Happy2CU · Jun 8, 2008

You don't need that job. There are others out there. If she is living in such squalor you are putting your health and your own home at risk. Roaches, other vermin could go into your purse or other items and you could carry them home.

If I understood you correctly, you are waiting to take your state test for your CNA? If that is the case, check with some local nursing homes now. I've heard of people being hired as hospitality aides prior to becoming CNAs It's worth a try......perhaps some facilities in your area would allow that and hire you now.

Personally, I would not subject my self to that type of environment. Apply to fast food or retail in the meantime until you get your CNA. Best of luck to you!!!! (and hugs)

northwestwind · Jun 8, 2008

Your best avenue is to resign. You are still in your "probationary" period which means you do not have to put this job on your resume. It never happened legally. I woudn't ever talk it about again to any future employer, either. I wouldn't report them, etc. Stay away from all that hot water which will become very complicated for you, and will not help you out in the long run. Choose your battles wisely. This is not the way to begin your career. Just walk away from this one.

If I remember correctly from being a Home Health DON years ago, home health aides can do some "light" housekeeping, with the majority of your time being spent in direct care duties. Aides (and all employees) were never allowed to place a patient in their vehicle, because in order to bill Medicare/Medicaid the patient had to be classified as "homebound." Not to mention the legal liability if the patient is injured in your car from a MVA. This whole thing does not sound good at all.

Walk away. You'll find something much better!

TazziRN, RN · Jun 8, 2008

I am in home health. My daughter works for my agency as a caregiver. She does not get mileage unless she uses her vehicle to drive a client around. If you are expected to use your vehicle for the job itself, not just to get to and from, you should be paid mileage and I believe that's a legal point.

As for refusing the client, you have every right to do that for medical reasons. You are allergic to cats.

BradleyRN · Jun 8, 2008

Working 12 out of 14 days is ludicrous. Id tell them to adjust your schedule immediately, and that you are allergic to cats. I was in home health care for 8 years in the early 90's and made 26 cents/mile. I dont see how they can get away without paying mileage these days. I think in my state they now pay 40cents/mile.

rn2bnwi, BSN, RN · Jun 8, 2008

i just want to say that since we own a non-medical aide company that you may be working for a non-medcical one that is paid out of pocket. in that case sometimes cleaning is sometimes the only expectation. the goal of these companys is to keep people in their homes and out of nursing homes sometimes that is the only kind of assistance they need ................and sometimes its not a pretty job. at 8 dollars an hour i wouldn't waste my time or gas.... . since your not a certified nursing assistant, i highly doubt its being billed get your certification as soon as possible and move on. good luck!

Becca608 · Jun 8, 2008

There is always work for a good CNA. But I would find something else until you the perfect job. It sounds like you are being used.