Refusing a case in home care

[Katesp91]

I have a question. I have just finished applying at Maxim healthcare and after orientation they wanted me to do a meet and greet with a family. Well, after the meet and greet I knew it wasn't in my best interest to take the case. I felt uncomfortable, long story short I told one of the coordinators at that agency that I was not interested, and he was VERY upset. Proceeded to tell me that "as a nurse you're going to be put in situations like this". To my knowledge, and hearing from other fellow nurses who work home care, I was under the impression that If I did not want to take a case, I didn't have to.

Just wondering if that is true, if I do not want to work a case, do I have the right to refuse?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Yes, you certainly have the right to refuse cases that make you feel uncomfortable. Nonetheless, certain agencies of poor repute frown upon nurses who refuse cases because it inconveniences them and interferes with the bottom line.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

"Certain agencies of poor repute". Someday, I hope to talk good... like you Commuter

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

MunoRN said:

You have the right to refuse, and your employer has the right to terminate your employment for refusal of delegated job duties.

So, what I hear you saying is the "agency of ill repute" owns the OP , can make her work anywhere, or cancel the work contract?

[Browneyes80]

Where is this agency? Florida?

[bathrobemom, LPN]

I used to work for a home health agency and the owners told me a client had the right to refuse my care and I had the right to refuse going to a client's home. I did refuse a couple times and it was no big deal. A great company will have enough employees and clients to possibly make everyone happy.

[Wrench Party]

Don't take it. Unfortunately, in my experience, home care agencies don't have the best interests of the patients or nurses in mind. I quit several part time jobs because of controlling parents, unsafe lift demands, and unreasonable demands with paperwork and charting.

[nursel56]

Katesp91 said:

I have a question. I have just finished applying at Maxim healthcare and after orientation they wanted me to do a meet and greet with a family. Well, after the meet and greet I knew it wasn't in my best interest to take the case. I felt uncomfortable, long story short I told one of the coordinators at that agency that I was not interested, and he was VERY upset. Proceeded to tell me that "as a nurse you're going to be put in situations like this". To my knowledge, and hearing from other fellow nurses who work home care, I was under the impression that If I did not want to take a case, I didn't have to.

You have more patience than I would with the "as a nurse. . ." comment. That isn't one I've heard from a staffing person, but there's always going to be a certain tension there. They see empty spaces in a schedule and know zip about nursing from my experience with them.

The culture there is more like a sales environment, which they pursue aggressively, and you can't get around that in your quest to find a case that you do want. I found that agency to be an excellent opportunity to practice assertiveness skills.

[mazcorp]

You did the right thing. Always follow your gut feeling. Just left a peds home care case. Client on broviac catheter. Mother had a question, the agency had the wrong # for the infusion company. Huge red flag only interested in $$$$ not the client. Ran like the wind

[serotas]

I work as a coordinator for a busy private duty agency and I feel all nurses have the right to decline a position and not to made to feel bad about it. The coordinator was probably frustrated that he had to go back to the drawing board and find another nurse ! That in itself can be crazy making !

[NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN]

Maxim's staffers will try to get you to take the case. I had a client that used them a while back. Stated her nurse was on the phone, refusing a case she did not feel comfortable with. The conversation ended with, "I'm not a prostitute! You can't buy me!". I got a good laugh. You CAN refuse, but they may act like they have no others cases to get you to take it.

[CoraNary]

As a home health scheduling coordinator, I understand the need to get a patient covered... but as a caregiver/human being I understand that some people just don't mesh with others & I always tell my staff that if they aren't comfortable in a situation, I completely understand... I think you did the right thing...

[rnrg]

MunoRN said:

You have the right to refuse, and your employer has the right to terminate your employment for refusal of delegated job duties.

Not true. You never have to accept a case if you are uncomfortable. And while many states are considered a hire at will state "can fire you for any reason, any time for any thing" you can still fight it if you want. Better yet, start looking for a BETTER agency. They do exist. I promise.