Specialties Home Health
Published Jun 12, 2007
mommy2boysaz
288 Posts
Hello! I just had an interview for a Home Health Case Manager. They offered me the job. Now, I have decisions to make! I told them I'd get back to them in 48 hours.
First of all, I have no home health experience other than as an aide for a year or so, before becoming an RN. I've been an RN for 10 1/2 years, almost all in OB. I am in a rural area so pay is not as high as more urban areas. I've been doing a Bailor for several years and just had my yearly pay raise, so will be at $22.60/ hour.
The OB where I work is getting to not be a very fun place to work, if you know what I mean. Politics, less than friendly coworkers, bad management, etc. Plus, I'd love to get off weekends. So...
the home health offer was for full time at $22/hour + paid gas, or the option of $32/visit ($46/visit for admissions) + gas. On call weekends every 3rd or 4th. No 401 K in place yet, but she says there will be one within 6 months or so. What do you think? Am I supposed to just accept (or decline) this offer at face value or do I "counter-offer" for a higher pay? If so, what would be a reasonable counter? A cousin of my husband's has been an aide here for years and says it's a pretty good place to work. They will cover 80% of insurance for me, but I really don't need it since my husband has me covered. Would that be a potential area to negotiate? Say, if I don't use the insurance benefit, I would get a rate of $35/visit? (I'll also have increased day care expenses to consider.)
Please let me know what you experienced home health nurses think!! I'm excited about the possiblity of a change, yet nervous, too! I've worked for my current employer for almost all of my nursing career, so it's scary to be considering moving on!
Thanks in advance!!
caliotter3
38,333 Posts
One can always negotiate one's compensation but I would be put off myself trying to explain the lack of experience in home health. I always sell myself short. You should emphasize your years of experience and assessment skills and willingness to learn.
For me, I would opt for the hourly pay versus the per visit pay. Consistent pay checks that way. Unless they are very, very poor you should try for nothing less than $25-$28/hr. JMO based on what I've heard and seen about salaries. Good luck.
Thank you for the reply. I forgot to mention that the interviewer guaranteed me 30 visits/week. That would average out to $24/ hr if working 40 hours = 30 visits, being paid by the visit. I know they are growing rapidly and are in great need of additional nurses, also.
You're right, I do tend to sell myself short. I know I can do this job and they would be lucky to have me because I'm honest, loyal, and motivated. (Why don't I say things like that out loud??)
After crunching some numbers, I think I could come out ahead with even $33/visit, if I chose that route. I'll have to calculate how much I'd need if I chose the hourly route.
Thanks again,
Britte
If you are being guaranteed 30 visits per week (in writing) that is a different story. Then all you have to do is refine your work so that you are not putting in too many extra hours. The paperwork and follow-up can take a lot of extra time. If you look in the home health and agency forums you will see a lot of posts from people complaining because they were being taken advantage of regarding their pay/work. I just do straight shifts. Don't have to worry about figuring that stuff out! Good luck. Sounds like you are getting into something good. (I like home health.)