Vent: Client's insurance changed, hours cut!

CloudySue · Feb 22, 2011

I was always told that Home Health nursing paid in the upper $20's per hour. Now that I'm in the field I can't seem to find a job that pays over $22. They always tell me "it depends on the type of insurance they have". Well, it seems like everyone has crappy insurance these days. I think agencies are taking the extra on certain cases and running with it.

tothepointeLVN, LVN · Feb 23, 2011

I left priavte duty because I always felt insecure in my job. You might be working ont he same case ofr months and then the client might lose their hours or the family decided to switch nurses etc and boom you've gone from full time to no time with no notice and you can't apply for unemployment because technically your not laid off.

caliotter3 · Feb 23, 2011

This is why it is always wise to work for more than one agency and to be on more than one case at a time. That was good advice even when times were better. It is unfortunate that agencies across the board are taking advantage of the current economic situation to put it to their employees.

**Elektra6, ASN, BSN, RN** · Feb 23, 2011

I have another case but with the same agency. I'm going to look into other agencies or pediatrics soon.

Blackcat99 · Feb 23, 2011

I left priavte duty because I always felt insecure in my job. You might be working ont he same case ofr months and then the client might lose their hours or the family decided to switch nurses etc and boom you've gone from full time to no time with no notice and you can't apply for unemployment because technically your not laid off.

OMG!!!! You can't get unemployment!!!! Yikes. I didn't even think of that. My patient is doing quite well and there is talk that he may get rid of his trach soon. I am thinking that shortly after his trach is gone that he will probably be getting rid of his tube feedings too. I am happy for him of course. CNA's will then take over my patient.

I am hoping that they will be able to find another patient for me. I am worried that they will find a patient that lives far far away from me. :crying2:

caliotter3 · Feb 23, 2011

Getting unemployment when listed with home health agencies is hampered by the fact that the home health agencies lie to the EDD when they state that the employee has refused work when in fact they have offered no work. They also use the fact that one can refuse a case in hh and remain employed against the employee. Apply for unemployment and you will find yourself with the worst cases, in the worst neighborhoods, too far away to justify the low wages. And you won't be able to get work elsewhere because the agency will lie to prospective employers as well as the EDD.

tothepointeLVN, LVN · Feb 23, 2011

Well one of the first questions the EDD asks is if the employer gave your a packet saying you were eligible for unemployment. We are per diem workers which means they dont have to guarantee us any hours so eevn though we may not be working unless they "fire" us we are still employed

Blackcat99 · Feb 23, 2011

;)Thanks so much caliotter3 and tothepointeLVN. I have been living in a total fantasy land. :eek: I had been thinking that if I lost my patient and were unable fo get another one nearby that I would be eligible for unemployment. Thanks for the reality check. I think I had better start thinking of getting out of private duty too.

caliotter3 · Feb 23, 2011

You are eligible for unemployment, as long as the agency does not lie to the EDD to insure you can't collect it. I got unemployment, until the agency appealed the EDD decision and lied to them stating I had refused work. The EDD interviewer was fully versed in how home health agencies operate.

tothepointeLVN, LVN · Feb 23, 2011

Being eligible for unemployment is VERY hard.

**Elektra6, ASN, BSN, RN** · Feb 26, 2011

I had to sign a paper stating that I could not collect unemployment if there were no cases.