Working for a Staffing Agency?

Merlyn · Apr 27, 2012

After first applying to hospitals, then LTC, I couldn't spend any more time on a job search as my finances just don't allow it at the moment. I have decided to go back to per deim work in home health, the company that offered me the best pay (and actual benefits!) is a home health/staffing agency. They asked me if I would be comfortable working in a LTC facility or hospital, and I told them that I would definitely appreciate the work, but I have no experience in these settings. What type of work does a CNA in a staffing agency do? Are they expected to be familiar with different types of floors, is there usually some type of orientation for the CNA before she enters the facility?

There may or not be formal orientation. The LTC is paying your agency premium and therefore they may expect someone that can come and work along side the regular staff. They may tell you to come in a few hours early to read the policy books. As for what CNAs do that will also depend on the LTC. You may take VS or not other than that you will do bedside care, help patients in and out of bed, using lifts and other devices, feed patients, keep track of I&Os, change patients,Give AM & PM care depending on the shift that you work,note any change in the condition of the patients(I would always consult a regular staff CNA before reporting what you think is a change, it might be normal in the patient) and in general look out for the welfare of the patient.

WannaBNursey, ADN, ASN, RN · Apr 28, 2012

There may or not be formal orientation. The LTC is paying your agency premium and therefore they may expect someone that can come and work along side the regular staff. They may tell you to come in a few hours early to read the policy books. As for what CNAs do that will also depend on the LTC. You may take VS or not other than that you will do bedside care, help patients in and out of bed, using lifts and other devices, feed patients, keep track of I&Os, change patients,Give AM & PM care depending on the shift that you work,note any change in the condition of the patients(I would always consult a regular staff CNA before reporting what you think is a change, it might be normal in the patient) and in general look out for the welfare of the patient.

Thanks for the reply! So pretty much, do what you would do if you were normally employed in the facility? I don't know if they'll actually set me up with facilities or if they want to keep me strictly home health (I'm assuming the latter) but I want to be prepared either way.

Merlyn · Apr 28, 2012

Thanks for the reply! So pretty much, do what you would do if you were normally employed in the facility? I don't know if they'll actually set me up with facilities or if they want to keep me strictly home health (I'm assuming the latter) but I want to be prepared either way.

That's about it only I have to add and can't emphasize enough "Use proper body mechanics!" It will save your back in the long run.

Skayda · Apr 30, 2012

I worked for a staffing agency back 1999/2000 or so and what they would do was send you to people's homes to live and care for them and house for three to four days at a time. It was easier than AFH or Nursing Homes/Hospital, etc because you only had to worry about one client but it was often really dull cause you had a ton of time left over after the work was done. I got a LOT of reading done working for a staffing agency! One lady I took care of was pretty neat, though. She had cancer but it was in remission and she was of sound mind, etc, and she just had a lot of vim and vigor and used to be in politics, (a park in our city was named for her deceased husband), and she could still drive, (I do not), so we'd hop in her car and go off to lunch, shopping or once to see Al Gore lecture! All she needed was her cane to steady herself and her extra traveling oxygen tank. I was really there for companion care and due to family interference because she could pretty much take care of herself. I'll always remember that meeting her and being her caregiver for the few years before she passed away as the one major bright spot of working for a staffing agency. Or I might

be mixing up staffing agency with home health agency. Good luck! You will do well and find your niche no matter what and then meet all kinds of interesting people along the way! :)

NewGoalRN · May 3, 2012

Great question. I just recently turned in my employee packet at a staffing agency. Lots of paperwork i.e background check, tp test, health statement, license, car insurance etc

When I turned it in, they gave me a stack of 50 pages to fill in and sign from confidentiality rules, w9, skills assessment, etc then I had to read 2 modules out of a book and take 2 tests on hospice care, basic safety etc

Still after 2hrs not sure of the process. As it was closing time, I asked for what would happen next and was todl orientation. I'm an RN and i have no idea what that means.

Does anyone know the starting pay per hour for an agency new grad nurse? I was told for $N visit by an agency nurse that it was $50 per visit, lpn $40 per visit but this was for home visit care which is different from working a shift.

keep us posted on what happens to you.