Worn Thin From the Paperwork

renerian, BSN, RN · Mar 3, 2004

You are not alone. The paperwork feels like you are drowning sometimes. Do you work for a company that splits it with private in one part of the company and skilled in the other to decrease your paperwork?

I always tell new nurses give yourself one year to feel comfortable. Do you like computers? Maybe an agency with a point of service system would help?

renerian

J. B. · Mar 3, 2004

there was so much paper work involved in this feild of endeavor.

And to think I thought the paperwork at the hospital job I have was a lot.

nightingale, RN · Mar 3, 2004

Thanks for resposnding Renerian:

The small community I am living in has few options; I wish we had a computer based set up but everything is paper driven and then the clerical staff keys it in. We do have many private pay but tht is given to one specific nurse. I have helped her on occasion but she does not do OASIS (how lucky).

I think the Meidcaid clients are particularly trying with the chronic needs and pushing the limits of the system to get them what they need. Honestly, I do not like the case management but everyone says I am fine at it (probably cause I set definite limits but I have saying no to people in need). The CNA support is up and down with their personnel issues that simply need a more mature handling of (for lack of a better word) whinning.

So now, after a conference with my Director, we have decided to get me off of OASIS paperwork for a while to give me a chance to breath and catch up. I will go in this Saturday to "clean up" what I have etc. I feel so frustrated with just "knowing" I am behind that this clean up should help trememdously on my heart. I guess, overall, I am dissapointed in myself; the last three intakes that I took starting 3-22-04 are not complete yet... I hope to do the 485's this afternoon. Do the nurses usually do the 485's elsewhere?

Again, thanks for letting me rant and thank you for understanding Ren. I have felt pretty alone and much the guinea pig.

Very much so, there is the other part of me that is frustrated in putting so much of myself into something and not feeling successful. Thanks for letting me know it takes a good year. To hear the auditor nurse from well... you know... one would think I am just plain sloppy.

night

nightingale, RN · Mar 3, 2004

there was so much paper work involved in this feild of endeavor.
And to think I thought the paperwork at the hospital job I have was a lot.

Oh yes, intake OASIS about 22 pages, permissions slips up the yin yang (and I am still go after approval slips from what I did last year), HHA (CNA) care plans, yadda yadda... :uhoh3:

The joke is, Home Health is not for the faint hearted... some joke. And now our nurse auditor from well... you know wrote a letter to the owner of the business that I am harrassing her... me... can you believe that? I did refuse to talk with her about her "emergency" (an account that was 3 months old without appropriate permission slips) that needed to be done ASAP; she stopped me in the hallway to "drop it off"... I told her to wait and she insisted on going on about it. I refused to talk with her while she was in that state... oh brother... you get the picture... she then wrote up a complaint about me....

You can well imagine what I thought of her professionalism.

So... as I lick my wounds I shall keep a keen eye on other ventures and just wish I had some other HH AGency to go to that had better options but... in this small community (that I must stay in) alas there are none so far.... this is about as stuck as I can get for now....

Better days ahead... I know this is true...

So back to the Entrepreneural Forum I go in hopes and dreams of more fullfilling Independent days ahead.

renerian, BSN, RN · Mar 3, 2004

Do you type your own 485s or just do a load form? Would you like to try some private duty nurse staffing? Shiftwork/hourly?

renerian

nightingale, RN · Mar 4, 2004

Ren: I would be you are too far away to venture into "giving me some hours". So...

But I have thought of something "on the side" for private duty.. you know... but honestly... again the size of this community stinks... I am putting my resume out there for some other facilities.

Come over to the Entrepreneural Board to see our conversations on optional ventures. I am hoping to explore some of these by this summer. And then there is always AGency Nursing (via my business) where I can subcontract but I have to travel and stay overnight.. it is hard on my family to be away (even if I am not to have them and they are at their Dad's).

I do the 485's manually and someone else inputs it into the computer.

Night

renerian, BSN, RN · Mar 4, 2004

Hubby and I had our own business, home health/hospice consulting, for 5 years. I hated paying the taxes manually, the social security and such. Was a major pain.

Good luck in whatever you decide. LOL I realize your to far away to offer you hours lOL I was just thinking that as an option for you where you work. Less driving. The pay can be stinkey though.

renerian

nightingale, RN · Mar 4, 2004

Thanks Ren:

I am thinking of advertising in our local paper for private duty and start networking for that for myself. I think I would ultimately feel better having some independence again and more options then this one agency.

I am up again at an unhealthy hour with worrying about all the details. This too shall pass.

Again, thanks for replying.

Night

renerian, BSN, RN · Mar 4, 2004

Can you apply for independent provider numbers for Medicaid in your state? Don't forget your malpractice insurance and have a lawyer check contracts and such.

renerian

nightingale, RN · Mar 5, 2004

I thought anyone could apply for independent provider numbers but I have never checked.

I appreciate the suggestions. I have the NSO insurance and worth every penny for the peace of mind.

night

lioneliz · Mar 5, 2004

i guess, overall, i am dissapointed in myself; the last three intakes that i took starting 3-22-04 are not complete yet... i hope to do the 485's this afternoon. do the nurses usually do the 485's elsewhere?

hey no wonder you are having a hard time keeping up, you're trying to work in the future. :rotfl:

i have worked in hh for the past 71/2 yrs and i still have trouble keeping up with all the paperwork. i get behind-then i feel stressed, then feel i tired, then i feel picked on then i feel cranky, then i feel guilty :crying2: . of course none of that helps me get anything accomplished. so i have to give myself a stern talking to, suck it up, prioritize and organize my work, maybe even throw in a nap for some much needed rest, and take one task at a time.

and yep i am still behind.

i haven't as yet figured out how to keep up. if you figure out a way to keep up please let me know my pep talks aren't doing much good these days.

if home health is a job that is dear to your heart then just keep plugging on.

do the nurses usually do the 485's elsewhere?

i don't know about other agencies, but we do the 485's (i should say i do since i'm the only f/t nurse).

good luck!!!!