Independent providers

[hcs_mom]

One of Hannah's nurses is considering leaving the agency we use. I can't say that I blame her...they don't pay well and they treat their nurses horribly. I was hoping she'd hang on until after Hannah's LTP in the Spring...she may change her mind, but I'm trying to figure out my options.

I know they'll give me the song and dance of, we don't have any nurses to staff, blah blah blah. Hannah has been sick the last few days, on antibiotics and our room air trials came to a halt. I am just not really in the mood to get used to a new nurse all over again, not to mention have them get used to Hannah. And some of the new nurses they send out are just "questionable".

So, I'm thinking of looking for an independent provider. I have a list provided by our case mgr for Medicaid Waiver. I just don't know where to start. I mean, do I just start making calls? Can I ask them to bring a background check? Provide documentation of CPR certification? A resume? One of Hannah's current nurses is also set up to be an independent provider, and she has said that most of your independent providers are very reliable.

I was just wondering if anyone has used them and if it was anymore stressful than just having new nurse after new nurse from the agency come out and orient. Ohhhh...I wish it was spring.

Thanks for any advice.
Jennie

[lac]

I have used an indedependant provider. I knew of one that was excellent but she was so busy I couldn't get her for our case. We did get another woman, actually the nursing agency reffered her to us....I used to do reference checks for a nursing agency in the past so I kind of knew what to look for. I spoke to her on the phone and asked her for resume and references, as well as a background checkI. I even looked up her license online to make sure it had'nt been revoked in the past. Â*I would ask for a CPR certification as well as making sure all her imunizations are up to date (Current physicals, flu shot, MMR, Tuberculosis etc....she should have a peice of paper from her doctor with this info). I thoughtr the woman I got very good but towards but towards the end she had alot of 'personal' problems and turned out to be a wacko.

You can just start making calls. Your case manager may be able to recomend someone too. You can get a background check online if you want to spend the money OR you can ask if she has a recent one.

good luck!