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SusieQ10 Asked March 2020

I am a home care nurse working for a home health agency. I was recently asked to provide private duty care for a prior patient. Any input?

mollymoose Apr 2020
My mom did this with one of the employees from a home health company working for her. But, it was a HORRIBLE company and we could've gotten them in legal trouble had we wanted to so they couldn't really complain. I don't know if when the girl quit she gave the agency a reason or anything, I never asked. My mom paid her more than the agency did.

Grandma1954 Apr 2020
Most agencies have a clause that their employees can not do private work particularly for someone that had previously used the services of the agency.
Look at your contract.
Only you can decide if it is worth it to take the job knowing that you would have to quit the one you have now and possibly not work for a while if there is a 30, 60, day or longer clause in the employment contract saying you would not work for a previous client.

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Nancymc Mar 2020
When I worked for a VNA, we were forbidden from taking any previous VNA client on via private duty basis. (This was 20+ yrs ago) It could be a conflict of interest. Read your employer’s guidelines.
Most likely it’s still highly discouraged, and there could be legal ramifications. There may be a time period after which it is allowed, but I’m not sure.

answry Mar 2020
JoAnn29 is spot on. You are probably under a "no compete" contract and some go as far as saying you can't even work for a "similar company" within a so many mile radius.

JoAnn29 Mar 2020
If you are working for an agency, then I don't think you can do private duty without quitting your job. Especially since he is a former client. Then if you quit, does your contract have a "no compete" clause (I think that is what its called) Meaning if you quit you can not work for a present client and maybe a former client for a year or you will be sued.

NeedHelpWithMom Mar 2020
Is this legal? If there are no stipulations that prevents you from working with this patient, what exactly is your are you asking? Can you please clarify?

Frebrowser Mar 2020
Do you have any knowledge of the prior patient's contract with the agency? Some may include a substantial fee if the patient hires you.

Geaton777 Mar 2020
Did you sign a contract with your current agency that has any prohibitions about this? If not, what are your specific concerns or questions?

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