Pros
The work itself is very rewarding. Relationships developed with patients and families impact our lives positively. Hospice Field staff are, for the most part, the most loving, generous, and compassionate people I have ever worked with. Hospice Caregivers chose hospice because the work deeply touches our spirits. the company is a nation wide company so there is opportunity to re-locate. I had great experience with the offices in Tinley Park, IL and Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Cons
The Chicago Office is a most unhealthy working environment for any field staff. (disclaimer, I was fired for blowing the whistle on one of our nursing home clients who were neglectful to our patients- though our employee handbook clearly states that reporting neglect is the employee responsibility.) The management does not value personal time, time off the clock, pto time and will call at any time during your off time and request you to come to work. If you decline, you will be treated with contempt. The company stays understaffed due to high turn over and therefore tends to drive its field staff to burn out, or ill health. There is always a sense of contempt in this office, with employee pitted against one another, from the administration to the office and field staff. Make sure any complaint is formally submitted and tracked by you. You may need it for your defense later. Make sure your paperwork is saved in a safe place, the paper work is often misplaced leaving you with no proof of your work. (this saved my behind hundreds of times in 5 years. Your administration will track you on FB "I like to keep up with my employees" so be aware before you accept friend requests from an initially overly bubbly and friendly PCA. Unfriending her will put you on the "bad" list. (This is a good practice in general) Formal Complaints should be sent directly to corporate offices if you want your complaint to be taken seriously. The company claims to "Take Care of each other" but it sees the bottom line first and the employee is undervalued unless you are needed for an emergency. Much of the company does not operate this way. Though the bottom line will come first with any company, other locations may have healthier work environments. If you do not mind working in a hostile environment for ruthless administrators, this is the place for you!