With the increased demand for private duty home health care services, we at Take Care Private Duty Home Health Care recognize the need for trained, professional caregivers. With almost 500 caregivers on the Take Care team, servicing the communities in and around Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice, Florida there must be a solid system in place for hiring, training, and continuity of services. In 2009, Mary A. Pedersen, SPHR joined the Take Care human resources team and took Take Care’s HR practices to a heightened professional level. Improving upon the systems in place, the team at Take Care developed the Caregiver Alliance Program (CAP) and the On-Boarding Program (OBP) to reinforce to our field staff the importance of communication and to clearly define Take Care’s goals and expectations for them when caring for clients.
Working Smarter
In 2011, more than $285,000 was invested in updating the corporate office, taking the training and orientation room to a new level, and installing a new phone system. At a time when companies were cutting back or letting personnel go, Take Care was in a vital position to give back to our employees, to improve the methods and practices, and encourage growth from within.
Hiring in 2012
Take Care hired 138 caregivers in 2011, after receiving more than 835 applications and interviewing 210. It shows that though we are in need of additional caregivers and staff, we are selective and sensitive to the skills and professionalism inherent in those whom we hire. Take Care projects that in 2012, the hiring will continue as we look to add an additional 140 to the Take Care team.
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Caregiver Screening
Take Care’s caregivers undergo a strict screening process before they join the Take Care team. Each caregiver receives Level I and Level II fingerprinting and background checks. As required by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), Take Care complies with the screenings. As additional safety measures, Take Care requires driving records and drug testing of each employee. Each caregiver is required to have current CPR certification.
Caregiver Training
Take Care’s caregivers are required to complete an 8-hour orientation program in the corporate Take Care office in Sarasota, Florida. Newly hired caregivers are enrolled in the Take Care “On Boarding Program” to match them with mentors to guide them through the initial caregiving process. Take Care’s Registered Nurse Clinical Supervisors oversee the caregivers and ensure their safety as well as the client’s.