nursing assistant

caregiver

home health aide

licensed practical nurse

registered nurse

BrightStar Care

I had worked for 7 clients during my total employment time with Bright Star from August 2015 until my last client passed in Jan 2018. The first client was Sunday through Sunday, 8 am - 12 pm then back again at 4 pm to 8 pm, everyday, Sunday through Saturday. If I was lucky, I would have a half of a day on Saturdays and sometimes on Wednesdays. However, it was very rare. I drove my car daily from Bluffton, SC to HHI, to other clients in between around HHI, writing down my mileage and calling in my time in and out with each client at each times everyday. The driving was overwhelming, due to the fact that most days over 6 times back and forth from client to client once I was reassigned to others when the first had relocated. I cooked, cleaned, grocery shopped, showered my clients, cut their hair,fingernails, pulled their whiskers, and walked them or took care of their gardens when it was so hot.
As far as management, I learned how to manage my clients,as well as my responsibilities. I learned to  keep up with paperwork, and do all correct data entry on the forms for management as well as for my clients and myself, just to make everyone's lives the easiest and correct I could. The paperwork we had to fill out were for each exact times, dates, as well as mileage and where to and from for those miles were for as well as for how long to the very second. Then we had to have the clients initial the times in and out daily, as well as at the end of the week to sign the bottom all had been done correctly. We turned our paperwork in no later than Monday morning by 9 a.m. in order to get all time and mileage verified to be paid by the end of the week.
The workplace culture wasn't really the same culture as we, the CNA's had. We had to supply our own uniforms, until the last year I was there where I received only 1 uniform, just as everyone else did, that we had to make do with since they were so big. The hardest part was trying to maneuver in an outfit that is too big while trying to be flexible enough to care for your client in case they slip in the shower or fall. Also, the money part was the worst, and nobody seemed to care like we were dispensable. 
But I learned the most enjoyable part of the job. My clients who know they could depend on me and knew were treated with respect as though they still controlled their own lives, as I allowed responsibly. however, we were at least reimbursed for gas mileage rate at that particular yearly rate along with our checks when that particular week was paid to us weekly. However, even when working above and beyond my duties, I just felt obligated to stay with my clients purely out of compassion and wanting to make sure they were never forgotten.. I sincerely formed a wonderful friendship with each and believed I worked for my clients, which made the money minute when seeing how much your clients depend and appreciate you for EVERYTHING. I wasn't like most. I cleaned houses, washed clothes, drove around to shop, cooked, helped with whatever they needed that was reasonable, helped them when they had nobody to evacuate them to a safe place. It was fulfilling to work with my clients, but I did appreciate the entire staff for how they believed in me and my actions proved them right. It was an honor to work there and if the pay was more, I would have loved to help the company within as well as my patients. Most of my employers and other employees were kind to me. I just did my job and more than my job. I was trusted by proved incidents for some,and others by their guts.Then the one and only true ally in the office was my personal scheduler, whom was and still is the kindest, most sincere staff member who believed in me and let me do my thing without any disappointment. She allowed me to grow and become the best I was. She was so happy to be able to call me for the first years working there to fill in wherever necessary. I proved to be a personable, professional, and accountable.

I was in a position of program oversight and contract administration. Rather than bore you with yet another useless tirade involving typical days at work, I'm going to summerize the culture and "business plan" adulated by this and very nearly ALL companies like Brightstarcare. ALL "non medical" home health companies are governed and certified by a licensing entity known as the PSSA. The license requirements involve documentation of policies and procedures and the insurance coverage of liability. A fee of just over 1k, and you're in business.
Brightstarcare is an independently owned franchise operation. Which means that in exchange for fees associated with operations, an owner will be guided by the experienced hand of the coorporation.
Brightstarcare in particular, requires a franchise owner to document volumenous high dollar, high volume SALES experience. NO previous medical experience is required. Brightstarcare does require owners to obtain the services of an RN before officially opening for business. This transfers all culpibility to the licensed RN.
If you want to find out what it takes to become involved in one of these operations, bone up on franchise requirements and PSSA licensing requirements.
Do yourself, your family, your friends and the general public at large a tremendous favor; find another line of work. These businesses are ALL designed to provide low cost (re: low quality) alternitives to actual healthcare.
The upside: as long as you have no felony convictions and you're in possession of the normal documentation required to become legally employed, you can be running the fryers at a fast-food restaurant today, watch a few videos, pass a bizzarre "test", jump throughout some minor hoops, you can be taking care of patients in need of serious medical care as early as next week. Or sooner if they really need a warm body to staff the case.

-No PSSA has adequate and in some cases REQUIRED back up staff.

-They will generally not pay you for travel time or mileage.

-If they do, you should be concerned about the case to which you've been assigned.

-If any client makes any assertions or complaint, you're fired.

-Staffing all day, everyday is what really goes on in these places.

-They are ALL constantly hiring-and its definately NOT due to new cases.

-You'll never be a consistant 40 HR a week FT employee.

-If your client gets sick, you don't work. If your client dies, your routine changes.

-NO ONE who provides in home services ever lasts longer than 2 years-and two years is VERY rare.

Research PSSA licensing requirements. Research brightstarcare franchising requirements yourself.

Do yourself a favor and jump forward to where you'll be in a few months if you get involved in this business; Go to school, get a proper skill needed by an employer. Go to work at a brick and mortar establishment. Even in healthcare: those brick and mortar establishments don't required unpaid travel, they usually offer some benefits. The continuity and routine they offer combined with other experienced, skilled and LICENSED employees, provides patients and employees with the beginnings of a reasonable working relationship.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The opportunity to gain some insight into the day to day operations of the workplace. In realized it’s way too unorganized.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
During my time working here, the workplace appeared to be extremely disorganized, and there seemed to be a high turnover rate. On many days the manager took frequent cigarette breaks, and at times the smell of smoke carried into the office area. This was surprising, as it is the first healthcare environment I have worked in where employees were allowed to smoke on the premises.

There also appeared to be a lack of structure in daily operations. The office seemed understaffed. In addition, the company did not have a formal time clock or punch in system. I believe this may contribute to staff burnout. On many occasions, staff were asked to complete additional tasks, such as driving 35 minutes away to check mailboxes, without gas reimbursement or additional compensation.

On my first day, I did not receive an orientation and had to repeatedly request basic onboarding materials, such as the employee handbook, from the manager.

Based on my experience, management practices may also contribute to some of the challenges within the workplace. Communication at times came across as dismissive toward staff concerns, and employees were occasionally blamed for issues that appeared to stem from broader operational problems. Conversations could also feel one sided, with limited opportunity for staff to fully express concerns.

There also appeared to be significant micromanagement, with directives coming from multiple individuals, which created confusion about priorities and responsibilities.

At times, considerable effort was spent tracking down small payments while larger operational and staffing concerns remained unresolved.

Overall, the environment gave the impression of a company operating in survival mode rather than one with established systems, structure, and consistent leadership in place. Based on my experience, I would not recommend this workplace. I also felt that the role and expectations discussed during the interview did not fully align with the reality of the position. My advice to potential applicants would be to request the opportunity to shadow before accepting a role.

In addition, the compensation did not appear to reflect the workload and expectations, which may contribute to staff burnout and high turnover.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Unorganized, manager smell like cigarettes, micromanaging because directives are coming from 3 different people and overall not a career job. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Unorganized, non stop cigarettes smoke in the air, phones finished non stop ( not enough staff to assist with phone, non stop useful meetings, non stop cursing and the list goes on.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Truly honest owner, management, and office staff. The integrity of these professionals are outstanding. Best I have ever had the opportunity to work with and for. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The coworkers. Most of the coworkers gossip, make their own clicks, cut corners on the job, some don't work at all. Many of the  co workers would make the job harder for me in many ways. They did whatever it took for me to no longer work there. After many tries, they succeeded. The owner, management, and office staff are doing their best to find honest, well behaved employees. It's sad they lost one of the type of employees whom they were looking for. Me. I miss them. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Minus the caregiving staff (coworkers), overall, a dream job for any honest, hardworking Caregiver that has a heart. The owner, managers, office staff and residents are like family. I felt I could be myself around any of them (minus the coworkers). There has most likely been caregiver turnover since I was there. The company is a great company overall. I have been recommending Brightstar Care to people for both work and senior needs. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
  As a caregiver trainer, I would be a float caregiver unless there was a new hire for me to train. I worked the NOC shift (overnight shift). For the NOC shift, helping residents get ready for bed when they were ready, such as guiding/helping them get out of their day clothes, toilet them,  change their depends if needed, put the pajamas the resident picked on them, help with  washing their hands and face, help with cleaning their dentures or brushing their teeth, put their clothes in their dirty laundry baskets, assist residents to their rooms, help residents get in their beds, raise their feet if needed using a pillow under their ankles, and make sure their bed was lowered to the floor and their floor alarm was on and pointed towards the bottom egdge of their beds.

 After the residents are in bed, cleaning each main room of the facility, including vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, dusting, cleaning windows, cleaning bathrooms, washing walls as needed, etc. All done thoroughly.

There is also preparing meals for the next day, washing/drying/folding/putting away laundry, a daily deep clean area, and  check on residents every 2 to 3 hours to make sure they are clean/dry and safe. When the new shift clocks in, update the new shift on the past shift, clock out, and repeat the next shift.  When having the earlier NOC shift, I would pass meds and the rest previously explained.

Work-life balance
There is no work life balance.  You work when they tell you to.

Pay & benefits
No health benefits,  no dental or vision benefits and no vacation pay, no sick pay.  No short term or long term benefits.

Job security and advancement
No extra training.  No job security.  Mgmt never encourages you to move up.

Management
At the Gastonia office both directors were great.  But some of the office personnel were not. Too many times I had to go to upper Mgmt because of the office personal and their attitudes. But if you do that then all of a sudden you get pulled off of cases without any explanation.  Some of the cases you can make really good money.

Culture
You are always in competition to get as many clients as possible

Overall
When I first started working for this company it was great.  I  got the hours I wanted.  But as time went on I started noticing something I became uncomfortable with.  Both Directors are really great.  But the office personnel is horrible.  They talk down to you. If you don't agree with them,  you start loosing clients. When you loose clients you loose money.  The directors don't always realize what's going on,  because they stay in their on world. So unless you go and tell them they have no idea.  But I  shouldn't have to run to the upper mgmt.  The office personnel should just be respectful.  They also send you to clients and they don't tell you that the client can possibly be violent.  I've gotten spit on,  beat, kicked and called a racial slur. When I told the office person that the client was violent.  They insisted I go back.  Instead of dismissing the client they are worried about the money.  Not the caregivers. Then  I found out that one of the caregivers had gotten Covid 19 from one of the patients. The office personnel knew it and never told the caregiver, so she can use extra precautions or opt out of not going.  Well word spread that the caregiver was thinking about suing. After that I was told we had to sign Arbitration Papers. I made up my mind to go back to school and then do better for myself.  I can't work for a company that don't care if we get Covid 19 or if we get beat up on by clients.  So it's an ok place to make some quick cash.  But don't stay.  Ask questions before going to clients because the office personnel won't tell you.

Started working there as a CNA with a Bachelor's degree in Mental Health and over 20 years of medical experience. Tried numerous times to advance into management while working on a Master's degree in Public Health with a Concentration in Health Systems Management over a period of 3 1/2 years. 

Watched 8 women; one with a BS degree in Business, one fellow classmate, and 6 women with no college degree work as managers hired over me on a consistent basis with an average of less than 3 years of medical experience. Worked an average of less than 4 hours a month, and spent more money on gas getting to the various short period assignments than what I was being paid for.

The final straw came when I was called at my other job, given 2 1/2 hours notice that I was being given a 12 hour night shift for a patient that needed round the clock care, and when I informed them that I already had a private homecare case that started at 04:30 in the morning, had a full time job that started at 10:00 am and I would be up over 36 hours straight was informed to move my other jobs to accommodate this patient. The scheduler showed a complete lack of empathy for my patient, my full time job in customer service and my physical well being as a healthcare professional.

Politely informed them I would not be taking the assignment since it not only puts both patients at risk, but me as well and approximately two days later resigned as an "On-call Certified Nurse Aide". Not one person from management or the franchise owner even bothered to call to find out what happened, what could they do to make things better for a loyal and long term employee. Tried to deal with this issue at both the franchise and national level, and alas to no avail. In the end, I would not recommend this company to any of my patients (especially military for use in helping with health fairs) or as a franchise to any prospective entrepreneur seeking to get into the homecare business.

This is an okay company to work for but it is one that is slowly getting its self together with the poor management and high turnover rate of caregivers. The management has expressed a desire to improve the way they do things but that has not happened at the time of writing this review. Coordination is always desperate for more shifts to be signed on and will work you to death if you accept too many shifts that you can't handle. The girls who work on the phones in coordination are very understanding and professional but can sometimes be rather pushy with getting you on the schedule. They aren't demons or out to get anyone, its just their job to get the schedule made and booked but they've shown improvement over my year of working here.
Pay was not and still is not good enough for the colossal work load stacked onto each person. It has gone even far enough to where I've been asked to work 36 hours straight with no sleep or break for one client and also be regularly offered shifts that will stack anywhere from 48 to 72 hours per week. This includes holiday weeks too. There are no benefits for working at this company, pay is hourly and overtime is given as well. All of the things that would be benefits are instead performance based cash incentives rather than straightforward good benefits and pay. It is also not very much. $15 or $25 for accepting a 12 hour shift last minute in the middle of the night or only $100 for showing up on time to all shifts for 1 month straight (only when offered to all employees just this one time) are the types of small droplets of cash offered. 

I currently work for BrightStar Care in Lake Elmo. Before I worked here I had awful experiences in the Home Care business. When I first started working here at BrightStar I felt Welcomed as if I was already one of them! Through my training process I had fantastic support. I come to work everyday and work with others that share the same passion as I do. Everyone here puts others first, and is dedicated to providing the best care possible for each of our clients. Working with BrightStar has been a totally different experience than what I am used to. I feel comfortable,and as if we are all family. Training is exceptional, the reputation of the company is amazing, our caregivers have so much compassion and dedication that I have never seen before in any home care agency I have worked for. The owner Sini has the biggest heart anyone could have. She puts her clients and her caregivers before herself everyday. Heidi, the Branch Manager has a heart of gold, she is dedicated to making sure we have great communication between our clients and our caregivers. Cynthia, the Director of Nurse loves to teach. She is hands on with each and everyone of our caregivers to make sure that they are fully prepared before going out to the field with our clients. She is dedicated to making sure our caregivers are providing the best care possible for our clients. As an employee for BrightStar Care Lake Elmo, I would recommend them as an employer any day. BrightStar takes such good care in making sure their employees are well taken care of. On a personal level, if I was looking for homecare I would recommend BrightStar to those looking to receive anything from companion care to skilled nursing visits within the home.

-A typical day with Brightstar varies on your schedule/availability.  You give the managers your availability and they sit down with you and set up a schedule.  They tell you a little about the clients/job responsibilities and if you are interested, you can pick up shifts with them.  Your schedule can range from several short shifts at people's homes to longer shifts in nursing homes/assisted living facilities.  It just depends on what you are looking for in employment.
-I learned the difference between home care and long term care settings.  Most of the time, the clients seem a lot happier and accepting of your help when they are in their own homes.
-Management seems to run really good. They do a good job communicating with staff if shifts open up or are cancelled and they work with you to give you what you want when it comes to hours or shifts.
-I did not really have a whole lot of interaction with co-workers because I would just go to client's personal residencies to do their cares.  Some of the client's did need 2 aides to help them and in those cases, the co-workers I met were really nice and easy to work with.
-The hardest part of the job would probably be the traveling, but honestly if you do not want to travel a lot, than you don't have to take shifts that are far away from you.  However, if you live in a smaller city where there are not as many clients, it is harder to fill hours.  So if you want more hours, you may have to travel to a bigger city where there are more clients.
-The most enjoyable part of the job was the experience of getting to care for people who really wanted your help and they were happy to welcome you into their homes.  I also really liked the flexibility that they could offer as far as shifts.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The ability to work with a great support staff, Nurses, and having the necessary tools to provide the best client care to all of our families.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Filling in for coworkers that constantly called out was frustrating. I was always concerned about the needs of our clients being met.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Everyone from the Owner on down is fabulous. All smiling faces and willing to help. The Supervising nurse “Pam” comes off a little brash, but it is due to her concern for the safety of our clients and staff.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Arriving at my client 15 minutes prior to arrival time, parking in an approved area, check for any changes in care plan/refresh myself with any pertinent information and begin gathering supplies from the car. Meet client or family at the front door and gain entry into the home. Log in to Abs system on my phone and place phone away from work area. 

Begin with a good morning and proceed with toileting, bathing or preparing breakfast. Follow through with ADLs and range of motion exercises. Ask what the client would like to do today and proceed/clean/prepare as necessary. Approximately 30 minutes prior to the end of shift, recheck to make certain all items have been restocked, prepare a snack, and or toilet the client. Assuring that duties have been completed, client is happy, clean, dry and safe - alert the family of your intention to conclude for the day. Ask if there is anything further for the day. When the answer is no, thank them for a great day, conclude the shift and return to the car to clock out/document for the day.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Nursing assistant 1063 salaries reported	$19.14 per hour
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Licensed practical nurse 922 salaries reported	$38.43 per hour
Registered nurse 754 salaries reported	$45.38 per hour

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