Experienced LEAD Caregiver

Company: Nurse Next Door - Central Valley & Bay
Location: Bay Area (Contra Costa County, Alameda County, Brentwood area)
Employment Type: Full-Time or Part-Time
Pay Range: $22-28/hour (based on experience and credentials)

About Nurse Next Door

Nurse Next Door is redefining home care in the Central Valley and Bay Area. We don't just provide companionship - we provide life-saving, clinical-level support for the most complex, high-risk patients in our community. Our caregivers are healthcare professionals who work alongside home health nurses, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities to prevent hospital readmissions and keep our clients safe at home.

We're looking for experienced healthcare professionals who want to do meaningful work with complex patients and get paid well for it.

Position Overview

This is NOT basic companion care.

As a Chronic Condition Specialist, you will work exclusively with our highest-acuity clients who have multiple chronic conditions such as:

• Stroke recovery
• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Dementia & Alzheimer's
• Parkinson's Disease
• Diabetes with complications
• Post-surgical recovery (joint replacement, cardiac surgery, etc.)

You'll be the eyes and ears for our clients' medical teams, monitoring vitals, tracking symptoms, ensuring medication compliance, and preventing emergency situations before they happen.

What You'll Do

Clinical Monitoring & Assessment

• Monitor and document vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels, weight)
• Track symptoms and identify early warning signs of decline
• Recognize and report changes in condition (confusion, breathing difficulties, sudden weight gain, falls)
• Coordinate with home health nurses, physical therapists, and physicians

Medication Management

• Ensure clients take medications as prescribed
• Identify potential medication errors or interactions
• Communicate with family members and medical providers about medication concerns

Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Support

• Assist with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility
• Provide meal preparation aligned with dietary restrictions (cardiac diet, diabetic diet, renal diet, etc.)
• Support safe transfers using proper body mechanics and adaptive equipment

Fall Prevention & Safety

• Conduct home safety assessments
• Implement fall prevention strategies
• Assist with mobility aids (walkers, canes, wheelchairs)

Hospital Readmission Prevention

• Work as part of our Safe Transitions Program for patients recently discharged from hospitals/SNFs
• Follow discharge instructions meticulously
• Communicate daily with care coordination team about client status

Family Communication & Education

• Educate family members on caregiving techniques
• Provide emotional support and reassurance
• Document care provided and communicate updates to family and medical team

Who We're Looking For

Required Qualifications:

• CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) with active California certification OR
• LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) with active California license OR
• Experienced Caregiver with 3+ years of hands-on experience with complex, high-acuity patients

Preferred Experience:

• Hospital or skilled nursing facility (SNF) background
• Experience with stroke patients, CHF, COPD, dementia, or Parkinson's
• Familiarity with medical equipment (oxygen concentrators, CPAP, feeding tubes, catheters)
• Experience working with hospice or home health patients

Skills & Attributes:

• Strong clinical observation skills
• Excellent communication with families and medical teams
• Calm under pressure and able to handle emergency situations
• Reliable, punctual, and professional
• Compassionate and patient-centered care approach
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift/transfer patients (up to 50 lbs with assistance)
• Comfortable with hands-on personal care
• Ability to stand, walk, and bend for extended periods

What Makes This Position Different

We are NOT looking for:

• Caregivers who just want a flexible side gig
• People who view this as "easy companion care"
• Caregivers who aren't comfortable with clinical tasks

We ARE looking for:

• Healthcare professionals who want to make a REAL difference
• People who thrive working with medically complex patients
• Caregivers who want consistent hours with meaningful work
• Professionals who want to be part of a collaborative healthcare team

Compensation & Benefits

Hourly Pay: $22-28/hour (based on experience and credentials)

• CNAs with 3+ years experience: $22-24/hour
• CNAs with specialty experience (stroke, dementia, cardiac): $24-26/hour
• LVNs: $26+/hour

Performance Bonuses:

• Referral Bonus: $250 for every qualified caregiver you refer who stays 90+ days and $500 if they stay 1 year
• Zero Readmission Bonus: $200 bonus if your Safe Transitions client stays out of the hospital for 180 days

Company Perks:

• Flexible scheduling (full-time or part-time available)
• Opportunity for advancement into Care Coordinator or Training Specialist roles
• Supportive team environment with 24/7 on-call management support

Schedule & Availability

• Full-Time: 30-40 hours/week
• Part-Time: 20-29 hours/week
• Shifts Available: Morning, afternoon, evening, overnight, weekends
• Consistent schedules with the same clients (we prioritize continuity of care)
• Most of our clients need 20-40 hours/week, so you'll have stable, predictable hours

Why Join Nurse Next Door?

Meaningful Work: You're not just providing care - you're preventing hospital readmissions, keeping families together, and literally saving lives.

Professional Growth: We invest in your training and development. Many of our Chronic Condition Specialists have advanced into leadership roles.

Respect & Recognition: You'll work with clients, families, and medical professionals who value your expertise.

Competitive Pay: We pay above market rate because we know the value of skilled, dedicated caregivers.

Team Support: You're never alone. Our Care Coordinators, Nurses, and Management team are available 24/7 to support you.

How to Apply

Ready to do the most meaningful work of your healthcare career?

Email your resume to: [your email here]
Text "SPECIALIST" to: [your phone number]
Apply online at: [your website]

What to include in your application:

• Resume highlighting your clinical experience
• Current CNA or LVN license (if applicable)
• Brief explanation of why you want to work with complex, high-acuity patients

Interview Process

1. Phone Screening (15 minutes) - We'll discuss your experience and answer your questions
2. In-Person Interview (45 minutes) - Meet with our Care Coordinator to discuss your clinical skills and care philosophy
3. We typically complete the hiring process within 3-7 days for qualified candidates.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Nurse Next Door is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.