I would listen to Floating Flo’s concerns. I would empathize with the added stress these changes have caused her. Flo and I would talk through her concerns, and I would make sure to fully understand the issue at hand. We are a team and a concern for her is a concern for me. I would ask Flo if she feels comfortable enough to bring this concern up to her unit manager. If not, then I would consult with our company’s clinical liaison and together we will determine the best resolution. What a great resource for our travelers to have! At Health Providers Choice we advocate for our healthcare works and will come up with a plan together to make sure our travelers have the experience they expected and deserve. After our agreed upon resolution has been implemented, I would personally follow up with Floating Flo and confirm that the issue had been resolved.
Baby Nurse Betty knows she can reach out me anytime, especially if she feels her license to practice is being put in jeopardy. Having Betty float to a unit outside of her scope is not only unsafe for her, but it endangers the patient. I would reach out to our company’s clinical liaison immediately! She would act as an advocate for Baby Nurse Betty and inform the client that this cannot be allowed. If the issue arises again, I would inform Betty that I would start the process of getting her placed with a different assignment. Keeping our travelers and the patients safe is our top priority.
After talking with Nurse Roach and gathering all the information, with pictures to detail, I would personally reach out to the housing manager. I would inform the housing manager of the unacceptable conditions and discuss what their plan of action would be, along with a timeframe for a full resolution. I would also request that the housing manager place Nurse Roach in a different like unit while the situation is being resolved. I would check in with Nurse Roach and make sure she is comfortable in the temporary unit. When her unit is completed, I would verify that everything is up to the standards we had previously discussed prior to moving into to the assignment housing. Our nurses deserve a safe and comfortable place to rest in between their work hours.
I would immediately get with Nurse Asthmatic and remind her that her health is a priority. I would ask Nurse Asthmatic to stay in full communication with the hospital in regard to what is going on, unless she needs me to communicate on her behalf due to her current health issue. We would have a conversation and see what she would ideally prefer to do regarding her assignments. Together we will go over the pros and cons, leading us to reach the best decision regarding her health. If she decides she can stay with implementing some new precautions, I would work with the account manager and ensure we could get the adequate amount of time off for her recovery. If the Nurse Asthmatic feels she would prefer to leave the assignment, I would work with the account manager and see if they can release her from her contract without penalty. The negotiation truly is up to the client; however, it is my responsibility to be an advocate for Nurse Asthmatic and will support her decision.
At Health Providers Choice we have procedures set in place to ensure an instance like this would not occur. Once a travel nurse has accepted an assignment with Health Providers Choice and signs their new hire terms, our quality department then works directly with the nurse and client/hospital to complete all compliance requirements needed for that specific assignment. As a recruiter, I always source for opportunities with my working talent in mind. This mindset ensures, if a cancellation/ hospital backout did occur, I would be able to match Nurse Roulette to a new opportunity quickly.
The key to a successful travel nurse is great communication, honesty, and having a positive mind-set. Effective communication limits the risk of miscommunications, ensure for a smooth placement process, and gives me, your recruiter, the ability to set correct expectations according to the nurse’s knowledge and experience. I am here to be a support for travel nurses during their entire journey and as their needs, wants, and lifestyle change, I want them to be open and honest with me. This gives me the ability to continue individualizing my efforts for the purpose of being their best resource. This industry will open the doors to explore new places and have amazing opportunities, but travel nurses must have the right mind-set! Many hospitals need travel nurses due to employee shortages, and high patient census. Some assignments might not always be easy, but the right mind-set and a strong support system can lead to amazing growth opportunities. You and I are a team and I want our team to be successful!