Highway Hypodermics

Danielle Angrest

Question 1:

In a large metropolitan area, Nurse Floating Flo contracts to float between three hospitals within a 10 mile radius of her housing. Starting in the 6th week, the company ask her to float to a hospital 15 miles away, the 7th week she goes to one on the other side of the city, that is 30 miles away, plus one that is 17 miles away. The nurse is willing to take the first few, but after the behavior continues, she has had enough and voices this to her recruiter.

Answer 1:

First and foremost this is unacceptable and I empathize with the nurse in this situation as this was not discussed prior to interview or listed on the contract. The contract clearly states "within a 10 mile radius of her housing". I would listen to the nurse and let the nurse know I understand the frustration and that I will speak with the account manager. I will call the account manager for this hospital and ask them if this is in the hospital's protocol. If it isn't I would ask what the repercussions would be if the nurse hypothetically declined to float, could he or she do that since its not listed in the contract? I'd also ask if the hospital is willing to make a reasonable accommodation for this unexpected change. I'd advise that if the hospital is going to make these requests that they add this in the contract immediately for future nurses. If the hospital is unable to make any accommodations for this nurse I would let her know if she is willing to be flexible with floating that I would compensate an additional travel stipend. I'd also let my upper management know so that this doesn't happen again. If the nurse is still not willing I would let the nurse know that I would look for another assignment for him or her.

Question 2:

Baby Nurse Betty is a skilled labor and delivery nurse, who also can float to post-pardum care after the delivery as well as the well-newborn nursery. At 7:30pm, the staffing company hotline gets a call stating that they want her to float to the NICU, which is beyond her competency level. What is your company’s response?

Answer 2:

Medical Solutions will not allow a nurse to take patients outside of their competency level. We are joint commission certified and we want to make sure the patient and the nurse are protected. We have a wonderful clinical nurse management team who will speak with the nurse and find out more information and can make a sound judgement on what to do. We will then speak with the hospital to let them know that is not okay.

Question 3:

Nurse Roach is all excited about her first travel nursing assignment. She drives 750 miles to her new assignment housing. After getting the keys from management, she opens the door and three cockroaches scurry across the floor. After further investigation, she also finds a ring of mold in the shower. She can’t stand it and immediately texts you with pictures. How do you respond?

Answer 3:

I would let Nurse Roach know I'm terribly disappointed and sorry to find out this was her experience and that the housing was not turn-key ready. Our housing department would be reached out to promptly and I would have the nurse either in a new apartment immediately (should one be available) or at least in the closest nearby acceptable hotel until the next apartment is available. I would also send her a care package with necessities to ensure her stay is up to par and throw in a luxury item for comfort as an apology. I'd also notify that apartment's point of contact and let them know of the mold and roaches so that they could get that resolved ASAP.

Question 4:

You have worked with Nurse Asthmatic for 3 years now and she has done a great job for you, when she takes an assignment in Southeast Colorado. She envisions magic mountains that reach to the sky, only to find that she has landed in wheat country. Not wanting to cause problems she continues to work and everything is fine, until harvest. She has an asthma attack, ends up in the hospital, and is told that she is going to miss at least 2 weeks of work related to asthma induced pneumonia. How do you work things out?

Answer 4:

First of all this is terrifying! I have asthma and I understand how something as crucial as breathing can be quite terrifying. I would want to make sure she is okay first and stay in touch with how she is. This is absolutely a time I would send a sick- care package of things I believe might be helpful during this time. Is Nurse Asthmatic on our short-term-disability insurance? I would call them for her and see what her options are in this scenario. I would speak with the facility she was working with us at and make sure they're aware of her unfortunate situation. I would be sure to send a list of job openings in locations nearby that would be more of what Nurse Asthmatic was looking for and make sure its a safe environment for her. I'd also let her know that if she's up for it and is given proper medication to combat asthma and pneumonia I could request a 2 week extension for her to make up for this time but by no means would I expect her to finish her assignment with this working environment. I would ask her if there were any other restrictions she has I should be aware of for the future so we could be better prepared for this in the future. Its important for me to really know my travelers inside and out if they're open to sharing so that I can be prepared and set them up for success. I'm so sorry this happened lets see what we can do. I'd also ask her if theres anything else I could do for her, in case I missed something.

Question 5:

You have worked hard to find Nurse Roulette a job in Las Vegas. You send the nurse a contract that she readily accepts, signs, and sends back. The next morning the bags are packed and Nurse Roulette is on the way to the assignment of her dreams. At 0800 she is out the door and to the hospital. Checking in with HR, they inform her that there is no contract between the hospital and the company, related to the fact that it has not been approved by HR. About the same time, the recruiting manager comes to you and tells you not to send Nurse Roulette on the assignment. This shouldn’t have happened, but unfortunately it does happen. What do you do?

Answer 5:

I immediately call Nurse Roulette and let her know of the situation and also that I am already looking for another assignment for her that I know will interview quickly, such as one of our direct contracts with a facility we know and trust. I would make sure the pay , facility culture, and what she liked about this particular assignment (perhaps it was geographically pleasing to her) is of equivalent or better value for her inconveniences. I'd also make this a priority and send out an email to all of my account managers for urgent help to get her placed ASAP. Nurse Roulette is already compliant with her health documents so we can get her placed quickly. I'd offer a night out to dinner on us as a inconvenience as well.

Question 6:

What would you like travel nurses to know about being a great traveling nurse and making your job easier?

Answer 6:

Open and honest communication is key. When I say I will do something I make sure to follow through. This kind of behavior is important to me although I understand unexpected situations do arise. In those cases using open and honest communication as promptly as possible will allow for the best outcomes.

Email this Recruiter!