Highway Hypodermics

Kate Drilling

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, I would discuss this issue with Flo to get all the details. I would also thank her for being so flexible and willing to help the facility out and let her know I understand this is not what was agreed upon or something she want's to continue doing. From there, I would get in contact with my Account Manager to inform them of the issues and get it taken care of immediately. I would let Flo know I'll keep her in constant communication and let her know when we have reached the desired outcome.

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:

Every contract with PPR addresses the facilities float policy. The RN will float per hospital policy within the Nurses scope of practice. We have a manager who accepts on-call after hours so that we have someone available for our travelers 24/7. We instruct our nurses to call this number in case of any emergencies. Being asked to float out of their skill set would be one of the reasons to call. Our company would address the issue immediately with the facility to get it resolved.

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 reach out to our housing department immediately. Our housing department would work closely with the company or landlord to address any issues such as uncleanliness or insects. It's important that our travelers feel comfortable and safe wherever they stay. If housing finds the conditions are still unacceptable we would offer to find alternative housing options for our traveler. We always encourage our nurses to arrive the Friday before assignment to get their keys so we can address any issues if they occur prior to starting. We also send pictures and detailed information to the traveler prior to booking so they will have a better idea of what to expect.

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 I would check to make sure they are ok! If this were to occur, I would continue to check in with the nurse until we had results back from the Doctor while also communicating with the hospital to keep them looped in. Most hospitals are willing to work with unique circumstances such as this. Ex. adding 2 weeks to the end of the contract. However, if this were an environmental issue and not something that can be taken care of, we would most likely find a new assignment once the nurse is cleared and able to start working again.

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:

Nurse Roulette would become a priority for myself and the rest of our team! First I would make sure we have exhausted all resources and avenues to try and get the nurses started at this facility. If there is truly not a need then I would look into openings closest to them. If that is not an option, we would re-group and assess the best plan of action for them.

Question 6:

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

Answer 6:

Be open and honest about what you are looking for. I like to view my relationships with my nurses as a team or partnership. The more communication, the better I'll have an understanding of what you are looking for. As a travel nurse currently I'd say it's very important to be flexible with at least 2 of the 3 - pay, location, or shift. At the end of the day, no matter what, I'll always be transparent, open, honest, and do everything in my power to find you a fun, exciting, and rewarding assignment!

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