Highway Hypodermics

Kathryn Buikema

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:

I would review the contract terms regarding floating to area hospitals and have a conversation to clarify those terms with Nurse Flo. I would advise her to reach out to me immediately in the future if she is asked to float to areas outside of her contract so I can communicate with the hospital and address the issue in a timely manner. We abide by the contract terms and expect our clients to as well. If these hospitals are outside of the contracted floating radius, we would ask that the hospital also refer to the contract and adjust their expectations of floating accordingly.

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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:

I would immediately reach out to our Chief Executive Nurse, who handles clinical issues such as this, and advise Nurse Betty not to float to the NICU while determinations are made. Our primary concern is patient safety, and we would never want to jeopardize the safety of patients or the Nurse’s license if she is not qualified to work in the NICU. Following my conversation with our Chief Executive Nurse, we would communicate with the hospital to inform them that Nurse Betty should not be required to float to the NICU for these reasons.

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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 immediately begin looking for alternative arrangements for Nurse Roach in the area, which could include an Airbnb or an extended-stay hotel. I would advise her to leave the property and head to one of the alternative lodging options I’ve located. I would also open up communication with the property owner and inquire if they have additional options that are clean and safe for the remainder of the contract. If not, I would request a refund as the provided accommodations are not up to standard.

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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:

I would communicate with the hospital on Nurse Asthmatic’s behalf and inform them that she will be out of work for two weeks on medical leave. In the meantime, Nurse Asthmatic would be placed on Short-Term Disability, so she still receives compensation during her leave. I would inform them that she will complete the contracted hours, if possible after the leave needed. If this is not possible, I would look for other opportunities in the area for Nurse Asthmatic to ensure that she does not experience a financial loss.

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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:

Because of our thorough onboarding process and review of contracts, this situation would be unlikely to happen. However, if Nurse Roulette did find herself in this situation, I would work directly with the hospital and our Executive team to finalize the contract with the hospital. We have a strong relationship with the clients we staff, and I have no doubt that we would be able to come to an agreement regarding Nurse Roulette’s assignment. However, if we were unable to finalize the contract with the facility, I would immediately begin looking for alternative assignments in the area for Nurse Roulette.

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Question 6:

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

Answer 6:

A great experience traveling requires a level of commitment between the recruiter and the Nurse. Being able to build a great relationship with your recruiter will make the experience that much more enjoyable and will ensure smooth sailing as we find you your next position. The hospitals we staff typically have an urgent need, so some flexibility in scheduling and floating requirements may be required. Keeping an open mind is always a good thing! I would also suggest being open with me as your recruiter and voicing any concerns as they arise so we can address them. I don’t want my nurses to ever have unanswered questions, and I’m always willing to provide whatever information is needed to ease your mind and make sure we are prepared for your assignment.

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