Highway Hypodermics

Miguel Valentin

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:

For me it's important to be mindful of the needs of both the client/facilities and the provider as well. In a situation like this I would first ask Flo to expand on how she feels and why she feels that way. Next I would brainstorm with Flo and look for better understanding on what outcome she is hoping to see. Once I have a clear direction from my provider I will follow up with my point of contact to the client and try to look for a harmonious balance and resolution that is fair and keeps all parties' needs met as much as is possible. There is never a time when I don't take a provider's concerns or challenges seriously, I consider it my duty as their recruiter to advocate for them in any capacity possible and remain diligent and committed to that duty throughout our partnership.

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:

We would contact the client, and look for a solution that does not compromise the safety of the provider or the patients and does not place the provider in jeopardy. If the provider is not qualified or prepared to handle a unit that is not within their skill set and contracted position it is reasonable to object and abstain from working in that unit.

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 call her, and partner with her on troubleshooting for solutions. First and foremost speaking with the management at her housing and seeking that they address the concern immediately, if that is not a viable option I would partner with our housing team and Nurse Roach on other viable options and look for ways to help offset the cost and assist in any way possible.

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:

To begin with I would offer support in any way possible, I would look for ways to ensure that at the very least her stipends and per diems are being paid during those two weeks as well as looking for other possibilities to help her with whatever issues arise.

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:

First and foremost I will be on the phone with Nurse Roulette assessing her progress in her travel and where she is currently and apprising her of the situation. Next I would circle back to the manager to look for any and all possible solutions and concessions possible to get everything back on track. If all else fails and in the interim I will brainstorm with Nurse Roulette for other possibilities and try to figure out how to offset their expenses and get them situated and safely to wherever they need to be in that moment.

Question 6:

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

Answer 6:

At the end of the day I strive for peace and happiness and despite any turmoil we may face I believe that our outlook can affect our perception. Something I always urge those I interact with is to remain optimistic and to also be open, clear and honest in communication as this minimizes misunderstandings. Ultimately I believe in acting based on integrity and keeping the best outcome for the provider at the forefront of my goals. This is something I urge my providers to do as well, is to remain flexible but to be honest and always remain true to their best interest and allow me the opportunity to partner with them toward that end.

Email this Recruiter!