Highway Hypodermics

Riane Wells

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 start by listening first because my nurse is my priority. I would talk it out with my nurse, see how far they are willing to go when floating to other hospitals, and find out what my nurse is unwilling to do. I would coach the nurse on bringing up their concerns with the manager and let them know what they are willing to do and won’t do as a compromise. If the problem persists, I will advocate for my nurse and talk to the client manager to see if we can devise a resolution for the nurse to ensure their contract is honored.

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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:

Firstly, this is a risk to the patient, but it is also a risk to my nurse and their license. The nurse can’t be floated to the NICU without training and certifications. I would advise the nurse to stand their ground as to why they can’t float there. I would also immediately advise the client manager of the situation so that a conversation can be had with the facility so that everyone is aware that the nurse can’t float to NICU.

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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 show the nurse sympathy and compassion. That is a long drive for housing not to be adequately ready. I would help her find a hotel for the night but instruct her to call the landlord immediately and whoever controls housing. I would be helping my nurse look for nearby housing and make sure they find suitable housing for the duration of the assignment.

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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:

My nurse is most important. I would have a conversation with my nurse to see how they feel and if they are comfortable enough to continue the assignment if the doctor can give something to help alleviate attacks and symptoms. If the nurse can not continue, I would begin a conversation with the client manager to negotiate an end to the contract and find her an assignment where their health is not at risk.

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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:

I would call my nurse first and tell them I am working on a solution. I would talk to the client manager to find out what is going on, why they aren’t letting the nurse start, and see if there is another start date. I would work with leadership to see what kind of compensation we can give the nurse while finding a solution to get the nurse working.

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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:

I am here for you! Ask me any and every question you have. I will always be honest and transparent and find answers if I don’t have them.

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