I would hesitate to place any RN is a float situation like this unless the nurse is very easy going and flexible to work the needs of the hospital. If the nurse voices a complaint I would listen and remind them that flexibility is the key to any float pool situation and encourage them to fulfill their commitment to the hospital and then we can get them a new contract once the assignment is completed.
All of my travelers have access to me 24/7 for emergencies. If the RN is not comfortable floating to the unit and its beyond her scope of practice. I would notify Trinity’s Chief Nursing Officer who handles all clinical matters. She would get involved and be my nurse’s advocate and help resolve the situation.
First let me say that the traveler works with my housing coordinator to select their housing and the nurse has the final say on where they stay. My travelers have access to me and Trinity’s housing coordinator – 24/7. In a situation like this I would put her in a hotel for the night, notify my housing coordinator who set up the housing of the unacceptable filthy apartment. My housing coordinator and I would work together to present suitable (clean, safe, affordable) housing options to the nurse and get her moved as soon as possible.
Keep in constant contact with the nurse to encourage her and see how she is feeling. If she is going to be out of work for 2 weeks we would coordinate with the facility to ensure we get her back on the schedule as soon as she is well and extend the contract by the 2 weeks she missed. Unless the traveler has shor-term disability then there is nothing I can do for her financially. If she is unable to continue then we would cancel the contract and look for a suitable new assignment when she is ready and well enough to get back to work.
In my entire recruiting career in the healthcare field, I have never had a situation like this. Trinity has procedures in place to ensure something like this would never happen. We ensure the traveler is fully compliant and credentialed the week prior to start so they dont show up at the hospital and have a problem in orientation. We also coordinate with the facility the week before as well to get any last minute reporting details. This should never happen to a traveler.
Flexibility – the more flexible a traveler is the easier itis to find them an assignment and keep them working. Most companies benefits and pay are similar. The key to a successful long term relationship is trust and integrity. Trinity’s motto is ‘we do what we say we’ll do. I strive to live by that standard. I have travelers that have worked for me for 7+ years strait and we have a wonderful working relationship. I am very easy going and will work hard to find the right job for you. I am not looking for the RN who is agency shopping for the highest bidder. My goal is to get someone on with me and keep them traveling with me until they are ready to settle down and stop traveling.