Highway Hypodermics

Sondra Ryle

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:

There are a couple ways we can handle this. If the traveler is willing to finish the contract as is, then I would offer an additional incentive to do so. We can also approach the facility and remind them of the terms of the contract (sometimes this is simply an oversight). If the facility is not willing to stick to the agreed upon terms, and the traveler does not feel it's conducive to stay, then I would suggest giving a 2 week notice. This way the traveler can depart from the contract on the best terms possible, and we can begin the search for a better fit.

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:

Again, this could be an oversight. Travel RNs are only required to float where skilled and competent. Usually a quick reminder to the facility contact solves this issue. If it becomes a reoccurring theme, we would then review the job requirements with the facility and make sure they are selecting candidates that meet their needs.

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 place the traveler in a hotel immediately. But I also don't recommend making any housing arrangements sight unseen (unless someone is familiar with the property). I always recommend staying in a hotel the first few days before the assignment starts. This gives the traveler the opportunity to see the area and get acclimated with their surroundings. And often the best housing options are found by networking with hospital staff and other travelers at the facility.

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 of all, there are no mountains in Southeast Colorado, so I would make sure the traveler is aware of this prior to accepting the assignment. Secondly, health issues can happen anywhere at anytime. I fully support my travelers and their needs. Should we find ourselves in this situation, I would work closely with my traveler and do what works best for them. If that means terminating the contract, and starting fresh once back in good health, then we could go that route. But if the traveler wants to return to finish the contract, it's possible that could be worked out too. I have seen many different scenarios. It really depends on the travelers wishes.

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:

Apologize profusely and offer to cover any expenses the traveler might be out due to the oversight. This is in no way the travelers fault. And at the very least, should not be penalized financially. Then we would work aggressively to find another assignment comparable to the one just lost. Unfortunately this happens to the best of the best. You can run the tightest ship and still encounter situations like this.

Question 6:

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

Answer 6:

You really have to stay open minded. And don't believe everything you're told. Just because you know a traveler that got a fantastic gig in Miami, doesn't mean you'll be able to do the same. There are only so many assignments available, and the locations and rates change on a daily basis. Because of this, it's almost impossible to "pick" where you want to go. So it's best to discuss several locations and remain open to options you might not have considered before. Also, it's important to find an experienced recruiter you can trust. These assignments often require a leap of faith on your part, which can be difficult to do with a recruiter you're not comfortable with. We all know how difficult this industry can be to navigate, so make sure you have someone that knows the ropes and has your best interest at heart.

Email this Recruiter!