Highway Hypodermics

Tinesha Gibson

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:

First, I’m going to listen to Flo’s concerns and let her know that I am dedicated to resolving the issue. Since Flo is only contracted to float within a 10-mile radius, I would contact the facility to have them review and correct her floating schedule. If there is a pressing need for her to float further, I would negotiate additional compensation for Flo floating outside of her contracted range only if she decides it’s an acceptable accommodation.

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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 advise Nurse Betty that she cannot float to a unit where she isn’t competent and advise her to speak to her supervisor. If the issue is not resolved, I would contact the facility and advise that having Nurse Betty work outside of her contracted area and in an area where she does not have full competency is a liability to the hospital and jeopardizes Nurse Betty’s license. Therefore, she will not be floating to the 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:

Travelers deserve clean, comfortable, and safe lodging arrangements! I would immediately find alternative temporary housing, such as a hotel, that is safe and clean. Afterward, I would contact the management at the assignment housing, informing them that the condition of the housing is unacceptable. Then I would use my resources to find safe, comfortable, and affordable long-term lodging for Nurse roach.

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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 first concern is the health of Nurse Asthmatic. Once I’m assured that she is ok, I will present her with several options. If she feels that she is well enough to return to the current assignment, I would contact the facility to extend her assignment for two weeks. If she does not wish to return, I will inform the facility and find Nurse Asthmatic a new assignment in a more desirable area.

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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:

Before any nurse at Health Providers Choice leaves for an assignment, it has been confirmed with the facility multiple times. If this scenario were to somehow happen, I would apologize to my Nurse and immediately begin sourcing for a new assignment in the area so she doesn’t go without pay. I would also follow up with the hospital to discover where the miscommunication occurred and ensure that we avoid this situation in the future.

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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:

The best travelers are communicative and flexible. They are clear about what’s important to them and what’s negotiable. They understand that their recruiter is also their advocate and that we are working together to ensure they have a fun and rewarding traveling experience.

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