Became an agency nurse...whoa

Specialties Agency

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So I have some floor experience, and other random experience equal to 2 years as an RN. I was hired and placed on an 8 wk med/surg/rehab unit. I knew not to expect a "real" orientation, but I was shocked that I wasn't even given computer training. I'm stressing big time because Friday is my first shift and all i know is where the equipment is. I mean, I know my skills too, but every facility has different policies.

What do you do in report to try and give the best care in new settings? I was told I will have plenty of help, the supervisors are nice etc and my agency is on call 24 hrs for urgent needs. I've flipped jobs a lot but this is something else entirely. Do you get over those nerves? I know I don't have time to worry about silly things. I have the basic "musts" down, but doing paper charting until I get on the computer is a little scary....idk, does anyone have any stories about how they got through it? How to get acclimated and learn the procedures quickly while taking a whole assignment with just a lick of orientation to the unit and without knowing anyone?

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Welcome to temporary nursing. Limited orientation/training..dont expect help because you will probably be on your own. You are there to fill a need and they arent going to invest any more time in you then they have to. Trust your nursing skills, do the best you can, be safe, document to protect your license. Take notes when you get report if you are unfamiliar with the computer system and dont expect help. If you get someonevwho will help you, be thankful. Dont expect to form any close relationships because you wont be there very long. Agency nursing is not easy.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Agency nursing really is for those who can learn quickly, are motivated to self-educate, and are able to hit the ground running with minimal orientation. And even then there's a learning curve that you have to struggle through.

Use any down/free time that you get to bring yourself up to speed on policies, the computer charting system, etc. Don't be shy about asking for help, but at the same time don't expect them to sit down with you and walk you through everything--they may just answer the critical questions, or point to something and tell you, "what you're looking for is in there." Take notes and make a cheat sheet.

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Yah I never recieed EPIC training and figured it out all by myself how to chart. Protocols are similar so I just check with charge and make sure my understanding is correct. It gets lonely but I am used to lonesomeness and not having to be part of clique and gossip are great perks of being an agency RN. No up and down performance evaluation based on customer satisfaction either.

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Specializes in telemetry, med-surg, home health, psych.

I am transitioning from "punching a clock" to home care with an agency.

Anyone out there working as a Care Manager for an agency that could

give me some tips ? Much appreciated !!!!

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