I am a new agency nurse

Specialties Agency

Published

Specializes in Emergency.

Hi All,

I am a new agency nurse. I previously worked for four years as a cardiac nurse on a stepdown/tele unit. I took this job so I can be flexible with my school schedule for my BSN/MSN. I consider myself a good nurse, and have lots of experience in my speciality, but I frequently run into other nurses who have prejudices against agency nurses. They think I am a "bad" nurse because I don't have a "real" job with a hospital. I explain that this works while I am in school, but they don't seem to get it. I think it takes a great deal of courage and experience for a nurse to work for an agency because we have to be flexible, able to adapt, and do our jobs, all the while getting the attitude from the "real" nurses, who think we are inferior to them. What is up with that? I feel like nobody appreciates what we give to the profession.

Can anyone relate to this?

Amy

Specializes in Emergency.

How do you cope with the prejudice?

Specializes in rehab.

I relate totally.

When I was working for an agency I found that I was always given the harder jobs. The ones that others did not want. I worked in nursing homes, and I found that there were some nurses- especially when I went to the same repeat nursing home over and over- that would actually give me their residents and they would take the lighter loads. One nursing home left me with one entire hallway (25 residents), a second hallway (18 residents) and the entire downstairs- which was the lock down ward and then two more hallways (10 residents).

At the same time they would look down at me, for being "agency." Some demanded to know why I could not make it at a hospital or real nursing home like them.

I finally got to the point where I decided that, you know it's not about what they think of me. Sure they could overload me, give me the worse jobs and look down at me because I was there for the patients who were in need of me.

I can relate ...I went through the same thing when I was a CNA. My philosophy when I was the staff working with agency was to do everything together and to help as much as possible...because they were ultimately "my people." Apparently that is a very "outdated" attitude these days:(

Specializes in ED, TRAUMA. ICU.

I also can relate...I have been working as a travel/agency nurse for 1 1/2 years. When I start at new place, I get that look from the nurses. Is she an idiot, does she know what she is doing? I have to prove myself at every job I start. But, after I work at place 2-3 times the staff always seems to warm up and treat me like any other staff member. It is just part of the trials of being an agency nurse. You have to make sure you know where the crash carts are, IV supplies, how to get around the hosptial and....make sure all the staff doesn't think your a moron.

Yes, I too can relate... I have traveled for 10 yrs and so many places they treat you like you're stupid or their dumping station.

I have even had a charge nurse tell me, "I was told to watch the traveler's as they travel because they can't get a regular job".... so much garbage.

I think alot of them are jealous that you can make your schedule and they are stuck qoweekend... or holidays..I travel because of the same thing... better control of schedule, holidays and I don't have to work full time...duh..

Hmm. Food for thot! i've been thinking of travelling for some time now. But it never crossed my mind that travellers might be viewed as ppl/nurses who cannot hold down a "real job". That is so SAD!

Specializes in Pediatrics.

I'm getting ready to start agency nursing because I just relocated and want to get a feel for the facilities in the area. As well as the no weekends and scheduling. I appreciate all of your thoughts and experiences with agency/travel nursing. I personally have worked with several agency nurses and they always seem to be on their game and know their stuff.

Hi All,

I am a new agency nurse. I previously worked for four years as a cardiac nurse on a stepdown/tele unit. I took this job so I can be flexible with my school schedule for my BSN/MSN. I consider myself a good nurse, and have lots of experience in my speciality, but I frequently run into other nurses who have prejudices against agency nurses. They think I am a "bad" nurse because I don't have a "real" job with a hospital. I explain that this works while I am in school, but they don't seem to get it. I think it takes a great deal of courage and experience for a nurse to work for an agency because we have to be flexible, able to adapt, and do our jobs, all the while getting the attitude from the "real" nurses, who think we are inferior to them. What is up with that? I feel like nobody appreciates what we give to the profession.

Can anyone relate to this?

Amy

Yep sisiter I sure can, I've been a "nursing home nurse" for about 8 yrs, all the while working different places for an angency. I always get the "attitude" same as you. Gurantee it, if they had to do what we do (jump in, overcome, wing it, learn on the run at all "DIFFERENT" types of medical facilities, they would have a completely different kind of attitude!! If you can hang being a agency nurse, then theres nothing you can't do!

The same goes for traveling.... which I have done for 10 yrs....good for you..

Specializes in Emergency.

Hey you guys,

Just a quickie update...After all the grief I have gotten (eirher blatantly rude or subtle), I got sent one night to a local ED. What a difference! I loved it! I went there to task and help out, not take an assignment, but the nurses and techs and everyone was so great! After a couple of times there they introduced me to their clinical coordinator, who called my agency and got the OK to put me on their schedule, train me on their computer system, and now that is the only place I go. As I said before, I have Cardiac/Tele/Stepdown experience, but not ER so I was nervous at first, but it has so far worked out great! They were so welcoming, and willing to help me. There is a strong sense of teamwork and the staff is very close knit, but not like I am the outsider, more like welcoming me into the fold. They are truly an amazing group, and I have loved every minute of it! I have always wanted to work in an ER, and now I am. I do not take trauma patients (obviously, although everyone helps in a code), but I do get to use my education, and the MD's trust us to make decisions on the fly (for example, kid having an asthma attack, get nebs started don't wait for orders). It is so nice to finally find a place that appreciates me for my help, and I am starting to take patients on my own now that I can use their computer system.

So to all you agency nurses, there are places where you are appreciated, you just may have to go through some trials to find the right fit.

Amy

P.S. I still get mad when I think about all the rudeness I have put up with, because really, we are saving you from taking more patients or working longer shifts, but I guess that attitude will never change, even though some of the best nurses I know are agency.

I am so glad for you.... thanks and good luck

+ Add a Comment