Interested in doing agency seeking advice

[ms_dRN]

Hi all! I'm Telemetry nurse with roughly 2 yrs experience and I'm considering doing agency. I work in the Baltimore city area and recently signed up with an agency for per diem assignments. I'm supposed to be meeting with a recruiter to discuss assignments, pay, etc., however I'm having second thought about going this route out of fear that its too soon in my career. I know with agencies no one holds your hand along the way you're on your own, usually with the heaviest assignments. Although I consider my self a fast learner and I'm not afraid to stick for myself or my license I'm having my doubts, any advice?

[NedRN]

I started my career in Baltimore as well (UM) and before I started traveling, I tested my skills by doing per diem. It is normal to doubt your abilities, and doing some per diem is a great way to test them more objectively. Perhaps depending on which hospital you trained at, and which hospitals you are going to, I think two years experience is pretty solid for telemetry. I'd say try it! It can only make you an even stronger professional.

[wyogypsy, RN]

Though you don't get the orientation at a new hospital like a full time employee, some do give you a few days. Also, not all hospitals give you the heaviest patient loads. You might want to start out going to a smaller hospital, maybe in a smaller town. From my experience - if they are short enough to require traveling nurses, the nurses are glad to have any help and treat you well!

[ms_dRN]

Thanks you all for the great advice guys! Wyogypsy I will definitely consider starting with a smaller facility.

[gcupid]

You have enough experience. Make sure that you are assertive in regards to seeking help with any issue. No question is a stupid question. The hardest part will be learning to utilize a different documentation system that you are not accustomed too as well as learning where different supplies are located. Ask, ask, ask.....

[montinurse, BSN]

I've been doing agency in Phoenix area, they give me a light patient load because I am agency and most facilities don't know me very well yet. I've really enjoyed agency bc it gives me flexibility while I go back to school..good luck

[Kipahni, RN]

I live in the wichita area and work at a teaching hospital full time and prn agency to other out patient and smaller hospitals. I love it. And it is easier than my Full time job. (smaller work load, better pay, easier charting systems.)

2 years is def. enough. Try to talk to other nurses that work in the same staffing agency- ask them what are the easiest assignments just to get your feet wet and what shift (2nd shift is always my fav to pick up)

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

I had 25 years of experience when I started agency work.

Started with local facilities, traveled to the Mayo Clinic in Arizona and Kaiser in Honolulu.

Took all I had to succeed with the minimal orientations that were provided.

I must tell you 2 years in ... is NOT enough experience to hit the floor running.

[sversie]

I have been an agency nurse for 10 years and I love it! You will have places that you go that the people are wonderful to work with and then there will be places you go that the people will not be so pleasant to work with, but all and all it has been a really wonderful experience. You get to experience different areas in the nursing profession and meet new people all the time. I would recommend agency nursing if you are not wanting to be tied down to one position or place all the time, it gives you the freedom to change assignments periodically so that you don't get burnt out.