who do you 'woo' ???

nightingale, RN · Sep 25, 2003

I have found that Human Resources is a dead end. They may be able to get the name of the Vendor Contract Representative for you or you can ask the switchboard operator for this.

I have often received the "run around"; be diligent, take good notes on who you talk to and when to follow up. Hospitals will sometimes have a specific "open period" of Vendor Submissions; and standard contract, and have preconceived expectations.

I have been very successful in subcontracting my IC services through existing Agencies that have current contracts with Hospitals; yes, they take a cut but it is one way to start and they do schedule at several facilites usually... it works well for me.

Good luck and let us know how you are doing.

CRHSrn · Sep 25, 2003

thank you for the advice nightngale ... by the way ... how much do i owe you for your consulting services ... hehe

nightingale, RN · Sep 25, 2003

My "fee" is to ask that you keep in touch and that you share your successes and challenges with the board... we do learn SO much from each other...

CRHSrn · Sep 26, 2003

NIGHT ... what do you gain by subcontracting through an existing agency ??? you still only make a portion of what they charge, right ??? how can you break away from them once you're started also ???

indie · Sep 29, 2003

Responding to the original question:

I have usually gone with a direct approach to the nurse manager; HRs tend to go by the book and do not have the authority to look at anything different.

My most successful IC contract came after seeing an ad in a local newspaper for RNs with a particular type of experience - they gave the contact # as the nurse manager. I found out a little about her etc, best time to make contact etc and asked for an interview - did not give my IC pitch by phone, but waited until she had eyeballed me looking all professional and competent. By the time I was talking IC she was wooed. I wish you similar luck, but I think every situation is a little different.

Do remember to ask specifically for what you want. This is someone with the authority to make HR sign your IC contract. You'll need to choose the words more carefully, but don't waste time with someone who is not committed to 'getting' your expertise by doing whatever it takes.

If I really wanted to go to one particular hospital, I think I might look up the highest HR person (vice president ? level) find out some real background on that person and make a direct pitch asking for some creative thinking in return for getting my expertise / experience / proven commitment / etc.

Sell what you are offering that is different from most agencies - a regular, proven RN with great skills and attitude. They will 'know' who they are getting.

Remember to build into your contract a certain # of shifts per month - if anyone is getting canceled it should be agency staff, not you.