[angel's RN]

I have never heard of being "cancelled" with an agency. I thought that, and have been told that, because I have a contract, they can't cancel me, and I can't cancel them. I was told by Onward that I can't leave and go home (I am 9 hours from home) without paying the housing. I have a family emergency, but SHE doesn't care!! I have been here 2 months, and they told me I have to pay them d--- near $2000.00!!!!!!!!!!! If they can cancel me, why can't I give notice, which I did, and go home????
's RN

[ttt3471]

The nurses in this thread were talking about working "per diem" with agencies. It sounds like you have a travel contract. I currently work with a local agency, I choose from open shifts they have available and am only obligated for the shifts I pick up. The facility can cancel me with 24 hours notice. I have not signed a contract with any the facilities. You need to read your contract; your hours may be guaranteed and you may be responsible for fees for breaking your contract. It should all be in the papers you signed.

[angel's RN]

Thanks--Sorry to be such a dumb-dumb. I am new at this travel stuff, and I thought that it was all the same thing.
's RN

[Spitfire1500]

I used to work 2 different agencies in addition to my full time job. I started noticing that one of the agencies always had shifts for me, but then I would very often get cancelled for the shifts. Found out that the agency would call me and schedule me for a shift even though the hospital had not called in a need. That way he had me locked in just in case they did call a need in. When they didn't, he would simply cancel me. I would turn down shifts with my other agency (that did not pay as much) because I was already scheduled. We finally figured this scam out after I had conversations with several other nurses with the same agency that had the same problem and then speaking with the staffing coordinators at the individual hospitals involed.

[ex1140]

Originally Posted by Fancy Face

My first time for the agency calling me and telling me the facility didn't need me for the whole day. Is this common in agencies? I think its a little unnerving as this may be my families most steady income for a while. I am considering leaving to find something a little more stable. Any experience out there?

Yes...you hit it right on the head. However, if you are going to be an agency nurse then get used to it because you will be ready and set to go to work and get a call saying that the job has been cancelled. I couldn't go to work for getting cancelled when I first signed up with Maxim...I got so upset that I refused to work for them. Agency work can be great due to flexibility and pay...put it can also be stressful...for the same reason.

[vivek105]

Originally Posted by Spitfire1500

I used to work 2 different agencies in addition to my full time job. I started noticing that one of the agencies always had shifts for me, but then I would very often get cancelled for the shifts. Found out that the agency would call me and schedule me for a shift even though the hospital had not called in a need. That way he had me locked in just in case they did call a need in. When they didn't, he would simply cancel me. I would turn down shifts with my other agency (that did not pay as much) because I was already scheduled. We finally figured this scam out after I had conversations with several other nurses with the same agency that had the same problem and then speaking with the staffing coordinators at the individual hospitals involed.

Wow - this is an informative post.
A scam agency with no bookings - keeping nurses locked in - with promises of a higher pay.
Never mind that the nurse gets cancelled and no pay!!

[Chica_bella813]

This is my first time signing up with agency and it is horrific so far! I was told i would work as many or as little shifts as I'd like--well they were not joking about as little. I have only worked 8hrs with them and that is it. The hospitals that they are contracted with the census has been low.

I resigned from my former job which was a good paying job but couldnt deal with the antics and manager that was not to be trusted. My self esteem and worth were much more important to me.

I am now seriously considering traveling nursing--but i want a travel company that provides a car if i go out of state. UGH!! I have never had to hustle like this before. I wonder at times should i have put up with a lying manager that paid well or continue on my search for a travel assignment. I just dont know what to do......

[pattilpn2]

Originally Posted by Chica_bella813

This is my first time signing up with agency and it is horrific so far! I was told i would work as many or as little shifts as I'd like--well they were not joking about as little. I have only worked 8hrs with them and that is it. The hospitals that they are contracted with the census has been low.

I resigned from my former job which was a good paying job but couldnt deal with the antics and manager that was not to be trusted. My self esteem and worth were much more important to me.

I am now seriously considering traveling nursing--but i want a travel company that provides a car if i go out of state. UGH!! I have never had to hustle like this before. I wonder at times should i have put up with a lying manager that paid well or continue on my search for a travel assignment. I just dont know what to do......

Hi chica!, i too resigned last yr from a hosp with the same feelings about self esteem and worth, i am from the north originally and believe me when i tell you that i feel us nurses get tons more respect from the managers AND md's up there than down here. I am from fl. too! (4 yrs)and don't ever feel as if you have to put up with garbage treatment!! There are better managers out there, its just a matter being able to find the right job with the right environment for you. Us nurses have to put up with so much as it is, you would figure that fellow nurses in management would stick up for you...alot of times its the opposite..kinda like fighting city hall..lol

[bigredrn57]

Hello ladies, I recently resigned from a hospital for the same reasons. NOTHING IS WORTH YOUR SELF RESPECT! I also signed up with an agency. It was not steady. I called the corporate office to see what they had in the area. Then I spoke with another agency. Right after I hung up the phone I received a 3 month contract offer from a local hospital. The point is, do not wait. Do not be passive. People only take advantage of you, if you let them. Be good to yourself.

[SarasotaRN2b]

Originally Posted by Chica_bella813

This is my first time signing up with agency and it is horrific so far! I was told i would work as many or as little shifts as I'd like--well they were not joking about as little. I have only worked 8hrs with them and that is it. The hospitals that they are contracted with the census has been low.

I resigned from my former job which was a good paying job but couldnt deal with the antics and manager that was not to be trusted. My self esteem and worth were much more important to me.

I am now seriously considering traveling nursing--but i want a travel company that provides a car if i go out of state. UGH!! I have never had to hustle like this before. I wonder at times should i have put up with a lying manager that paid well or continue on my search for a travel assignment. I just dont know what to do......

Unfortunately being called off isn't limited to agency nurses. The census has been so low (another Floridian) that regular staff are being called off. I was called off on Christmas Day and worry that I will be called off today, Sunday or tomorrow, New Year's Eve.

Kris