[Brita01]

Hi Tiger. I have no problem with doing anything that the staff nurses do. When I go to the hospital, I go there to work, I don't feel that just because I'm "agency" I shouldn't have to do certain things. In this area, believe it or not, there is this one hospital that is notorious for giving the agency nurses or nurses within their own float pool the worst patients. I found this out after I had gone their and took my assignment. Out of all the patients on the floor, 2 were full dress isolation and 2 were to receive blood. Guess who got these 4 patients? Plus I had 4 other patients, and there was no nursing assisant. But I didn't complain to the staff nurses who sat around kicked back all night long while I ran around, I did my work and then let the agency know the next day not to send me back there.

I also have no problem taking admits, as that is a part of the nursing job I expect to do. And if the hospitals would allow it, I would count the narcotics (and would probably get to leave on time because of it).

And you say that you've heard agency nurses complain about their patient loads and the work they have to do, I've heard staff nurses do the same thing, and do it loudly.

What all nurses have to realize is that when we're working on the floor, we're all in the same sinking boat together and it doesn't matter what our title is or who we're working for. Nurses need to learn to work together and stop picking at eachother.

[Dave123]

I just wanted to chime in and say that I have had really good shifts at various places and really bad ones. The bad ones, I just don't go back. That is 1/3 of the reason I like agency work. You get to "quit" if it isn't a pleasant atmosphere.

Another 1/3 is the $$$. I really do look at as I am getting closer to what I am worth than being on staff somewhere.

The last 1/3 is I never again want someone else to decide WHEN I work or how many hours. You can't make agency nurses work manditory overtime. I have missed too many special days in the past because someone else decided when I would work.

[nightingale]

I agree with the positive comments on the board about agency nursing. From time to time we come across collegues who are inappropriate, but that is true on the other side of the fence.

When we are assigned by an agency, the hospital is able to get a skills list of our expertise. If there is an assignment that is uncomfortable for us, we can and should advise the charge to reassign. I don't get snooty, but obviously, we need to be safe. I have not had a problem with reassignment after handling it this way.

If a facility treats me poorly.. I simply finish my shift and do not go back. I lick my wounds on the way to the bank, pick a new assignment and network to my fellow colleagues about what facility has better treatment of staff.

I love being a nurse. Agency nursing allows me to concentrate on nursing not politics, not getting bogged down on negative and unhappy staff, and I get exposure to new fields of interest (I acquired my ACLS while doing agency and the agency paid for my training class ... it was $ 200.00)....

Let's unite as one...... Divided we are conquered!!!!

[CEN35]

In almost 3 years I never posted in here. I decided to come in and take a look!

I am a nurse manager of an ER for those of you that don't know me yet. I also moderate the Off-Topic and Emergency nursing forums. My name is Rick!

Up until July.......we had only used agency nurses a few times. We have had some people quit to go agency, and some people go to other departments in the hospital. We have also had this happen in groupls of 2 -5 people. As you all know........it tkaes way longer to hire new people than it does for someone to quit.

When I started using agency to fill the holes....in the schedule I heard.......what do we need them here for? Give us the money! Well............prior to that it was why do we have to work short? Can't we get some people in here? The unfortunate side of it is......they kinda had the agency nurses are crap for making more money attitude.

Well...........i told them......it's hard to get people in as new hires now. Nobody in the hospital wants to work ER.......we run our a@@'@ off for 8 hours straight most days. The few people that ahve come down to the ER from in house, have said they cannot beleive how rude and obnoxious patients, families and squads can be. They said despite being "Busy" in house......it was nothing like the ER.

My point..........I told them, undertaffed or agency? Your choice! Agency people are welcomed now..........for the most part. The problem is, just like with any job (agency or other)........you get a few agency nurses with NO personality, or no brains. We just ask not to have those specific individuals back!

You guys are great!

Rick

[Pegbert]

I am so happy to read the positive comments on the board on this subject. The only other thing I want to add to this subject is this. Anyone can do agency, it is a choice. It does not make you any better or worse for the experience. I enjoy it. I must tell you though, for the past two years I have been doing agency, I pretty much go to one hospital. I have been there for so long, I feel like staff. I have made friends with my fellow nurses, and have learned a great deal from them as well. I feel very bad for the staff nurses for the low pay they get. It is a topic that is discussed quite often among the staff. I have learned to keep my mouth shut, like they need to hear the LPN is make almost l0.00 more on the hour than them. But, I do feel bad for them, they are hard working, dedicated and loving nurses. I wish their management would pay them what they deserve. Alot of them have quit over the past two years, some have gone agency, and some have just moved on. But, the ones that hang in there, for the low pay, God Bless them. It is the patients that matter to them, and to me.

[Brita01]

Originally posted by CEN35
In almost 3 years I never posted in here. I decided to come in and take a look!

I am a nurse manager of an ER for those of you that don't know me yet. I also moderate the Off-Topic and Emergency nursing forums. My name is Rick!

Up until July.......we had only used agency nurses a few times. We have had some people quit to go agency, and some people go to other departments in the hospital. We have also had this happen in groupls of 2 -5 people. As you all know........it tkaes way longer to hire new people than it does for someone to quit.

When I started using agency to fill the holes....in the schedule I heard.......what do we need them here for? Give us the money! Well............prior to that it was why do we have to work short? Can't we get some people in here? The unfortunate side of it is......they kinda had the agency nurses are crap for making more money attitude.

Well...........i told them......it's hard to get people in as new hires now. Nobody in the hospital wants to work ER.......we run our a@@'@ off for 8 hours straight most days. The few people that ahve come down to the ER from in house, have said they cannot beleive how rude and obnoxious patients, families and squads can be. They said despite being "Busy" in house......it was nothing like the ER.

My point..........I told them, undertaffed or agency? Your choice! Agency people are welcomed now..........for the most part. The problem is, just like with any job (agency or other)........you get a few agency nurses with NO personality, or no brains. We just ask not to have those specific individuals back!

You guys are great!

Rick

Thanks for your positive comments. I'm sure the nurses love to come to your facility. It feels good to work where you know that you are appreciated.

[Jay Levan]

I have been an R.N. for 28yrs and have done Agency Nursing for the last 21yrs. Of course with that much experience to draw on, I have had wonderful, rich and rewarding experiences as well as "Dirty Ratzafras" experiences. However, I have learned to keep the "Peaks and Valleys" as smooth as possible. For those who spoke against Agency Nurses, about their highly paid salaries, let me ask "Could you afford to pay $7,000 per year for your healthcare coverage? Well my cost for coverage is going to be approximately $9,000 - $10,000 per year very soon, and I live in Rural Georgia Well then you might ask why not come on Staff?? No Thanx! Political infighting is not my forte, nursing is, that is taking care of patients, it has always been that way for me, and until they Kick my Butt out to pasture it always will be.
For Brian, If I travel to Cleveland, I"d be happy to give your staff and E.R. a try
I accept all assignments, no matter how rediculous(Never let 'em see you sweat!) and I know there will be times when the Staff will sit on their "Duffs" while I'M running my Buns off again, but thats O.K. 'cause I know my patients are being as well taken care of as the situation allows. Plus I encourage my "Complainers" to communicate their dissatisfaction if it is well founded As to Agency Nurses that don't like their assignment, it has been my experience that they do not last long More hours I can work

[sayitgirl]

Originally Posted by Jay Levan

I have been an R.N. for 28yrs and have done Agency Nursing for the last 21yrs. Of course with that much experience to draw on, I have had wonderful, rich and rewarding experiences as well as "Dirty Ratzafras" experiences. However, I have learned to keep the "Peaks and Valleys" as smooth as possible. For those who spoke against Agency Nurses, about their highly paid salaries, let me ask "Could you afford to pay $7,000 per year for your healthcare coverage? Well my cost for coverage is going to be approximately $9,000 - $10,000 per year very soon, and I live in Rural Georgia Well then you might ask why not come on Staff?? No Thanx! Political infighting is not my forte, nursing is, that is taking care of patients, it has always been that way for me, and until they Kick my Butt out to pasture it always will be.
For Brian, If I travel to Cleveland, I"d be happy to give your staff and E.R. a try
I accept all assignments, no matter how rediculous(Never let 'em see you sweat!) and I know there will be times when the Staff will sit on their "Duffs" while I'M running my Buns off again, but thats O.K. 'cause I know my patients are being as well taken care of as the situation allows. Plus I encourage my "Complainers" to communicate their dissatisfaction if it is well founded As to Agency Nurses that don't like their assignment, it has been my experience that they do not last long More hours I can work

Your comment is very encouraging.It is trying at times to continue in nursing. I had a problem at working per diem job this is the second one I have had in two months. And it is the same old thing, nurses eating their young. No matter where you go there it is, I might just go back into agency. Just do not want to work in a hospital though....

[tampabaylpn2rn]

in regards to benefits, my agency pays the first $300.00 a month on health insurance, and i get free scrubs and i get a bonus if i work atleast 36 hours a week.


p.s. Tiger...it's "per diem"