[Artemis2]

I'm a long time agency Nurse and have relocated to Atlanta. I've checked the newspaper and the phone book but it seems that the only agencies that are doing any advertising are home care agencies and I am critical care. I lived and worked here once before but I am not seeing any familiar agency names. Once I worked for a big agency called ATC. It was started by nurses and became a fortune 500 company but they seem to have disappeared. Anyone know what became of them?

I would appreciate any info anyone can give me on the work climate here. What hospitals are using agencies? Have the hospitals boosted PRN pay so that they no longer need agencies? Where are the staffing shortages? How much are the agencies paying?
Thanks,
Linda

[nightingale]

Originally Posted by Artemis2

I'm a long time agency Nurse and have relocated to Atlanta. I've checked the newspaper and the phone book but it seems that the only agencies that are doing any advertising are home care agencies and I am critical care. I lived and worked here once before but I am not seeing any familiar agency names. Once I worked for a big agency called ATC. It was started by nurses and became a fortune 500 company but they seem to have disappeared. Anyone know what became of them?

I would appreciate any info anyone can give me on the work climate here. What hospitals are using agencies? Have the hospitals boosted PRN pay so that they no longer need agencies? Where are the staffing shortages? How much are the agencies paying?
Thanks,
Linda

I have not heard of ATC.

I am not familiar with area. I hope someone who know the area will see this.

I have gone directly to the Scheduling Office to ask who they use as Agency, both local and Nationwide (if a contract is what you are after).

Boost PRN wages by the facility? Well, I have seen it locally, it is sometimes comparable. To me, it is NOT all about money but other benefits like no meetings, you can choose you schedule with PRN, etc.

Shortages vary, check with your local area. Agency Nursing is alive and prospering in most communites.

[Artemis2]

Nightngale, thanks for responding.

Boost PRN wages by the facility?

Yep... the last hospital that I worked at in Nashville (I was Agency) did this. Their PRN pool was making the same hourly wage that I was. Plus if they worked two days a month they were eligable to buy into the health insurance plan. (not an issue for me.) I can see the benefit of this for the hospital as it helps to create a more stable staff at lower cost to the facility.

To me, it is NOT all about money but other benefits

Amen! I do not like giving any control over my life to a hospital. I've been in the business too long and know that in the long run a hospital has no loyalty to its staff. You are simply numbers on pieces of paper and their biggest expense...and they treat you that way.

[nightingale]

Originally Posted by Artemis2

You are simply numbers on pieces of paper and their biggest expense...and they treat you that way.

Sad but true...

Keep in touch and let us know how you make out.

Anyone in the Atlanta area?