[crystalvisions]

So please fill me in with agency work.
Isn’t this call per diem..or pick and choose when you want to work?
I would like details about the contracts, what they guarantee, what they don’t.
Could you end up working three different shifts at three different hospitals?
How do they list the base plus differentials plus OT?
Are there agencies that don’t pay you the OT?
What is the difference between employment through a hospital and agency when it comes to the pay and benefits?
Isn’t it better to work for a hospital with benefits and guaranteed hours than an agency that MAY call you and have no benefits?
Thank you!

[ChronicNurse]

Agency runs hot and cold. The holidays are the worse time for agency. Staff picks up so there isn't much work to go around but during the rest of the year there are ways to stay very busy with agency work.

First, agencies almost never offer benefits. And yes you can and often do get canceled without much notice. But if you get in good with the agency they will always offer you work. Don't ever call off and the more shifts you accept the more they will offer you. Also, if you get in good with the facility they will ask for you and often offer you first dibs on available shifts. As for contracts, sometimes those are few and far between but it can be done. I did 18 months worth of contracts on a tele unit. Set it up with the nurse manager. But you pretty much have to be a stellar nurse for them to agree to a good contract.

The only way you could end up getting set up for multiple shifts at the same time is if you work for more than one agency and agree to the shifts at the same time. So you need to be carefull and keep an accurate calender.

Most agencies do not pay over time unless the facility agrees to take you under those conditions and most places won't unless your super nurse.

I have been canceled at the last minute many times but often sent somewhere else. When I did the hospital contract it was rare that I was canceled.

I hope this helps.

[Abnnurse]

First of all you have to research the agency firm. Some firms offer a number of benefits i.e., OT, shift dif., day's pay for X number of shifts worked in a row without calling out, I could go on forever. You are correct about another issue, yes you could work all 3 shifts in 3 different facilities. I have a sound relationship with my scheduler, I work only 11-7 and in only a number of facilities. I have been doing this for 3+ years since I have retired from the Army. I am a double full time student, MBA-Healthcare Managment and RN), so working for the agency is a sweet gig for me. I have had those lean times during the winter holidays. I find more work during the summer months. If you are prudent with your finances you can make $$$ and do fine. Finally, there are some firms that offer 401k, health insurance with other bennies. Just do sound research before you sign on to firm.... I believe the pay is better through the agency then per diem.

Abnnurse
US Army Retired

[kitcat3968]

Well, working for agency in Cleveland sounds a little different. Yes, you can can get all the perks: selecting your own schedule, picking your hours and facilities, higher pay, no mandatory OT, no politics. Bad points: possible cancellation, usually not the best benefits. However, I have found one that, and I don't know how they do it, whenever I call in to confirm a shift and they tell me its cancelled, they offer me another facility. It's great. I have a great relationship with my staffing girl. We talk once or twice a week. I have worked under contract, both PRN and local traveller, and have not had the experience of 3 shifts at three difference facilities. Cleveland's contracts may be written differently. When I have signed a contract, it is only one facility at a time generally whatever shift I want (I like 3-11 or 3p-3a). I have had to double back a couple of times, but nothing all that bad. The pay for agency is great! Being a single mom automatically requires more income and a flexible schedule. Hope this helps. Cathy, RN, BSN, Cleveland