Employment advertisements are flooding our newspapers, newsletters, nursing journals, e-mails, and even our private mail. The ads seem to be saying that the employer can make all our dreams come true. How can I tell which job is really the best for me? Nurses Announcements Archive Article
Every ad claims that the employer has the best working conditions; the best staffing ratio; the best educational program; the best flexibility; the best benefits package; the best pay; etc; etc; and above all offers the best sign-on bonus. If everyone claims to be the best, what is the truth?
It appears, from the overwhelming number of help-wanted ads and direct mailings, that my knowledge and skills are really valuable. The incentives offered by these employers, seem to be what I've been looking for. That makes me feel good; like I'm finally being noticed. But are these just more promises and what do they really mean by the best? A closer look at the "real world" of Nurse Recruiters might open my eyes to the facts. How transparent are their tactics?
A Recruiter is in the unenviable position of building a skilled workforce in the critical field of health care where there is a limited pool of nurses. He is using every Public Relations Method, Human Resource Management Technique, and Advertising Tool that he can lay his hands on in order to meet the manpower need of his Facility. In the advertising world, claiming to be the best, do the best, and give the most, makes the help-wanted ad look appealing, but may lack real meaning. There is no way to measure the claim to be "the best".
How about the bonus? As it turns out, by any measurement, the bonus is actually a superficial benefit, a "Bogus Bonus"; deferred compensation. It is a great employee retention tool designed for the benefit of the employer. Instead of immediate payment for an employee's services, the company retains the money for a predetermined period of time to retain the employee. I like the benefits in all their forms, but which one is best for me? What kinds of benefits am I really looking for?
Therefore, I will plan to take certain steps to protect my interests.
Since trusting to memory is the most unreliable way to conduct business, I will take specific actions before accepting a job offer. The details of the terms and conditions of my employment will be negotiated in an objective, non-confrontational manner by an Agent of my State Nurses Association. I will be happy to pay a fee for this service since it will give me the peace of mind that the terms and conditions of the employment agreement cannot be changed or conveniently forgotten at the whim of my employer or myself. It will be written, signed, and in my employment file. Since this employment agreement is important to me, I will be sure to keep a copy for myself.
Yes, I may be dreaming, but, I have the hope that someday there will be those who recognize the need for nurses to be represented by an Agent at the Nurse Recruiters' and Human Resource Specialists' negotiating tables. With well-planned terms and conditions already agreed to, the relationship between the employer and myself would be secure. Threats and intimidations would be a thing of the past. Will the time come when I will be able to find an Agent in my State Nurses Association or will I find an Agent at a Nurse Talent Agency?
Understand the truth that today's Nurse Recruiter is just doing his job. It is ultimately the responsibility of the job seeker to remove the rose colored glasses, see the reality and assess what is being offered, identify the pros and cons, and once satisfied with the employment package, get it in writing.