Don't know what to do...

Specialties Private Duty

Published

My Monday/Wednesday patient has been in the hospital for two weeks. I pray for them. In the meantime, I am losing 20 hours a week; I was *just* starting to get back on my feet. Yeah, I know, private duty and all. The agency doesn't seem to have another "in the mean time" assignment for me. Should I start applying to other agencies?

OrganizedChaos, LVN

1 Article; 6,883 Posts

Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

Yes. I would always work for 2-3 agencies while doing PDN. It is not the most reliable job so having other agencies/patient's will help if another patient goes into the hospital or what have you.

ceebeejay

389 Posts

Thanks. That's what I figured. Argh, the dreaded resume update. I need to change the whole thing now, because I have actual skills and experience. Ha! Not much, but I have them.

SDALPN

997 Posts

Specializes in Peds(PICU, NICU float), PDN, ICU.

If you are with a larger agency you can float between offices. I float across the state as I can. They pay hotel if needed, gas, and pay extra per hour when I travel. Plus after work I can see the beach or mountains or city where I am. If I'm low on work, I check with other offices.

ceebeejay

389 Posts

I am sending my resume around. They called me that my patient should be coming home tonight. Hopefully, this holds true. I miss the little smiley face.

maryen

95 Posts

I am signed on with 2 agencies and It is hard to keep up with both of them in terms of updates and requirements!! I hope it all works out for you and your patent. It is differentally easiest to be with just one agency.

ceebeejay

389 Posts

Darn, patient wasn't released. Poor thing. Parents must be exhausted. Still looking around.

systoly

1,756 Posts

Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

even if your pt comes back, continue what you're doing

so maybe next time it will be easier to bridge

middleagednurse

554 Posts

Specializes in nurseline,med surg, PD.

Apply for unemployment

SDALPN

997 Posts

Specializes in Peds(PICU, NICU float), PDN, ICU.
Apply for unemployment

The agency will fight it and then offer some ridiculous case 2 hours away. The state doesn't care that it will cost more to drive to the case than you will make in a shift. Or the agency will fight it and tell you there are no shifts "for you". Unless you are done with the agency, I would make that your last option.

ceebeejay

389 Posts

I was unemployed for over two years. I don't have enough quarters accrued to received unemployment yet anyway.

Specializes in Pediatric.

At one point too, I had a minimum wage job at a gym (front desk) to make ends meet. They were flexible, letting me pick up more shifts when needed and drop down when I had a full case load.

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