how do you get through a bad assignment

bagladyrn, RN · Nov 18, 2008

I have 12 weeks left of torture. I'm really trying to stay positive and just enjoy my days off to the fullest.
I'm having a hard time being positive at work. Has anyone had a bad assignment and how do you get through it? Thanks.

You are already on the right track by doing really enjoyable things on your days off! Treat yourself really well - plan some treats for yourself.

As for on the job, unless it is something that endangers a patient or your license, just ignore them and tell yourself "In another 12 weeks (or less every shift!) I never have to deal with you again". If the situation is endangering any of the above, keep working with your company liason, keeping them apprised of problems and asking for their help to solve it. I have done this and in the one situation where the issues couldn't be resolved, they had enough solid info that I was advised that I could give notice on the contract and have no penalties since it was well documented that I had gone the distance to try to resolve it - they had me in a new contract in a week.

Things have only been this bad once in 12+ years.

Hang in there, vent here when necessary and in a couple of weeks (I start about 8 weeks out) you can start looking for a better place for your next contract. Get a big calendar and put big red "X's" through each shift you survive!

amy0123, BSN, RN · Nov 19, 2008

Sounds like you just started your first week on an assignment. Sometimes the first week is the worst. That is when you discover all the quirks and short falls of the facility. Sometimes its the staff. But there are personalities here and there. What helps me is looking forward to my days off. Plan something different or special on those days. Find someone to trust to talk to about the bad days (your recruiter). If there is another traveler there, make friends and talk about the place. Talking helps with venting. Sometimes talking helps you think a different way about a situation. My assignment was pretty horrible but then I got use to it with time and even extended the assignment. I love X'ing the days away until the end of the assignment!

jabezgal · Dec 3, 2008

Hope things are getting better for you on the assignment. Where are you currently traveling in? What kind of facility-teaching or private? Venting always seems to help!!!!

I am getting a little nervous trying to decide where to go on my next assignment. I got really lucky on my first assignment, which is where I am currently leaving. The only reason I am going is because I don't want to become too comfortable stay put...definately want to see different areas.

Good luck, let us know how things are going.

wanderlust99 · Dec 5, 2008

Things have gotten sooo much better. I really struggled my first 3-4 weeks though. I had a strong HATE towards the place! lol

I have gotten used to it though, I still don't really like it. I just stay put in my room and that's about it. It is a little depressing, the area and all I hate as well. I'm pretty lonely & that is hard to deal with...but at the least the job isn't torture for me anymore.

It was just a culture shock for me going from a large teaching hospital to a small community hospital. I think I have 9-10 weeks left...so I will survive. :up:

jabezgal · Dec 6, 2008

It was just a culture shock for me going from a large teaching hospital to a small community hospital.

Those two environments can definately be quite different from each other; especially if you enjoy working at a higher acuity, faster pace facility. The pace sometimes move a little slower in the community settings. Congrats on making it through the first month :yeah:

Spiderella · Dec 7, 2008

Hang in there Rachel...this too shall pass.