Short-term assignments

have you ever done any perdiem agency work? keep in mind that if you are doing a short term assignment they may expect you to work without any orientation. Which isn't much of an easy in! It depends on the hospital so it's a good idea to ask about the orientation when you interview - or ask your recruiter. For a 13 week assignment you usually get at least 2 orientation days - one doing facility paperwork, etc and one working on the unit you have been hired onto. If you are there for a shorter time they might not give you that and also might be less likely to give you things like access to computers and stuff figuring it's not worth their time setting it up for someone so temporary. Trust me it's a real PIA to have to function in a setting without all the requisite passwords and security clearances! Every time you want to do this or that on the computer you have to get a staff member to do it for you which also doesn't make you that popular.

Taking a shorter term assignment gives less commitment than a 13 weeker - but you also have less time to get used to the place so I don't know that it makes the transition any easier - I would actually see it as more challenging and stressful.

I have heard many times about nurses that go up to northern outpost nursing stations to relieve staff there. Maybe you could look into Alaskan outpost nsg. I've heard about some people who have gone for as little as two weeks. I don't know any companies specifically, and maybe that setup really uncommon, I dont know......but something to look at maybe? Good Luck

I have worked for as little as 1 week in a nursing station in NW Ontario. They really don't like you going for this short a period as the travel costs are high for the agency but when they are desparate they will send you anywhere for as long as you will go. Not sure if they do the same things in Alaska as the system there is different. Nursing stations in Canada for the most part are run by Health Canada. To work in a nursing station does require that you can legally work in Canada and have registration (licensure) in the province or territory that you will be working in. Nursing stations are usually very remote, many are only acessible by plane and can be as far away as the high arctic, so you have to be prepared for the isolation and high cost of food. On the plus side you never work alone, you have much more independence and a broader scope of practice (can suture, prescribe and dispense meds etc), the people are appreciative of you being there, you learn about new cultures and see some of the most spectacular and remote scenery in the world!

So how do you find any of these outpost nursing stations? or what agencies/companies staff these? any ideas?

I am an RN in British Columbia with 20 year experience and I am going in for my first Outpost job. I have been dealing with Drake Medox in Vancouver. Check out their website www.drakemedox.com.

Hello

Just wanted to reply. I have actually worked with Nurse Choice on two assignments. Both assignments were 8 week assignments. I believe I recieved two days at the first hospital which a small hospital in Texas. For the second assignment which was a large teaching hospital in SoCal I recieved one day of orientation but I had to work without a password for a couple days which really is PIA. Hope that helps. Good Luck

BTW- these were not my first travel assignments. I started out doing local travel but they were 13 week assignments.

Hi everyone. I was wondering if anyone can tell me more about Nurse Choice. I am currently in the process of picking assignments with them - still in the reference check arena. I have heard good and bad about this agency and could use all the honest info I can get. Can anybody give me some advice for this company.....would you recommend?

I have done numerous assignments with NurseChoice. My recruiter was always professional, and my paychecks were always on time and correct. Unfortunately, I had to move to another agency in January due to the limited amount of assignments with NurseChoice. However, if you can get an assignment with them, you won't be sorry. Just a note; due to the fact that they do short term assignments 4-8 weeks, you will probably be housed in an extended stay hotel. I never minded this. All the comforts of home.

Thanks for the input. I appreciate the help. I am new to this and just want to make sure I get everything straight.