Advice

EGspirit · Jan 25, 2018

I think you're saying that a facility terminated your contract and told the travel agency a lie about your performance. And then you ask, how can people lie? I mean...that's what people do to get their way. They wanted to terminate your contract, so they had to lie to do it.

You want to hear a story...

When I was traveling, I had a facility terminate my contract. They were terrible. Unprofessional. What had happen was... I got into an argument with someone who was trying to make me give my patient a sedative that she didn't need. And when she insisted ("You give sedative now!" she told me in broken English) I said "No. Go away." When I spoke back like that, she said that constituted a threat and called security and said I was dangerous. When security came, I got pissed. Not violent, but I was definitely raising my voice. I was outraged. Eventually, I said, "Fine F... Y... take report on my patients, and I'm out of here. I quit!"

The security gaurd then told me the only way I was leaving was in handcuffs.

Let me repeat that: The security guard told me the only way I was leaving was in handcuffs.

My only choice was to go back and care for the 3 ICU patients that they had given me and I was not allowed to leave.

So, first they felt it was appropriate to call security over a disagreement on medication.

Then they used security to keep me from leaving. That is insanity.

If I needed security called in the first place, wouldn't it be good to not have me around the patients?

But I was a traveler. And that's the kind of facility they were. And I didn't want to be arrested, so I took care of their patients.

Needless to say, I DID NOT go back for my next shift. I told my company. They, I'm sure, told my company something else, because they weren't going to say they used their security guard to make me finish my shift.

But hey, my next assignment was great. I stayed for two contracts.

You're next one will be great, too. F... them. :)

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jan 25, 2018

I had 25 years of experience when I started travel nursing, travel nursing is a very tough gig. We are under a special microscope. I had 3 travel assignments. Had an issue with all three... that had nothing to do with my skills. Some staff feel.. travelers are threatening their job and will report you for squat.

I was reported for appearing "tired" giving report at the end of my 12 hours.

Your agency will either investigate appropriately.. or blame it on you.

Your decision to remain in nursing should not be affected by these unique circumstances.

You should consider a position outside of the hospital setting. I endend up working from home for an insurance company. Think outside the box.. look for alternatives to use your skills.

Best wishes.

Qing · Jan 29, 2018

Thanks for telling me that. I just feel like I was treated as a disposable person and the lying I feel is wrong. Now I am just updating the resume and going forward. What I do not understand how can someone be okay with saying a different story altogether when in fact it was so different from happened.

NedRN · Jan 29, 2018

All workers are disposable if those in power wish to run their businesses like that. You do not have to keep the same agency, and it might be better to switch anyway. You can just delete this assignment on your work history if you don't have a good reference. To protect yourself, it is always best to obtain written references early and often. Then you may be able to protect yourself from a false claim of incompetence, and at least have the option to keep that episode on your work history (resume) with a good reference in hand.

Qing · Jan 29, 2018

I should add that I have not been booked for another assignment since. And thanks NedRN I will consider what you said. It has only been a short period with this agency so yes I will move forward.

CameToSlay · Jan 30, 2018

My advice... You've got to roll with the punches!

Be 'low-maintenance', easy going, but also able to defend yourself if necessary.

Good luck!

EGspirit · Jan 30, 2018

Thanks for telling me that. I just feel like I was treated as a disposable person and the lying I feel is wrong. Now I am just updating the resume and going forward. What I do not understand how can someone be okay with saying a different story altogether when in fact it was so different from happened.

Because some people in their hearts are evil. I'm not. You're not. So, we don't understand it. It's one thing to strike out in anger. We all do bad things on an impulse at times, but to calculatingly lie in order to hurt someone is not bad; it's evil. So, unless you're evil yourself, you're never going to get it. That's what I think.

Qing · Jan 30, 2018

So you guys are right. I am not even going to put this company down as I got no call and now am terminated. I haven't been with them for even a year. I have references from my previous employer that I can use and did take courses for upgrading so I can use that.

NedRN · Jan 31, 2018

Don't use agencies ever as references. Only facilities.

Qing · Jan 31, 2018

Thanks Ned for your input I really appreciate it and everyone else who has put their two cents. I don't know what to say right now as nobody even called or anything, but to be on the safe side I won't even put that facility I did not have an issue with because they manage the other facility I went to. The more I think about it, if the facility cannot keep its own staff it must be a big problem going on there. Thanks for the travel story EGSpirit and Beentheredonethat, it makes me feel better that I am not the alone who would deal with this. I was blindsided by this as nothing was said to me while I was there, so it really took me by surprise. Anyway, I will keep my head up and move forward and land something else.

mississippiRN71 · Jan 31, 2018

Bless you! While your license is active I would be looking for jobs like dialysis. They are used to working with the nursing board. Good luck!