Agency nursing and cancelling shifts

[Nursey916]

I have a question. I work for a nursing agency and put myself down to work evening shift tomorrow weeks ago. I just realized today though that I have an important event to be at tomorrow. I tried cancelling my shift for tomorrow and my recruiter (she's rather pushy) told me I can't cause she has no coverage. Ummmm is that really my problem though? I'm kind of new to agency nursing so I don't know how things work. I do know that I tried giving her over 24 hours notice...

[KKEGS, MSN, RN]

Yeah they don't look kindly on canceling. Which makes sense. They are a business and if you don't work they don't get paid either. Once you accept and confirm the shift then that's it. You can't back out unless you have a really good reason.

My agencies have specific reasons that are considered ok (illness, family emergency, etc.) for canceling myself. Bad weather, car trouble, lack of childcare, etc. are not acceptable reasons to cancel. My guess is a scheduling conflict isn't an acceptable reason. If you really can't work then you just have to be honest and tell them you will not be there. They might let it go but they might also terminate you. Just a heads up.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Review your contract. 24 hours may, or may not be adequate.

That being said, you are agency, you have to take your hours where you get them. I would honor the obligation to the shift.