Anyone out there work for two staffing agencies?

Crystal2dish · Aug 12, 2008

My thoughts on this are as follows:

1. If it isn't in writing, then it wasn't stated or agreed upon. Clarity in a contract is everything.

2. If you are an agency nurse, you decide the where and when of working conditions and how much compensation you will accept for your services. Then you transcribe these parameters into ink and paper, keeping a copy of everything for yourself.

3. Don't be wishy washy about what you want, keeping your fingers crossed behind your back and hoping they will grant your wish. No. Take control. Decide and clarify in your own mind what you want and only then can that be written down and communicated to the agency. Understand? An agency nurse is their own best agent/advocate. Ultimately, you and your license stand alone in the tangled legal forest. Best way to do this is to be proactive, organized, and communicate clearly and specifically.

4. Let each agency know exactly what days and hours and etc. they can have you for each week/month. Make sure you know that you can get from point A to point B at stated locations in time. Your words need to be backed up in writing. So don't write it unless you can meet or exceed the expectations. The individual details between you and each agency are confidential.

I experienced a backstabbing sneaky cutthroat competition between two agencies I worked for at one time. Fortunately, I was able to discern the underhanded agency from the more ethical one and stuck to my guns. It was a tricky scenario and created a bit of chaos in the workplace as the lowlife agency tried to undermine my credibility with the boss by suddenly pulling me off the floor to work elsewhere. Another plus for careful wording in contracts and understanding the fine print. It is helpful to understand some rules of business and law to protect yourself, but it can be done. Never give up the control as it will ultimately be your reputation and license on the line.

Sounds bothersome. But it is easier to do than you think as it is just a flip in the mindset between being a drone worker and an independent agent. No offense intended re: drone workers. It is stated as such because the majority of employees, whether nurses or steelworkers, find it easier to have someone else manage the scheduling and assignments. Then the worker can focus only on what the worker skills do and so on...

When I work as an agency nurse, I carry my office in a bag. I have a cell phone, a calender, a book of contacts, etc. I have my little toothbrush, breath mints, deodorant, snacks & lunch, plus enough money for whatever. All organized and condensed into one bag. I always state that I will accept the assignment only with such perks as free parking in close proximity to the workplace, etc. I show up early, introduce myself to everyone, put away my stuff into a secure locker or drawer, and am ready to work.

Prior to entering the zone of agency nursing, I shared similar concerns to yours. I have since learned that the above only makes employers want you more and on a permanent basis. It also makes your life richer and gives you more freedom and control. There is something freeing about knowing you can walk out anytime if the workplace is just not throwing off good juju. You no longer have to play head games or whine about how awful it is at work and how unbearable your days have become. You become an independent "plug-n-play" professional entity. And how you play it is entirely within your control.

And that's just my experienced opinion...:dncgbby:

FireStarterRN, BSN, RN · Aug 12, 2008

Thanks for all the tips.

I've been doing agency since April when I did a 13 week contract, then have been doing per diem agency at the same facility. So far I've done everything in one unit, it's been an excellent fit and I got excellent reviews.

So yesterday I quit my old hospital where I was per diem and had only worked once since April.

Now I'm signing up with another staffing agency as well, and plan to work through either one, depending on what contracts or hospitals appeal to me more.

I like this because of the personal autonomy I'm getting. That is my main motivation.

gonzo1, ASN, RN · Aug 12, 2008

I am signed on with 5 agencies. However, only 1 does an excellent job for me so I rarely work for the other 4. Like to keep my options open so am signed on with the others as well.