Canceling a contract

[RN/WI, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Question, I have been traveling for 5 years now. Although I’ve had a few assignments I could not wait to be finished with, I have always made it through. I am 15 shifts away from completing this assignment. Last week I was offered an extension, but declined due to problems with unit management. They have been harassing me since week 2 of the assignment. I have spoken with my recruiter multiple times about safety issues and harassment, she told me it will be taken care of and now it’s gotten worse. This is honestly the first time I feel scared that I’ll be set up or at risk for losing my license if I don’t end it now. I guess I’ve never had a real issue where I needed back up with my company until now. Ends up it’s the weekend and my recruiter or company is no where in sight. I called into the hospital myself saying I will not be in . Any suggestions, I will be out $1200 housing I’ve already paid for the month. I get a stipend - my company does not offer housing. I will also lose my health insurance, etc. I can’t believe this! Anyone that’s canceled a contract , please respond. Maybe it’s time to leave travel...

[NedRN]

Nope, never cancelled a contract but have been cancelled. Personally, I'd stick it out but do what you feel you need to do. Your contract may have damages you owe on top of your personal expenditures and these can be high, especially if there are not specific missed shift penalties but open ended non-specific penalties (which could include lost profits and hits to the agency's brand and reputation). Some agencies will hold back last week's pay, and even reverse your last paycheck direct deposit as it is always difficult to sue and then collect. These are worst case scenarios, but they do happen. Some agencies will forgive any such contractual penalties, particularly if you have a good history with them and they want to continue to profit off of you in future assignments.

One thing that is key in my opinion is to ensure that you get a written reference before you leave. This is impossible to get after you have left. If you have that, you can use that facility as a reference and leave on your work history no matter what circumstances develop. I start collecting references week two, usually ending up with four or five per assignment. This protects you, makes it easier to verify your references (fewer calls to your referee), and help establish your own professional portfolio under your control (not the agency) that will make you more valuable to future employers and easier to get off to quick starts no matter traveler or staff.

Get written references from anyone, but try for charge nurse and above.

You can get good short forms that take just a couple minutes for your referee to fill out on PanTravelers. Sign up for a free membership and go to resources>downloads.

Back to your primary problem, totally your decision. You will hopefully get responses here supporting both of your options, but don't let them influence you unduly, your decision and neither one is wrong.

[RN/WI, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Thanks for the response Ned . I will see what my agency says today. I never imagined this scenario to why I would not complete an assignment.