Specialties School
Published Sep 10
k1p1ssk, BSN, RN
812 Posts
I'm wondering if any of y'all have any idea how contracting with an agency works and how much it might cost to have someone come in sporadically or only a week at a time? I am in such a preliminary stage in exploring this, that I am not ready to start reaching out to agencies and entering into conversations that are not going anywhere.
Our district is small, but we have an agency nurse working 1:1, who is generously provided by the family of the student she works with. Since she is not a district employee, she can take time off whenever she wants, but we are still obligated to provide a nurse to cover her when she is out, but surprise surprise, we have no subs.
I am trying to make a case to our administration that we hire a full time resource nurse who can help with screenings & paperwork, do health education, and be a sub when we need it. When there is other time available, I would have that person float between our elementary schools and be an extra resource to our Pre-K & Kindergarten classes. Our district is also exploring opening up a day care primarily for employee children and I think this nurse could also be helpful for that if it ends up happening. Obviously, this is all going to come down to $$$ and having a good idea of how much it might cost to contract with an agency would be a good place to start.
NutmeggeRN, BSN
2 Articles; 4,659 Posts
If it is an agency, I would bet they are paying a hefty hourly rate for that nurse. If you factor out that vs. what a nurse would get for a 1:1 rate (and it should not be the same rate you are getting), and add the cost of benefits if they are full-time, you might make the case for a district hire that would allow for stability and safety for the student as well as the safety and continuity of their education, they night bite. Also if available, a small stipend in lieu of benefits (if they have a spouse that has benefits) might make them more financially attractive. Good luck!
NutmeggeRN said: If it is an agency, I would bet they are paying a hefty hourly rate for that nurse. If you factor out that vs. what a nurse would get for a 1:1 rate (and it should not be the same rate you are getting), and add the cost of benefits if they are full-time, you might make the case for a district hire that would allow for stability and safety for the student as well as the safety and continuity of their education, they night bite. Also if available, a small stipend in lieu of benefits (if they have a spouse that has benefits) might make them more financially attractive. Good luck!
That's what I would bet... I just can't seem to get an agency to let me know what it would cost to just have them as a retainer or if they even do that sort of thing!
Thanks for your help!