Did I make the right choice?

[Toaster]

Hello,

I recently got hired by the nursing agency for long term care facility. My experience is only in the hospitals as clinical placements and I have not yet worked as a nurse. I asked them if i could have a shadow shift to see how it is like in LTC and they said that they are working on it but a shadow shift would not be guarenteed. Instead, they would provide 2 hour on spot orientation prior to starting shift. They called me today to do the night shift, i agreed but few hours later I declined because i felt uncomfortable.

My question is, did I do the right thing? Should I try it once and see how its like or should i tell them that i will not be working with them...? The manager called me and said that it is very hard to find a shadow shift and all their staff do not have an official orientation.

Thank you

[brownbook]

36 minutes ago, amusedRN750 said:

Wow! All they are offering is a 2 hour orientation before you start on your own? I would not work for anyone who is not going to give you a good orientation (at least a few weeks) because it is your license on the line. If you make an error, they won't stand behind you. Follow your gut.

I understand your response, but I assume this was the case of a facility using an agency nurse to temporarily fill in, could be just for one shift. The facility expects these agencies to send a nurse with enough nursing experience to hit the ground running with as little as two hours of orientation.

It is tough, agency nurses need to understand this, and should rightfully be paid accordingly.

[amusedRN750]

23 minutes ago, brownbook said:

I understand your response, but I assume this was the case of a facility using an agency nurse to temporarily fill in, could be just for one shift. The facility expects these agencies to send a nurse with enough nursing experience to hit the ground running with as little as two hours of orientation.

It is tough, agency nurses need to understand this, and should rightfully be paid accordingly.

Oh I see! That makes more sense! Thanks for clarifying ?

[Toaster]

35 minutes ago, brownbook said:

I understand your response, but I assume this was the case of a facility using an agency nurse to temporarily fill in, could be just for one shift. The facility expects these agencies to send a nurse with enough nursing experience to hit the ground running with as little as two hours of orientation.

It is tough, agency nurses need to understand this, and should rightfully be paid accordingly.

You’re right. Facitilies call agency to fill up shortage staff due to sick calls etc.

[Toaster]

Thanks for you input, everyone.

I am going to write up the resignation letter and send it to HR tomorrow. Looking back, i think should have just declined the position but I was desperate because I am not able to get a nursing job. In addition, not only would I be risking pts but myself as well. At the moment i feel like time will run out and my license will expire (2 more years left) if I do not practise as a nurse.

[RatherBHiking, BSN, RN]

You are going to need to network. Let everyone know you're looking for a job. Ask any of your classmates that have a job if they can put in a good word for you and to let you know when there is an opening coming up. Go talk to managers in person and see if you can observe for the day because you're really interested in their unit and give them business cards so they can remember you. Volunteer at some places you want to work if you can and make a good impression by being friendly and willing to help. Things like this will help because you'll be seen as someone willing to go the extra mile.

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

20 hours ago, Blue_Moon said:

I tried to edit this horrible English but it wouldn't let me. Thanks autocorrect! I meant to say I don't think you did the wrong thing! Lol! I'm sure you knew what I meant though!!

I don't think you didn't do the wrong thing.

Now that's funny! I kind of prefer your auto corrected version. What a backwards way of saying you actually did the wrong thing!

[Superbabes]

On 3/25/2019 at 5:41 PM, Toaster said:

I have been applying to hospitals, ltc/nursing homes and clinics. Unfortunately in Canada where I am living, most of the organizations here require online applications only, no in-person applications allowed.

Hi! I live in Canada as well. Even though it’s an online process I would still strongly recommend you to go straight to the manager with your cover letter and resume. If you don’t know where the manager’s office is go on to the unit and ask. It takes a lot of courage but managers will remember you. That’s how my friend got a job!

[beemrdon]

Just think how much more difficult it would be if there wasn't a "nursing shortage".?

I ended up moving to another state to get a job...in a SNF! Spent 2 years there and got out with my license intact, just barely. Now working in hospice.

[RNfindingherway, BSN, RN]

3 minutes ago, beemrdon said:

Just think how much more difficult it would be if there wasn't a "nursing shortage".?

I ended up moving to another state to get a job...in a SNF! Spent 2 years there and got out with my license intact, just barely. Now working in hospice.

Beemrdon, what you mean got out with your lincense intact, just barely? I know what SNF workload can be.

[beemrdon]

Long story but The administrator will always choose saving his/her own skin while throwing you/me/whoever under the bus should something happen.

[beemrdon]

Never work in a SNF but if you must, always have your own insurance on your license.

[RNfindingherway, BSN, RN]

On 3/25/2019 at 2:29 PM, Toaster said:

Hello,

I recently got hired by the nursing agency for long term care facility. My experience is only in the hospitals as clinical placements and I have not yet worked as a nurse. I asked them if i could have a shadow shift to see how it is like in LTC and they said that they are working on it but a shadow shift would not be guarenteed. Instead, they would provide 2 hour on spot orientation prior to starting shift. They called me today to do the night shift, i agreed but few hours later I declined because i felt uncomfortable.

My question is, did I do the right thing? Should I try it once and see how its like or should i tell them that i will not be working with them...? The manager called me and said that it is very hard to find a shadow shift and all their staff do not have an official orientation.

Thank you

Toaster, yes you did the right thing. No questions about that. If something happened that night and you lost your license they all was going to cover themselves and not you. I got two weeks orientation on 7:45am-3:45pm. I was thrown on 3:45pm-12:00am shift as Charge Nurse. The other CN didn't want to teach me anything until the staff started to talk and said if I was speaking her language and from her country she would help me? She started to come around. I couldn't go to administration because they was rubbing shoulder together. I used to have panic attacks going to work. Please always listen to your heart. You did the right thing.