End of an assignment

NedRN · Jan 7, 2015

I don't usually but those are not bad ideas at all. I have bought candy at the end of extended assignments. I've read of other travelers buying donuts early in an assignment to help thaw cliquey staff. I try to show appreciation of an assignment by working hard and helping others when I'm free.

roostermt · Jan 12, 2015

Starbucks:yes: - Also, you might ask your manager for their cell phone number as well as a new reference letter. It can't hurt to update your file with the latest travel Gig.

Dinsey · Jan 13, 2015

Thank you both for your suggestions! Of course I always endeavor to be the best nurse and teammate possible.

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Jan 14, 2015

My first assignment will be over in about two months. Actually, it will be the end of 2 contracts at the same place. I decided to take pictures of my coworkers in a group at the end of each assignment, pic of the facility and each badge and start a picture album like the ones you can make on Shutterfly, this way when my travel days end I have a nice visual memory book to look back on ðŸ˜Š

dutchie · Jan 14, 2015

Mine will be ending soon also. I was told I should get a reference before I leave. Is there a generic form or do I use agency specific?

Taking pics and making a scrapbook sounds like a good idea too!

NedRN · Jan 15, 2015

Not only should you get a written reference (or two or three) before you leave, but you should start collecting them on week 3. If you get terminated for any reason, having written references can serve as a defense professionally and in any board action. If you don't get a written reference before you leave, it can be next to impossible to get even a verbal reference after that. Many if not most hospitals (and most large employers) have policies about references for ex-employees (and contract employees) as they have risks and can be sued no matter if the references are positive or negative. All you or your future employers will get out of hospitals are dates of employment, and sometimes will rehire / won't rehire.

You can always ask for a letter from charge nurses and above (the higher the better), but a form that takes a couple of minutes to fill out while you wait is more practical. You can find a couple of reference forms for travel nurses available for free download on PanTravelers. Your agency will get a reference/evaluation for your assignment too, but they will never give you a copy because you can take it to another agency - hope that says something about the value of written references to your career!

dutchie · Jan 19, 2015

I can't find the reference form to download. Anyone have a link? Thank you!

NedRN · Jan 19, 2015

PanTravelers>Resources>Downloads You need to do a free signup first.