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Discussion

First contract

Hi everyone,

I an RN with 5 years of ICU experience, as well as 1 year in Orthopaedics. I decided to try travel nursing because I wanted to experience new things. I signed a 13 week contract in ICU for a hospital in South Florida. I don’t exactly understand what is happening to me right now, and I am not trying to sound like a victim, but I am starting to regret my decision.

I showed up on the very first day for testing. The first two tests had a 90% and 80% passing grade respectively. The third test was PBDS. I managed to fail one of the two tests... I was allowed two re-test a week later (but it almost sounded like they were making an exception). After all of that, the PBDS results came back as being “inconsistent”. Not too sure what that means, sometimes I'm good and sometimes I suck? But the bottom line is that I am being asked to complete 2 weeks of preceptorship, and only then I will find out if this contract is actually going to happen.

In my entire career in nursing, I have never felt or have been told that I “sucked”. What’s happening right now is making me feel stupid. I’ve worked for 3 different employers in my nursing career and all 3 have said that they would take me back if I decided to return. What is even more perplexing is that it’s happening in South Florida, which isn’t exactly reputed for having the highest standards in healthcare.

Has anyone ever experienced this much trouble with onboarding? Am I overthinking it, or is this really a bad situation to be in?

Thanks

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    I think PBDS is on the downswing for testing travelers pass/fail, but most who have had a similar experience will always ask before accepting an assignment. Without some training on this unfamiliar style of testing, many "fail". PBDS was designed to assess incoming new staff to identify weaknesses so those can be addressed during clinical orientation, not to pass/fail travelers. It is likely that your followthrough actions did not match your diagnosis consistently, thus the critique (just guessing though).

    Having done two assignments there (Miami and Miami Beach), I will say you are not missing much if you pass on this one. Other than beaches of course. The working environment sucks there big time. Frankly it has ruined any thought I've had to consider Florida or much of the South ever again. Too many other places to work with better conditions and more pay. Holidays only, and no HCA exposure.

    I'm curious about the two weeks of preceptorship: is that paid? If so, I'd consider doing it if the housing situation is OK. They must need warm bodies despite the stringent screening.

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    • Author

    Well, actually I didn't ask my recruiter if it would be paid or not... I just assumed that it would be. I don't think it would be legal not to pay me. I will call my recruiter tomorrow to verify that it will be paid, stipends and all.

    What I am wondering is why a healthcare system would bother with all of that for a 3 month assignment. It sounds more like something they would do for a new hire.

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    I agree.

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    Turns out it will be paid, including the stipends!

    Thank God!

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    Turns out the contract was cancelled today ...

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    Did you have a Plan B?

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    • Author

    I did not. I had put all my energy on being in that location. Thankfully, my spouse earns enough for the both of us... so it's not like I'm going to be out on the street.

    I think I just got a good dose of the South Florida travel nursing experience everyone is talking about.

    I have a compact license and California. I will take this as a hint that there could be something better for me out there.

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    California is definitely better than Florida. I think there is only one HCA hospital there - in San Jose. But even that one has to follow the safe staffing law there.

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    I suggest asking your recruiter before submitting you for an assignment if it requires PBDS testing. Try to avoid those assignments in the future as well as any other assignments that have a test that if failed your contract is at risk of being terminated.

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