First Travel Assignment :(

snortzmom · Mar 10, 2009

The nice thing about travel nursing is that the contract usually only lasts 13 weeks. Hang in there.. K.

britgirl37 · Mar 10, 2009

I 'm sorry you're having a bad time, unfortunately some hospitals are like that, I once worked in a place where staff just completely blanked me and held conversations amongst themselves where I obviously wasn't welcome . Some places just take a while to get used to you. Not all hospitals are like this, many are just grateful for the help. Like the other poster said, its only 13wks, stick with it and you'll be stronger for the next one.

nurseeB · Mar 10, 2009

I am sorry you are having a bad first experience with travel nursing. Keep your head up and count down the days left in your contract. :) Sometimes staff just takes some time to warm up to the "agency" nurses. Also, this is where a good recruiter comes in handy. There were assignments that my recruiter knew wouldn't be a good experience for me when I was just starting out and she would suggest I go elsewhere. Sometimes they have some information about facilities/floors because they have placed other travelers there.

Anyway, keep in mind it's only 13 weeks and it will fly right by and you will be on to your next big adventure.

eriksoln, BSN, RN · Mar 10, 2009

Just my way of doing things, no "sceintific" reason for it, but it works for me:

When I'm at a new assignment, the people I try hardest to warm up to are the CNAs I work with, the RNs second. I often (on night shift) end up getting a coffe at the caffeteria (or whatever they drink) for my CNA (if its team approach, cant be buying stuff for every CNA on the unit every night). They warm up to you a little quicker I think, and with them on your side.......if a few RNs decide to keep you on the "outside" of the ring, it doesnt affect you so much.

More often than not though, the RNs see me getting along with the CNAs, then decide I'm worth giving a chance.

Butterfliesnroses · Mar 10, 2009

Smart move, trying to get your CNA's on your side. As an aide if a nurse is really mean to me I won't go the extra mile for them. Often times I really don't have time for those vital signs. However if it's a nurse that treats me with respect I'll do little things to make there day easier. I will make sure I get those vital signs no matter what, even if it means forgoing my break. If they spill water or Jevity, I'll tell them not to worry I'll clean it up quickly, I will do whatever they ask, no questions. However if its a nurse that is mean to me, no I won't do whatever they ask. I've had nurses burn me in that way, so I really think before I do whatever they ask. I had a nurse ask me to do something questionable. We got pulled to the carpet and the nurse denied ever telling us to do that. Then later said nurse was ranting about how aides used to do whatever no questions asked, a friend of mine (who she did the same thing to) said that nurses also used to back their aides up, she stated that's how you play the game and the other aide told her that some of us we don't play that game. And it's true! So if I know a nurse won't burn me, that she'll back me up, I'll do whatever she asks me (because I know she won't ask me to do anything that will put the resident, or anyone in jepordy)

ozoneranger · Mar 10, 2009

Some of the best nurses I ever worked with were travelers. I do recall some of our staff were angry that our hospital would pay for a contract to get 1 traveler, when the same money would get us 2 or 3 staff nurses that would be there for the long haul, not someone who would be there just long enough to get the hang of things, then leave.

They also resented that the traveler made more than they did.

Personally, I didn't care how much she made, I was thankful for the help.

EJSRN, BSN, RN · Mar 10, 2009

Yea it is odd because the place I am working has many travelers, and they only hired one staff GN out of the last class. I don't understand it. It isnt my fault though. I just go were I'm needed. Another thing is this hospital has no MAR's( med. administration records) or a kardex, and no charge nurse. I've never worked in a place that didnt have these. Is this common??? Some things just seem so redundant. In report (which is taped) they want EVERY detail. It;s like a 20 min report on each pt. They want their assessment. Which is stupid. They should assess their own pts. Obviously if their assessment reveals wheezes I will give that in report.

ozoneranger · Mar 10, 2009

No MAR? Did you receive any sort of inservice before you hit the floor?

I wish you the best, remember to document everything, just hope for improvement there, or a new assignment in 12 weeks.

EJSRN, BSN, RN · Mar 10, 2009

NO MAR! Its crazy. I just got a short 8 hour inservice on the comp. system. No inservice to the way things are done on the floor at all. But i guess thats because Im a traveler.

ozoneranger · Mar 11, 2009

NO MAR! Its crazy. I just got a short 8 hour inservice on the comp. system. No inservice to the way things are done on the floor at all. But i guess thats because Im a traveler.

I don't know how you can be expected to do your job without the necessary structural framework. Are the facility employed nurses related to Silvia Brown?

EJSRN, BSN, RN · Mar 11, 2009

IDK maybe!! But they think it's completely normal to have NO mars. You are supposed to get on this confusing computer system and print out 0100 med list and it has all the meds for the entire floor. Its soo screwed up.