Travel Nurse Bait and Switch?

Ruby Vee, BSN · Mar 27, 2011

i accepted a travel 13 wk assignment for icu with floating to other units. since arrival i have worked icu 2 days and tele/med surg 16 days. that is not an icu with float. thats a med surg/tele nurse with icu float.
looking for ways to handle this. my travel company is watching closely. they are surprised as well.
suggestions appreciated.

what does your contract say? because it seems to me as if they're breaking it. and if they're breaking it, you should be allowed to leave without penalty.

RN1980 · Mar 27, 2011

sounds like a frequent set up that hospitals use. my primary hospital is guilty of using this tactic to get icu nurses to basically work the med surge floor. face it every manager would love to have a skilled icu nurse on their floor a few times a week. basically to keep from getting scammed on your next assignment have your contract worded wher you can only float to the med surge floor only x% of the time or if you do get pulled its considered ot...but you live and learn.

dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I · Mar 27, 2011

Again, check your contract. If there's no "out" for you on this one, make sure there is in the future so this doesn't happen again. From your description, I'd be very unhappy with my agency, and very vocal about it. They need you a lot more than you need them, and they can't afford to get a bad reputation. Good luck!

BrookeeLou_RN · Mar 27, 2011

Again, check your contract. If there's no "out" for you on this one, make sure there is in the future so this doesn't happen again. From your description, I'd be very unhappy with my agency, and very vocal about it. They need you a lot more than you need them, and they can't afford to get a bad reputation. Good luck!

Your agency should be handling this not you.. You work for them.. They need to fix it.. So I would be on the phone to your "person" asap and see what they say.. And if it is not in your contract, make sure the next time it is in BOLD print. Good luck

alaskaman · Mar 27, 2011

I read the contract. It specifies 36 hours per week as a Registered Nurse and does not mention ICU/Med Surg or any location. I was told and have numerous emails from recruiter (who is supportive) about ICU. Leaves me some flexibility and you all are right a good lesson to be learned.

alaskaman · Mar 27, 2011

There have been several additional "issues" related to clinical care which did not involve me. My recruiter is most concerned about those issues. If they increase (supervisor threw a water bottle at a computer -my water bottle but without my name, unexpected patient death young man in relatively good health) so we are at this point looking for ways to "solve" this issue. Appreciate your replies sincerely.

RN1980 · Mar 28, 2011

holy crap! throwing a water bottle at your computer...that supervisor would get his a$$ kicked for that.

EmergencyNrse · Mar 28, 2011

I have seen this from time to time. Sometimes it's by design by other times it's just a misunderstanding. Have you spoken to the manager or your travel liaison?

Sometimes shift supervisors or charge nurses get into a routine with respect to staffing. They might not even know the terms that you accepted your assignment and it's an oversight. They're just trying to staff the current shift. Talk to them and let them know that you're there for the ICU. You might be surprised.

If for some reason they seem unconcerned or uncaring to your plight I would then take it to the next level.

Make an appointment to see the ICU manager first and voice your displeasure of being utilized as just a floor float. See what he/she can do for you. Lastly would be the person that hires/processes travelers at that facility. Their liaison can sometimes shake the trees for you and get things done.

You're there to help them out after all. It is in their best interests to keep you happy. Why? because your attitude and performance will directly reflect in the quality of care their patients receive. They gain nothing if you walk. I believe that most people are genuine and not wanting to deceive you. I hope things work out.

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Mar 28, 2011

I am happy to see that your recruiter is supportive. That is very helpful. In the meantime, I would see if they can get you out of the contract. Have you expressed to your recruiter that you would like another assignment since this one has gone south?

gonzo1, ASN, RN · Mar 28, 2011

I would try to finish out this contract and just make sure your next one has more details on what unit, how much of the time. If your supervisor is being hostile toward you I would report this to HR immediately.

My last contract the hospital repeatedly reported me to my agency for the silliest things, but never canceled my contract. Strange. They did cancel (fire) the 2 other travel nurses that started with me. It was a nasty place to work.

alaskaman · Mar 28, 2011

I agree that most people are not deceptive and you are right I am there to help them out. I plan to talk with the man who originally offered me the position over the phone and see what he says. If he is defensive or evasive (I mean my skills are better used in ER/ICU) then I will approach my recruiter about moving on. If not and it is a misunderstanding or circumstances beyond their control are causing this then I will probably endure.

Clinically patients are patients and helping one is in my view helping the other. That said, I think that their attitude towards me is just as important as mine towards them. If they don't really care about my concerns then I would feel left out in the cold so to speak. The Hospital is a Magnet Center but as with anything it's only as good as the pudding not the label. I will just let him know that after 21 shifts I have only been in the ICU 2 times and just leave it there and see what he says, if anything. If he is defensive then it was probably by design. If he offers solutions then we are good to go. Will post after my shift today and let you know if he and I had a chance to chat.

Thanks again.