Getting called off too much!

Chin up · Apr 27, 2011

Get an agency job and continue until your contact is up. You need the experience and the bonus. Besides, census may bounce back up and your hours reinstated. If agency won't hire you, a LTC per diem job is a sure thing. You only work when you want/need to work. You may have to give a weekend a month, but this is doable. Good luck! Peace,

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Apr 28, 2011

I would do whatever is necessary in order for you to get the golden two years of experience in order to travel. If there are nurses that are willing to take the day off when it is your turn to get called off, then make the trade. Float to other units, because this will give you a very real experience of what it is like as a travel nurse. It is not exactly desirable to get floated, but if you can hone your skills in this area (meaning getting acclimated quickly to unfamiliar units, making connections with nurses that you don't know, and learning the flow of the unit in a short amount of time), you will be a very strong travel nurse.

Do you think that you will be able to make the trades that I suggested, or do the other nurses want the shifts just as badly as you do?

If you are unable to make trades, I would start searching for another job. You could keep the job that you have and only work PRN as the previous poster suggested. That schedule kind of puts you into an uneasy mindset, however because you don't know from one week to the next what your schedule entails.

Do you have a family? It is easier to travel if you don't. I know some nurses who do travel with families, but it seems that it is terribly difficult for them. I traveled for a while, and banked some serious cash. I do not have a family, so it was easier for me to do this. I will never forget the wonderful experiences I had as a travel nurse.

Let us know what you decide.

dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I · Apr 28, 2011

Unfortunately, this is what they call experience. Doesn't pay the bills though. You can tough it out till the contract's up, or have a lawyer look at the contract. My experience is that nobody has ever asked me to sign a contract that was favorable to me. Hands on experience would be better because an agency wants a nurse they can just turn loose with minimal teaching. Hands on pays better, too. Have you asked to orient to other floors where you could get hours (ER, OB/GYN, Etc). The next stage should be too busy, short staffed, being called to work extra every minute you have off (make sure you have caller I.D, the inventor of which is eternally in my prayers).

Good luck.

nurse.sandi · Apr 28, 2011

Hi. On our unit, the nurses kept track of when and who was being called off and pulled on a log. It was the nurse who got pulled and called off to follow up and make sure it was documented. I am not saying this always happens but sometimes staffers or supervisors pick and choose randomly.

As far as getting a prn job, that is great , but you have to remember there may come a day when you have to work all the shifts you booked.

I have talked to many travel nurse recruiters and worked a few traveler assignments myself. Some agencies will hire you after one year of experience. It is easier if you work in ICU or a stepdown unit. Also, cardiac telemetry nurses are always in demand. Good luck in your career. From a senior nurse.

nurse2033, MSN, RN · Apr 28, 2011

Don't quit, hang in there. You need the experience and the length of duty on your resume. Get a part time job fine, but keep what you have until you have the professional clout to kick them to the curb.

mindlor · Apr 28, 2011

I would need to see the details of the contract....

If they promised you 40hrs and they are not paying you for 40, they are in breach.

You would be free

Meg, RN · Apr 28, 2011

Hi everyone! Thanks for the input so far. In response to some of your questions, yes, we do keep a call off log on our unit, so that everyone is called off in rotations. Also, yes, everyone wants to keep their hours; even the people that would normally love to be called off, have been called off so much to the extent that they want their hours. :-p No, I was not promised 40 hours in the contract. As far as working on other floors, our hospital has a "Bidshift" program where you can bid for extra hours. The catch- you must have a year of RN experience at least, to be able to bid. So I know when July rolls around, I will try that option as well to rake in some dough, and more experience. No, I don't have a family, I'm single and lovin' it, lol! For those that have traveled, do you have an agency that you would recommend? Also, is it better to travel with a buddy? Or alone? I'm slightly elated/terrified about travel nursing, I think it would be a blast! I'm pretty sure I would be traveling solo. Thanks again!

Isabelle49 · Apr 28, 2011

Interestingly enough, before becoming an RN I worked in the business field for 13 years - I never got called off!

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Apr 28, 2011

You can make quite a bit of money if you travel with a buddy, because you can either opt for the company furnished apt, or you can opt for the monthly stipend. If one of you gets the furnished apt, the other of you gets the monthly stipend, then you can split the stipend. However, roommates are a hassle sometimes. I usually see husband and wife teams travel together.