Healthcare Temp Agencies

[Knuckles31]

So as of late my job search for an LPN has been pretty rough. I knew that as a new grad that I would be met with challenges. It just bothers me that I am one of the few left in my graduating class that is jobless. I've only had one interview after about 30-40 applications put in. I've went online scouring the internet for tips and I came across an article over Health care temp agencies. It stated that most places are just looking for temporary positions instead of permanent ones and Temp agencies are helping new grads weather the storm while they are inexperienced. My main question to my fellow experienced nurses is that have they actually come through and helped you guys get employment? I mean I'm guessing they are just going to do what I'm doing now. Send out my application to several places and leave it up to them to determine if they want to hire me. I know this might sound like a "Noob" -ish question to ask. I actually didn't know temp job health care agencies existed until I did some research earlier this week.

[Keyauna]

Try applying with Occuvax. They are a contract company and hire new grads. YOu are just giving flu shot and they give you training. Go to Occuvax.com or put it in bing. Sign up and training are online and they start sending you out on August 18th. Will email facilities on Aug 11th. You can pick which locations you want to work and all. Good luck.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Only caveat with occuvax and similar companies is that you are an independent contractor and as such required to pay quarterly income taxes to the federal and state. Plus most require you to carry professional liability/malpractice insurance. Rates for a contacted individual are significantly higher than a direct employee. I looked into it for extra income. When I called NSO after reading that requirement in the employment contract, my rate would go up to over $700/ yr ( right now it's $109 for working full time directly with one agency and per diem with a second). Sure you could try not notifying your malpractice carrier but you will be left uncovered if you have a claim made against you.

Temp healthcare agencies in my area will not hire nurses with less than 1-2 years experience as they cannot offer a full orientation and skills refresher beyond skills check off. Employers using temp agencies expect nurses to be skilled and ready to go with minimal orientation other than unit/facility policy & documentation procedures.

Look into long term care, acute rehab, subacute rehab, outpatient/ambulatory care. Some pediatric private duty agencies have new grad programs complete with classroom, skills lab and field orientation over a few month period. Bayada pediatrics has/had a new grad LPN/RN program with aside from a current nursing license, a recommendation from your pediatric classroom and clinical instructors were the initial requirements.