what to include in a contract

[8-ball, BSN]

Just curious what some of you guys have at times or always include into your contracts. I have learned in a short time that with each contract their is something I should have included that I missed. So what are some things that you think are important at least to consider.

For me after this next assignment I will include:

1) no more than than 2 patients with ICU orders (this current assignment has me doing lots of 3 patient ICU assignments) if they have step-down orders I will do more but no more than 2 with ICU orders.

2) After reading some post on here I think, "contract is void if hospital undergoes a strike"

What are yours?

[NedRN]

So there are tons of things you might want to include or exclude in a contract. Some discretion is advised though. An agency might be willing to include stuff in your contract, but a hospital may not be a party to it putting you in an uncomfortable spot. For example, patient ratios and acuity based staffing are not something anyone is likely to guarantee you so you should take other measures to increase your odds. Those measures include letting your recruiters know so they can avoid known poor ratio units, and discussing during the manager interview about staffing ratios and how often they go over. Ideally, you don't really want to have this kind of discussion with a manager for an assignment you really want as it projects a lack of confidence or competence (not a dig at you, certainly optimal care requires optimal staffing).

It is pretty easy to find out where strikes votes are anticipated so you can simply not take those contracts. Why would a no-strike clause help you anyway? Do you really want to be out of work for two months waiting for a strike to be over? Just say no to those assignments.

The major changes you might want to make in a contract that can be acceptable are dates you need off, and possibly floating. Floating is another thing that can be discussed with your recruiters and interviewing managers.

While it appears your question is about actual assignment options, there are other things to consider in a contract that are between just you and agencies. At-will language is abhorrent but difficult to avoid (means your contract is null anytime the agency says so). But at a minimum, any missed hour penalties should be clearly defined as to the amount, and conditions under which they apply (low census? You don't want to be penalized for that). What happens if you are ill or a family emergency means you cannot complete your assignment? Or the hospital cancels for any reason that is not competence based?

[8-ball, BSN]

Thanks Ned, So at will language, means I should have clear language determining what constitutes a cancelled contract? I have also asked for guaranteed hours so far but I am new at this and only done EMR conversions so far, so guaranteed hours hasnt been a problem.

[NedRN]

No, not what constitutes a cancelled contract, but what are the penalties for a canceled assignment under what cancellation reason.

The word "guarantee" in a contract is completely superfluous. A contract is a guarantee of the terms within.

[Wolf at the Door, BSN]

I ask for one weekend a month off, Fri-sun.

[Argo]

I only get guaranteed hours paid if the hospital cancels and any time off i might want. I only allowed them to put in 3 cancelled unpaid shifts per contract. For some places its standard.... make sure they guarantee you your full rate, not just the tacable hourly rate, some will try to exclude your stipends on the guarantee....

I have met a few nurses without a guaranteed hours contract and they get so screwed.