Just a little venting

[Hex, LPN]

So I started my current 13-week contract in a NYC hospital about a month ago. When I took the job I was aware that it was an 'overflow' unit and, as such, I'd have to float because they do tend to close once in a while. That said, I have worked one shift (one!) on my 'home' floor and floated every other night since I've been there.

I'm basically doing float-pool duty which is not what I signed up for (I've done float-pool before and even as well paid as it was I had to leave it cause I hated it with a passion.)

Also, the RNs are required to do all blood draws, EKGs, and vital signs because nursing assistants are not trained/permitted to do any of those tasks. I had never been in a hospital where this was the case; needless to say, it adds to the stress of floating every single night.

The market seems to be slow up here and it took me a while before getting a contract, so that's why I'm hesitant to leave this one.

Really frustrated :/

[Travelswithmutt]

Yikers! So, I have to say traveling is very "bitterweet". I did a lot of venting at one assignment to a seasoned fellow-traveling nurse that was not fun at all. He gave me some advice that felt like a kick in the pants but was very good advice about our position as a "visitor", advice that I have to remember when things do not go the way I think they should (which is everywhere, all the time) he said, "Just remember, as a traveler you are here to adapt to their way of doing things, not to change them. As much as you know, and as simple as some changes may be that would make things run so much smoother just remember that these people have worked very hard to make this place the way they want it. They did not hire you here to tell them how to run it. You are here to adapt." That stung, but it was very true. You have to remember that if everything was perfect at their hospital, they probably wouldn't even need a traveler. When all else fails, remember this: you are only there for 13 weeks. You can stand on your head for 13 weeks if you have to and those b****es will still be working there!

[AWanderingMinstral]

Yikers! So, I have to say traveling is very "bitterweet". I did a lot of venting at one assignment to a seasoned fellow-traveling nurse that was not fun at all. He gave me some advice that felt like a kick in the pants but was very good advice about our position as a "visitor", advice that I have to remember when things do not go the way I think they should (which is everywhere, all the time) he said, "Just remember, as a traveler you are here to adapt to their way of doing things, not to change them. As much as you know, and as simple as some changes may be that would make things run so much smoother just remember that these people have worked very hard to make this place the way they want it. They did not hire you here to tell them how to run it. You are here to adapt." That stung, but it was very true. You have to remember that if everything was perfect at their hospital, they probably wouldn't even need a traveler. When all else fails, remember this: you are only there for 13 weeks. You can stand on your head for 13 weeks if you have to and those b****es will still be working there!

Awesome post! I struggle with similar issues at my current facility, but I have learned (and will continue to learn) to roll with the punches...and never take a float position again!

[jdickrn]

Can't figure out how to delete!

[jdickrn]

Yikers! So, I have to say traveling is very "bitterweet". I did a lot of venting at one assignment to a seasoned fellow-traveling nurse that was not fun at all. He gave me some advice that felt like a kick in the pants but was very good advice about our position as a "visitor", advice that I have to remember when things do not go the way I think they should (which is everywhere, all the time) he said, "Just remember, as a traveler you are here to adapt to their way of doing things, not to change them. As much as you know, and as simple as some changes may be that would make things run so much smoother just remember that these people have worked very hard to make this place the way they want it. They did not hire you here to tell them how to run it. You are here to adapt." That stung, but it was very true. You have to remember that if everything was perfect at their hospital, they probably wouldn't even need a traveler. When all else fails, remember this: you are only there for 13 weeks. You can stand on your head for 13 weeks if you have to and those b****es will still be working there!

I needed to read this right now. I'm struggling with my current assignment, it is the most frustrating placed I've ever worked. I've hated it from the get-go, there are a lot of other travelers on my unit (more travelers than core staff) and they all hate it too. Fortunately I never ever let my patients see that I'm miserable, actually, being in their rooms makes me the happiest. The staff also doesn't seem to feel my misery either because 3 weeks in the manager gave me the very positive feedback she received from the staff about me and offered me an extension, I had an honest conversation with her and told her no thank you. Lately I feel my attitude slipping a little bit so I guess I need to remind myself of everything you just wrote. I have 5 days off and my mom is visiting so hopefully I will go back feeling happier.....and only 7 more weeks to go!

[Hex, LPN]

Thanks for your helpful responses, all. Especially Travels'. They were all much appreciated. It's good to know I'm not the only one struggling a bit.