Need Advice Soon Please

Brownms46 · May 2, 2008

I apologize for being so needy, but Im in a bind.
I have accepted a position and signed a contract to start next Wednessday. BUT I just got an offer from another travel company for the area I REALLY want.
Can I back out of the 1st contract, since I havent started the assignment yet?

You signed a contract, and if I were the agency with the other assignment, I would not hire you if you back out of the first one. I was a traveler for 13 years, and a recruiter for a travel agency, and I sincerely suggest that you keep your word. If the first agency does not hold up their part of the bargain, then you have an out. Otherwise you may find that backing out of a contract will come back to bite you!

FYI, many who work at agencies will know people at other agencies, or end up changing to a different agency you may want to work at. You may find that recruiter you back out on at your current agency, and that would not be a good thing. Good Luck!

intothemoon · May 2, 2008

Thank you for your response.

However Id like to give a little more info.

My background is NICU (neonatal), but the first company didnt have many NICU positions, so I almost felt pressured into taking a Telemetry position. I have NOT worked telemetry for the full one year usually required. This new position is in NICU, my actual specialty.

I needed to know if I can get out of the first assignment with no penalties since I havent started yet.

Thanks again!

elkpark · May 2, 2008

"More info" about you doesn't change the situation -- you signed a contract for one position, and now you want to back out of that contract at the last minute for something else you find more appealing.

Your clinical background doesn't change the fact that that would be v. unprofessional behavior on your part and, as Brownms46 notes, you never know when that decision may come back to bite you.

Natkat, BSN, MSN, RN · May 3, 2008

Go with the first assignment, put your time in, then go with the second company later.

Brownms46 · May 3, 2008

Unfortunately, you "started" the minute you signed the contract. if you back out of your current contract, you will be liable for any costs the agency is out. Since you are slated to start in less than a week, it is a good bet the agency has already obtained housing at least.

The agency has promised you to the facility, and they will lose creditability with the facility. This will probably cause you to be a DNR (Do Not Use) with both the facility and the agency.

Sorry, these are not the responses you wanted, but we are all trying to save you from problems down the road.

KatieBell · May 3, 2008

Once you have signed, you are really committed. It's unfortunate that another offer you like better has come up, but you are really committed to the first. Since the hospital accepted you with your experience level etc, then it really doesn't matter. It's only 13 weeks, you'll be surprised at how fast it flies by.