Need advice STAT!!!!!!!!

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Specializes in neuro, critical care, open heart..

Hey fellow travelers and anyone who is viewing.

I am 3 weeks into a contract at a certain hospital, which appearantly will remain nameless. My delima is this, I contracted for a specific unit for 36 hours a week with blocked scheduling (3 days in a row). So far, I have been assigned to a different unit than contracted to, I am having to fight tooth and nail to get my days in a row, (I drive back home after my days are done for the week since I only live 2 1/2 hours away) and now I find out last week that they expect me to work 36 hours one week and 48 the next!! I have contacted my recruiter several times and the company is supposed to be working on it, I have spoken with the nurse manager at least 2 days each week and I am told that "I'll take care of it" by the NM. My question is this, has the facility not breached the contract 3 times already? Someone with more expertise on these situations please advise me. And if they have breached it, what are my recourses available to me? I have told my recruiter that I am willing to finish out the contract if they will get me 36 hours a week AND get the days in a row. I have already been incontact with another compaony and have a possible job opportunity set up. I was advised by the other company if I decide to leave this contract to give at least 2 weeks notice. Any suggestions? Sorry for being so longwinded. Thanks.

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Specializes in Peds, ER/Trauma.

If everything you said is specifically stipulated in your contract (in writing!), then they have broken your contract. If you plan to cancel, I'd give notice & do so.

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Specializes in neuro, critical care, open heart..

Yes, everything is stipulated in writing. I have a copy with me. I have a copy of all of my contracts and I keep them with me during assignments so I always have one on hand. Thanks for your advice. I'm going to give my recruiter a few days to work on it and see what happens.

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Specializes in OB.
Yes, everything is stipulated in writing. I have a copy with me. I have a copy of all of my contracts and I keep them with me during assignments so I always have one on hand. Thanks for your advice. I'm going to give my recruiter a few days to work on it and see what happens.

Be careful with leaving the contract early - read back over your contract and the handbook that probably came with it and is considered part of the contract (it will say so somewhere in the wording). Many contracts have a clause in them that if you leave the contract early for ANY reason you will owe the company the cost of the remainder of the housing for the contract (and possibly other costs). Companies can forgo this at their own disgression,(I have had them do this under extreme circumstance) but they do not have to. So you may have to decide if it is worth the extra money you will be out to break the contract. Not saying don't do it, just don't want that fact to be a surprize to you.

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Specializes in neuro, critical care, open heart..
Be careful with leaving the contract early - read back over your contract and the handbook that probably came with it and is considered part of the contract (it will say so somewhere in the wording). Many contracts have a clause in them that if you leave the contract early for ANY reason you will owe the company the cost of the remainder of the housing for the contract (and possibly other costs). Companies can forgo this at their own disgression,(I have had them do this under extreme circumstance) but they do not have to. So you may have to decide if it is worth the extra money you will be out to break the contract. Not saying don't do it, just don't want that fact to be a surprize to you.

Thanks for your advice. I am receiving a housing subsidy so, they shouldn't be out anything for housing. My thoughts were if the facility broke the contract then THEY are responsible for any penalties. Am I completely off base on this?

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check the handbook very carefully. most of them state you must float if asked. Now with the hours I am not sure but again make sure you know what the handbook/rulebook states. Keep in mind knowledge is power when dealing with these people

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Specializes in neuro, critical care, open heart..
check the handbook very carefully. most of them state you must float if asked. Now with the hours I am not sure but again make sure you know what the handbook/rulebook states. Keep in mind knowledge is power when dealing with these people

The issue is not being vloated to another unit. My contract states I am to be in the Neuro Trauma ICU. When I arrived to the hospital, they told me they were assigning me to the Trauma ICU instead, I have no issue floating to wherever they want me to go. If I was assigned to the unit I was contracted for and they floated me to the TICU, then the point would be moot.

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Specializes in OB.
Thanks for your advice. I am receiving a housing subsidy so, they shouldn't be out anything for housing. My thoughts were if the facility broke the contract then THEY are responsible for any penalties. Am I completely off base on this?

What you are dealing with here are two separate contracts: You have a contract with the agency. The agency has a contract with the hospital. They are not necessarily identical and penalties to one have NO bearing on the other. Unfortunately some agencies' contracts with travelers state that the traveler will owe "X" amount if the contract is terminated for ANY reason. Not a good clause, but does exist - check your contract carefully, and if this is in it, try negotiating with your agency, but be aware you may end up on the short end, fair or not.

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Specializes in neuro, critical care, open heart..
What you are dealing with here are two separate contracts: You have a contract with the agency. The agency has a contract with the hospital. They are not necessarily identical and penalties to one have NO bearing on the other. Unfortunately some agencies' contracts with travelers state that the traveler will owe "X" amount if the contract is terminated for ANY reason. Not a good clause, but does exist - check your contract carefully, and if this is in it, try negotiating with your agency, but be aware you may end up on the short end, fair or not.

According to my recruiter, the contract that I have with the company is the exact same one they have with the hospital. Now that being said, probably means squat, but that's all I have to go on. I did mention to my recruiter that I was getting very irritated with the whole situation and he told me he would place me somewhere else. I am at the point now that I'm getting irritated with my recruiter and company as well as the hospital. Thank you for your time and advice. I will take it to heart.

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I have had a company get me out of a bad situation and place me somewhere else to finish out the contract obligations. The above responses are correct in that you have to be careful of what you owe to them re: housing, expenses, etc. I say be up front and ask your recruiter (or their boss) what would happen if you did not finish the contract. If you have a contract stating certain days and hours then by gosh I say they better honor it or I am out of there. There are way too many other jobs waiting for you.

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Specializes in OR, and more recently PACU and SDC.

Some of the best advice I got when I started travelling was, always make sure you have a heap of cash sitting ready if you find yourself suddenly out of work. This has always empowered me. Remember, you are in the drivers seat. Make demands and be prepared to walk if it is an issue important to you. Some recruiters aren't so bright but the smart ones will figure out that they have a good nurse, one worth keeping.

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