Need Advice with uncomfortable situation...

[travelgirl416]

I am on a travel assignment in California, and I am miserable. There are a hundred reasons I could name on why, but that's not the issue I need help with. I have already decided that I am going to break my contract. I have already secured another position, and plan to give a professional 2 weeks notice today. I wondered if there was anyone else who ever went through this before, and had any advice (stat).

My specific question is this...do I tell my recruiter first, or do I tell the nurse manager first? And what do I say, exactly? I know my reasons are not "legitamate" in that it's not a severe illness or my license is not in jeopardy...

This is my first assignment with this company and I've had nothing but problems. But much more importantly, I have someone who really needs me back home. I know that I will be responsible for some financial penalties including the housing, and possibly the rental car... Any tips?

(Please don't tell me that I'm being unethical, or unprofessional, and to just suck it up and finish the contract...I'm aware of the consequences, and it's a lot more complicated than what I care to discuss on this forum...)

Thanks in advance for any help/insight that anyone might give!

[bagladyrn, RN]

You work for the agency, not the hospital. Tell your recruiter first. There is not much you can "say" to them to make this look any better for you. Just be matter of fact, don't make excuses and accept that you are breaking your word and are liable for the costs they will charge you.

[loricatus]

You know, some hospitals will cancel you for any reason, even going so far as trump up clinical issues when it really is something else. When that happens, some agencies will take the side of the hospital and drop you like a hot potato, contract or not. Nowadays, contracts seem to mean nothing to the agency or hospital, except when things can be held against the traveler.

I am not saying that you should act like them; but, if your situation is so dire that you have to leave, you do not plan on making this a habit & you have had issues that have led to this decision, then do what you have to do.

As baglady said, your employer is the agency, so they are the ones to get the notice. If you have had issues with them, use those issues as a reason for your resignation. If you have a good recruiter and company, they will understand and may even be good about letting you off the hook. Although, I would think that with the majority out there, be prepared to be threatened and even told not to come in for your next scheduled shift.

FYI, if the hospital were to cancel the contract, they would call the agency & your agency would tell you not to return because the hospital cancelled the contract. The manager would never talk to you directly, so there is no need to discuss this wth the manager. It is your agency's responsibility to inform the hospital that you are leaving. Again, don't be surprised if you don't get to do the 2 weeks & be prepared for that possibility.

BTW, which agency is it? Some have certain reputations that we can help you to deal with. For instance, I have heard that American Mobile will threaten a lawsuit to get you to pay up---it's only hot air if you stand your ground and tell them that you have already consulted a lawyer.

Just noticed you said rental car----is it OA, by any chance?

Also, could you go into some of the problems you mentioned having? I ask this because you may have some potential breaches in the contract you may not be aware of. If so, you are off the hook for penalties.

[angel4gramma]

I would do exactly what the other posters said. If you seach for this on here You will get lots of info because it is done. But just like a regular job it will affect you in some ways for sure money and poss not able to work for this hospital again.

good luck

[Conqueror+, BSN, RN]

I had to leave an assignment early and after explaining all to my recruiter they did NOT penalize me financially and even gave me my 500 bux in travel money in my last paycheck. You never know until you communicate with someone.

[amy0123, BSN, RN]

Talk to your recruiter first. always. She'll give you advice on what to say to your nurse manager. The nurse recruiter cannot do much except to advocate for what you are saying. It's much easier and faster to communicate to the Nurse manager directly. Plus she writes up your schedule and you will get a more immediate response. I know this from experience. I started at a place that turned out to be one like yours.. After speaking to my nurse recruiter, she suggested to speak to my nurse manager about everything and see what she says. I spoke to the nurse manager and she said "ok, but I really need you for this week, your last day will be Friday. This place can be a mess sometimes, I know." And then I spoke to my nurse recruiter who made arrangements to end the contract for that Friday. My recruiter said no penalties would be involved. Thankfully.