need help with advice please

husker_rn, RN · Apr 21, 2008

I've worked agency in the past and an orientation day is not usually the case. I just got there early, found out where things were and either before or after report got a quick rundown on what was expected of me. Generally what is expected in one nursing home will be expected in the next. The hardest thing is to learn names and faces quickly....luckily staff is generally good at helping with info when they can. Only had one nasty comment from the off-going nurse but when I offered to go home that ended it all. Just do your very best. The staff knows who is trying to give good care and who is good at excuses.

marina17 · Apr 21, 2008

husker rn;

thank you sooo much for your reply...it helps..knowing Iam not the only one and for nurses like you .......:))

elkpark · Apr 21, 2008

This is typically how agency/temp assignments work -- you show up, get shown around (where things are, etc.), and are expected to get to work! :) The facility is paying a lot for agency personnel, and they are expecting to get an experienced "pro" who is ready to do the job.

Good luck with your new adventure! I hope that will work out well for you! :)

Dolce, RN · Apr 21, 2008

I usually show up 30 minutes early for an agency shift if I have not worked at the facility before. The nurses I have worked with have, without exception, been very helpful in showing me where supplies are, meds are, where to chart, etc, etc.

I have never worked an assignment in a LTC facility before but when I was a full time LTC nurse I was helpful to the other agency staff to point out which patients were the ones they were looking for. Be sure to "make friends" with the CNAs quickly. They will be your life-saver in identifying your patients. Also be sure to get a good report in the morning--including how each resident takes their meds.

When I work agency I take a sticky note and write down the combo #s of the supply rooms, med rooms, med carts, user ID's, passwords, etc. I also try to write down the name of the charge nurse and CNAs. It is helpful to have a little cheat sheet and makes your day go so much smoother.

I absolutely love agency nursing! I think you are going to have a great experience. Remember though, if you don't, that you are not required to ever go back to a facility that treats you badly.

marina17 · Apr 21, 2008

I usually show up 30 minutes early for an agency shift if I have not worked at the facility before. The nurses I have worked with have, without exception, been very helpful in showing me where supplies are, meds are, where to chart, etc, etc.
I have never worked an assignment in a LTC facility before but when I was a full time LTC nurse I was helpful to the other agency staff to point out which patients were the ones they were looking for. Be sure to "make friends" with the CNAs quickly. They will be your life-saver in identifying your patients. Also be sure to get a good report in the morning--including how each resident takes their meds.
When I work agency I take a sticky note and write down the combo #s of the supply rooms, med rooms, med carts, user ID's, passwords, etc. I also try to write down the name of the charge nurse and CNAs. It is helpful to have a little cheat sheet and makes your day go so much smoother.
I absolutely love agency nursing! I think you are going to have a great experience. Remember though, if you don't, that you are not required to ever go back to a facility that treats you badly.

dolce; :saint:

YOU ARE THE BEST..THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH FOR YOUR INPUT.:)

this is what I was looking for ...some advice...from those that are not new to this agency work...I mean I know that Iam not a new nurse but the what ifs....creep up on me:(..I think I can do this..again thank you and all that responded:redbeathe.marina