New Grad RN working agency

Published

Specializes in Med-Surg, ICU.

Hello,

Ok well I'm sure there have been many many conversation on this topic, but I am simply overwhelmed with the shear volume of posts I've sifted through trying to find the answers to the questions regarding the topic.

So here's the situation:

I am a new graduate, set to begin an ICU internship in October. I badly need to work over the next couple of months in the mean time. I want to work, but so far it's looking like agency is my best bet while working. I have worked in long term care before, but not as an RN. The agency is offering for me to be a med nurse or treatment nurse for 15-25 patients. I've been a CNA and Unit Secretary (for the last 8 years) for this many patients in LTC and Acute care, but not as an RN. I am thinking holy cow can I really do this safely! The agency is offering me a huge sum of money to do it. With this job, I can work part time while studying and preparing for the internship.

I understand that many advise not working agency off the bat, but why?

Does anyone have a horror story to share on why I shouldn't do this?

If I do take this job, what advise would you have for me to not only survive it, but to provide safe patient care?

I really appreciate any and all replies to this post.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

Would you be working as an RN for the agency? Do you have your license?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, ICU.

I am an RN and would be working as an RN - med, treatment or charge position. I told the agency I wouldn't work charge unless I knew the facility well enough. Sorry if that was unclear.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.
I am an RN and would be working as an RN - med, treatment or charge position. I told the agency I wouldn't work charge unless I knew the facility well enough. Sorry if that was unclear.

If it was me and I just graduated and got my license, no I would not do it. First because I have no experience. Secondly, because it's my license. It's your license to. Are they going to give you an orientation at the LTC? If not, don't do it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, ICU.

Ok thank you for the advise.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

As an RN, you will be expected to act in any and all capacities as an agency nurse. It does not matter what they tell you - it is rarely what actually happens. You do not have the experience to know what to do when a situation occurs nor how to "know" there is a problem and what to do - even when there is no real sign of a problem yet. Agency nurses must be able to hand anything and everything with little to no orientation, or help of any kind. There is no asking questions about a disease and procedure when you are an agency nurse. Either you know it or you don't. And agency nurses frequently get the worst patients requiring the most nursing care.

LTC is even worse because you have minimal amount of equipment/assist and they will count on you as an RN to know what to do anytime something happens.

Go to work as a cashier if you must but don't risk your license by working agency as a new grad.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, ICU.

Thank you! You have a much appreciated point of veiw :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Ed, Ob/GYN, AD, LTC, Rehab.

Being a new grad myself I would say heck no to the agency. I was very surprised how much support I need from seasoned RN's to get me up to par. I knew I would need help but I didnt fully understand how much learning there was left for me. I would say find somewhere that understands you are a new grad is fully commited to supporting you as such.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU/NICU.

I would be VERY worried of any agency willing to hire a new grad with no experience as an RN to work in that capacity. An agency is going to tell you whatever sounds good to get you to sign on so that they can place an RN in that position for their client! YOU will be responsible for every patient in your care.... NOT just their treatments and meds or whatever they are telling you! Remember in these long term care facilities you could be the ONLY RN in the building which makes you responsible for the care of EVERY patient you are assigned to. I guess the question is are you comfortable with that?

IMO... please just wait until you have a proper orientation in your new unit before you start working as an RN. If you need income, maybe you could continue to work at some capacity at your current job? Trust me, in 5 years you will look back on this and realize just how "scary" this agency job offer is!:nurse:

Good luck to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, ICU.

Thank you. Yeah I was a bit intimidated by the offer of no orientation. The agent on the phone talked me into an interview, but also talked herself into paying my twice what she thought she would. I've been applying for jobs everywhere and given up the idea of being used like that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion