New LPN Grad and Agency Nursing Question....Need Advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rotifer · Feb 6, 2009

Don't do it - they will eat you alive. An agency hired me over the phone four days after I got my nursing license (RN) and dispatched me to the home of a 5 yo recently discharged from the hospital after being shot in the head. I'm not sure what they will offer you as an LPN but assume the worst and, at least, you won't be surprised by what they throw at you.

suzanne4, RN · Feb 6, 2009

Do not do it. Just because an agency will hire you; it does not mean that they will have work for you. And without any type of orientation, how are you going to function?

Most reputable agencies require at least one year of full-time work experience and most are now wanting to see two years of experience.

Great way to lose your license as your agency will most definitely not be backing you up on anything.

systoly · Feb 6, 2009

No way! Please don't do it. It is difficult, to say the least, for an experienced nurse. I've worked for five different agencies over the years. Orientation is practically non existent and neither is field support. Please take the first two responses to heart. Again, agencies usually require experience. Some agencies will give misleading or incomplete information just to fill a shift. I do not see anything positive for you in this and I totally agree with Rotifer, "they will eat you alive".

systoly · Feb 6, 2009

Perhaps this will help to explain the above reponses. I work for an agency right now. I only do homecare, because doing staff relieve is like being the main attraction in the colosseum. I have a regular schedule and the home setting is a welcome change from my other work environment. However, this is how it started. I was supposed to have four hours of orientation with another nurse. When I arrived for orientation, there was no other nurse. The agency then told me that a family member would orient me. This family member had to leave about fifteen minutes later and instantly I became the primary caregiver for an unstable client with acute, bilateral infiltrate. The chart was anything but up to date, especially the MAR, and meds and supplies were strung all over the place.

In cases like this, besides clinical experience and assessment skills, you need experience in prioritizing, experience with durable medical equipment, and know how to manage medical emergencies on your own.

goodness123 · Feb 7, 2009

Scary.. try sumting else first....

atlantagal · Feb 7, 2009

You need to protect your license! I have 10 years of experience as a nurse recuiter. I advise you to have at least two years of nursing experience before you work through agency. the response above is very true, they will eat you alive. Good luck! Atlantagal

megan0321 · Feb 7, 2009

First off, congratulations on making it out of the oven :)

I know this isn't what you want to hear, but DO NOT sign up with an agency.

Agency work is a great option to make more money for less hours, and you should definitely consider it a few years from now once you have more experience. It's a great way to make money while going back to school.

However, as a new grad you will be eaten alive.

I myself have two years of experience now. I have been doing agency work for the last 6 months. I cannot IMAGINE working for an agency with even one drop less of experience than I have now.

Agency nurses are a rare breed. We get thrown into situations with almost no help at all. It's our job to land on our feet, manage the floor, and work as though we have worked at these facilities all our lives. Facilities that you are sent to are not there to help you. They are paying you lots of money to come in, figure it out, and do a damn good job or else.

Agency work requires a lot of experience and knowledge. You lack both of these as a new grad, even if you were top of your class.

Your best bet is to get a job where they will nurture you as a new nurse. Take into consideration your lack of experience and invest in you to help you grow into a more experienced nurse. Once you have worked for a few years and have really gained from it, THEN consider working for an agency.

But please, I beg you.. for your own sake, DO NOT sign up for with an agency yet. You won't be happy and your license will be on the line.

cygnus85 · Feb 8, 2009

Thank you all for the advice and comments posted above. It really open up my eyes and ears... :coollook: I really apreciate them..

I will definately will listen to your advices and NOT sign up with the agency.

Once again, Thank you guys.. :nuke:

caliotter3 · Feb 8, 2009

Good decision. If the agency had your best interests in mind, they would have told you how they intended to give you the support you need in order to prepare for this daunting job. They would have explained how they were going to hold your hand while you obtained the experience needed. Since this didn't happen, (we weren't really expecting this), you made the right decision. Get some good experience somewhere before you consider an agency job again.

LesMonsterRN, ADN, RN · Feb 10, 2009

I second what caliotter said. You made a wise choice in not accepting the agency position. Get some experience under your belt first.

kelly51480 · Feb 11, 2009

Hi, my advice to you would be "no". I did that after I graduated from LPN school 9 yrs ago. You never know where they are going to place you. Honestly, I would recommend an environment you can familiarize yourself with everyday. I mean your new to this anyway, so find one place your comfortable, gain some experience there and then move on from there. Yeah, I know the pay is good for agencies, but you never know your schedule either, or if you'll have work for a week. Hope I didn't put a damper on your decision. Best of Luck in whatever you decide.