New Lpn to work for agency? Any suggestions?

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Sep 20, 2006

I am a agency nurse and can tell you that any agency I have ever worked for requires at least 1 year experience prior to hiring. When you are a agency nurse you are expected to be able to jump in and take over without a glitch. You are not going to have a preceptor or any inservice/orientation. If I were you I would not accept this job and go get you some hospital or LTC experience before I threw myself and my new nursing license out with the tigers . Good luck to you!!!!

Hi everyone! I recently passed the NCLEX-PN and was offered a job at a staffing agency. The girls that work in the office said they hire recent grads with no nursing experience all the time. She also said that I should work 3rd shift for 3 or 4 shifts until I feel comfortable with nursing, then I could work 1st & 2nd shift. I'm a little hesitant because there will be NO precepting & I will be on my own from the first night. Is this how it is everywhere? Most of the assignments will be in LTC. Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated:wink2: !

amandasaidso · Sep 20, 2006

Thank you for the insight & quick reply. What you said makes sense & that is why I questioned the whole thing. I sent my resume to a few LTCs that are hiring & I'll keep my fingers crossed:wink2:

babynurselsa, RN · Sep 20, 2006

This would be a disservice to you. Agency nurses are expected to be able to function independently. You did not learn it all in nursing school you just got your big toe in the water. You should find a good core staff position and get AT LEAST a solid year of experience before embarking as an agency nurse.

Good luck to you.

Run away from any agency that tries to plug you somewhere without experience, they are just looking for that billrate and apparently not concered about you.

**Elektra6, ASN, BSN, RN** · Sep 28, 2006

I've heard lots of funny-now-but-not-at-the time stories for new nurses working agency, that's why I'm in my 10th month at a permanent position (I'm a chicken) instead of taking that agency job.

nurse 2001 · Sep 29, 2006

Please don't do it now!I know the money may sound tempting.But, you need at least one year experience somewhere ltc or hospital.If you work ltc do at least a year experience.majority of the agencies staff do staffing they don't have a license.If you work at a hospital get one year experience at the hospital in addition to one yearof ltc experience.You can get your license in quick trouble as a brand new nurse with no experience. I knew a brand new nurse who give a patient three different injections of insulin all three different types.The previous nurse who took the order didn't dc it on the mar.Because she didn't think to claify an order with an md. A few nursing homes these agencies go to are on the state watch list for giving substandard care.Because majority of nurses don't want to work there.:monkeydance: :nono: YOU NEED EXPERIENCE AND TO KEEP YOUrLICENSE

sistamatic · Oct 2, 2006

I'm a new RPN (canada) and I've recently started working through an agencey. most of my shifts are in the same hospital and I've recieved orientation. But with all this talk I'm starting to get nervous!!!!!!:uhoh21:

colter517 · Oct 2, 2006

This would be a disservice to you. Agency nurses are expected to be able to function independently. You did not learn it all in nursing school you just got your big toe in the water. You should find a good core staff position and get AT LEAST a solid year of experience before embarking as an agency nurse.
Good luck to you.
Run away from any agency that tries to plug you somewhere without experience, they are just looking for that billrate and apparently not concered about you.

I couldn't agree more. I am an agency nurse, started just 4 months into my career. Even with 4 months it was extremely difficult at best. I wouldn't do it. At least get a feel for it first, otherwise you might end up hating nursing before you really get started. Good luck!

geniann · Oct 3, 2006

Since it has been a couple weeks since your original post, how are things going? Are you working for the agency? I worked for agency right out of nursing school and worked 11-7 at hospitals and LTC's. It was ok and I learned ALOT and made good money. I worked ONE 7-3 at a LTC and went home early- it was TOO much!! If you haven't don'e 1st or 2nd shift yet, DON'T! I went home crying that day and I will never forget it. I am glad I worked agency but it is just too unreliable. I learned SO much- even though I have only been a nurse 3 years I feel like I have been one 10! And I know as much as some nurses that have worked twice as long as me. Keep us posted!

angelfire77 · Oct 8, 2006

Don't loose you license before yoou can reap any benefits.

As a recent grad with 0 experience you are putting other lives in jeporady and risking your newly aquired license.

No one, and I mean no one is going to be there for you when you make a mistake. You are the least experienced and setting yourself up to be a sitting duck.

The agency that is hiring you is only looking at $$$$ and they won't be there for you when you fall.

DON'T DO IT!!! :nono:

Get a job. preferbly in a teaching hospital where you can be trained and then go from there.

Good luck in your career!

amandasaidso · Dec 7, 2006

I did not take the agency position & I'm glad I didn't!!! I worked pt in LTC for a couple wks, then was offered ft AL that I took. Maybe next year I'll try agency, but not right now. Thanks for the input!