New Travel Nurse Left in Limbo: Guaranteed Hours Stalled by Mandatory Drug Test Delay – How Can I Protect Myself in the Future?

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New traveling nurse, guaranteed hours but was not allowed to start working until drug test came back.

Hi, I am a relatively new nurse with 4 years of experience. I have questions about the situation that happened to me in my previous assignment and how can I avoid the same situation happening to me ever again. 5 months ago I agreed to travel to a different state 980 miles away from my home and work as a traveling nurse.

My recruiter told me that this company needs nurses just for 4 days a week / 32 hours, but with the potential to make it 5 days a week / 40 hours. y recruiter also told me that the facility requires me to do drug tests and fingerprints on site and they would not accept the result if this were done at a different place. I was told that I should start my work on Tuesday, so I would have to arrive at the facility for my drug screen the day before.

I was under the impression that I would do a drug screen and would come in to work the next day. HR at the facility told me that I would not be able to start working until I received the negative result from the independent lab in a different state, so my start day has been postponed by 1 week. A few days later I found out that the agency made a mistake, they advertised my workplace in the Western part of the state, but the facility wanted me to work in the eastern part of the State 1 hour and 40 minutes away from the original place.

At this point, I already signed a housing contract for 8 weeks and paid 1st month's rent and deposit with the cleaning fee. My recruiter told me that mistakes happen, so if I like I can cancel the contract but I would have to pay a cancelation fee to the agency ($3700), but if I choose to continue with this contract then the agency would help me to pay off for house I no longer can use.

In the end, they paid $800 and I had to pay $1200. Due to confusion with drug tests and location, I was sitting without work or pay for almost 2 weeks even though hours had been granted. I like my recruiter, but I do not feel that this agency treated me fairly. What could I have done differently to limit my expenses in this case? Of course, in the future I will ask the location where I am going to be working during the interview, but what also can I have done differently? I was also required to complete a 3-hour long test/assessment, and once completed my recruiter told me that this completion of this assessment is required by the states to work for the agency by the states and I would not be compensated for hours spent completing this assignment.

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2 Answers

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

That all sounds very frustrating. Their bait-and-switch tactics, lack of transparency, mistakes, and delays made it a nightmare. Are you still interested in working with them or with that recruiter?

The short answer to "How can I protect myself in the future?" is:

Read your contract.


Housing Costs. Since they paid some of your housing costs ($800.00) for their mistake, there's a chance they would have paid more. What does your contract say? Consider staying at an extended stay for the first few days and hold off on signing a lease.

Cancellation fee. The fee of $3,700 could be a scare tactic. Check your contract to confirm the details. Here's a few more tips:

  • Clarify all details before accepting an assignment. Ensure you understand the location, hours, and other requirements before agreeing to a job. Ask questions about the specific facility, its location, and any potential changes that may occur during the assignment.
  • Get everything in writing. Ensure your contract or agreement documents all details discussed with your recruiter. Ask: "Will this be in the contract?" This includes the location of the assignment, hours, pay rate, and any potential fees or penalties.
  • Verify requirements independently. When told about drug tests or other requirements, consider verifying them independently if possible. For example, you could contact the facility directly to confirm their policies regarding drug tests and fingerprints.
  • Read contracts thoroughly. Before signing any contracts or agreements, carefully review all terms and conditions. Pay attention to clauses related to cancellations, fees, and responsibilities in case of mistakes or changes.
  • Consider alternative housing options. Instead of committing to a housing contract upfront, explore temporary housing options such as an extended-stay or short-term rentals that offer more flexibility. This can help mitigate financial risks if the assignment location changes unexpectedly.
  • Document communication. Keep records of all communication with your recruiter and the agency. This can include emails, text messages, and notes from phone calls. Having documentation can help protect you in case of disputes or misunderstandings.
  • Know your rights. Familiarize yourself with your rights as a traveler nurse, including laws and regulations that govern your profession. This can help you advocate for yourself and ensure fair assignment treatment.

Regarding the assessment you were required to complete without compensation, it's important to discuss such requirements with your recruiter upfront. 

The three-hour assessment is probably hospital-required, not "state required," so don't believe everything they tell you. The completion of assessments is common practice but you should be paid (it might be at a lesser rate) for all work. The agency is most likely charging the hospital for the time you spend completing modules. Be very careful about working off the books, such as completing modules before Day 1.

Educate Yourself

You need to educate yourself about tax rules, stipends, and benefits. Understanding travel nurse compensation is a job in itself.   Blue Pipes is a great resource for you as a new travel nurse.

There is a great travel nurse forum here on all nurses. There's also a travel nurse group on facebook that can help you vet potential assignments and give you the inside info on agencies and locations.

Ultimately, while mistakes can happen, it's important to work with an agency that values transparency, communication, and fair treatment of its employees. If you continue working with this agency, consider providing feedback on your experience and discussing ways to prevent similar issues in the future.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

 

Thank you so much 

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