New traveler-Capefear

meandragonbrett · Dec 27, 2012

Maybe if you tell us what is making you fear your license we could be a bit more helpful.

NedRN · Dec 27, 2012

Something particular about your license that doesn't affect the hundreds of other nurses working there?

NedRN · Dec 27, 2012

Double post.

1Dreamer · Dec 29, 2012

High acuity patients that need to be on Step-down or ICU(drips,cardiac status ect.). They move patients quickly out of ICU and step-down because they need the beds. 2-6 RAPID responses a night. Have 6-8patients with 75% (at least)being total care,multiple wounds with average of 3 of the patients on drips. This does not include patients going for procedures.This is most shifts. Patients are assigned not on acuity but on location.

1Dreamer · Dec 29, 2012

Yes,I value mine what about you? Curb the attitude! This facility has a very high rate of travelers and a difficult time keeping nurses. I have never worked at any hospital large or small where the average nurse has worked 3-4years at the facility. I was told early in my career " No one can protect your license but you." Experience has reinforced this and I will not endanger it because others are willing to put theirs on the line!

NedRN · Dec 30, 2012

Yes, we all value our license. I cannot picture a situation, including the one you describe, that should cost you your license (mind you some boards like Texas are pretty bad). You are not responsible for the poor management of your hospital. You can only prioritize and treat one patient at a time. If you rush and make a medication mistake or miss a deteriorating patient that you assessed, you have only yourself to blame. If you think the hospital is unsafe, you should report them to the state. Leaving will not improve patient safety.

Traveling may not be for you. You are there because the staffing is bad so guess what, you will have to work hard. If you can stick it out, you will find you will be a better nurse. Completely your decision of course. If you feel you are unable to deliver safe care you should leave. I will say that all travel assignments are not like that, but typically I have to work pretty hard. California with mandated staffing ratios can be a dream for many nurses.

1Dreamer · Dec 31, 2012

Thanks for the feed-back. I appreciate it. I will say that most of the people I work with are great. Find it odd thought that travelers are orienting full time staff. Guess that is the norm. I am going to stick it out and try another assignment to see if traveling is for me.

meandragonbrett · Dec 31, 2012

Thanks for the feed-back. I appreciate it. I will say that most of the people I work with are great. Find it odd thought that travelers are orienting full time staff. Guess that is the norm. I am going to stick it out and try another assignment to see if traveling is for me.

Every travel assignment is different. Just like every hospital staff position is different. Sometimes you roll the dice and they land in the toilet. Traveling can be stressful and hard work! Also, don't forget that California has state mandated ratios that the hospitals must adhere to. Might want to consider getting your CA license.

I have been a relief charge as a traveler...so travelers helping to orient isn't necessarily way off base....especially if they are a long term traveler in that facility.

Keep your head up and push through it! :)

NedRN · Dec 31, 2012

Thanks for the feed-back. I appreciate it. I will say that most of the people I work with are great. Find it odd thought that travelers are orienting full time staff. Guess that is the norm. I am going to stick it out and try another assignment to see if traveling is for me.

Good for you!

Travelers are cross pollinated - we've been around and most of us are excellent clinically. I'm often asked to orient new staff. We may not be as doctrinated to local hospital practices as staff nurses are, and that is often a good thing, maintaining best practices.

AWanderingMinstral · Jan 1, 2013

LOVED the "curb the attitude!" So, you jeopardize your license and mental well-being in order to be a better nurse. Sounds like an even exchange to me! NOT! My first assignment was at a facility that utilized LPNs and, as a result, it wasn't unusual to be short staffed (even WITH travelers) and one RN and one LPN would have as many as twelve patients. What makes it worthwhile is to squeeze the agency for as much money as you can. My friends sit behind a desk, can put off today what can be done tomorrow, AND make more money than I do. So, make sure you're getting what YOU need too! Hang in, 1Dreamer. Happy New Year!

itsnowornever, BSN, RN · Jan 1, 2013

California with mandated staffing ratios can be a dream for many nurses.

Mandated staffing ratios? What's that? I work in California and apparently our hospital hasn't received that news! LOL!