New Traveller needs help w/recruiter!

bagladyrn, RN · Oct 4, 2003

I would NOT work with this recruiter! He sounds as though he is definitely giving you the runaround. If he's this hard to get in touch with when he's trying to recruit you, what is he going to be like if you have a problem later. Don't worry about his feelings (annoyed, etc.) - this is his job - to work with you! It sounds to me like he is trying to pressure you to take the less desirable shift because you are new and he thinks he can pressure you into it, thereby saving the easy to fill day shifts.

Personally, I would either call this company and request (politely demand in other words) a new recruiter, or explore options with another company. Don't go into anything you are not comfortable with, and don't let yourself be manipulated.

It does get easier as you go along and learn what to ask for and how to be assertive about it! Don't let one bad recruiter keep you from enjoying the experience.

huggietoes · Oct 5, 2003

You need to speak to someone higher up the food chain in this travel company. Possibly this recruiter gets a 'kickback' for staffing the more undesirable slots first. I went through a horrific experience with a recruiter that so marred my perception of travelling that I am now working, miserably I might add as staff in the pit of h#ll just to avoid the mere possibility of another fiasco. Lied to me, sent me to a position that I was totally unqualified for and had no experience in, also lied to facility and stated that I had experience/advanced training in this particular area and then was less than helpful when I called and wanted out of the contract before I lost my license! Had the nerve to tell me that I should have to 'buy out the contract', well I spoke to a manager of the company and had the NM fax the 'fake resume' he submitted on my behalf, needless to say I got out of the contract. But it made me look and feel like a flaky idiotic naivete. Go with your gut, and never let some recruiter make you feel as though you are putting them out for making them do their job. Good luck to you.

rncopper · Oct 5, 2003

If you like the overall company, I would request another recruiter. But, I would actually fire the entire company!

The bait-and-switch tactic is common with some companies and, unfortunately, new travelers get caught in the trap! (and sometimes "old" travelers!)

Remember, the company and the recruiter works FOR YOU! Not the other way around! You have the final say on where you go, with what pay, what time frame, etc.

PLEASE, don't let one "bad apple" turn you away from traveling. There are MANY good companies and recruiters out there to choose from. Don't feel pressured into taking something that "doesn't feel right" to you, or has made you angry.

Good Luck!

gypsyatheart · Oct 5, 2003

Thanks for all your responses. The recruiter of this company is supposedly the owner/president of the company! So, I guess I'll be firiing the whole darn company! LOL Question is: Is there anyway to still get this job I want, I've basically secured a position there, with a different company? Should I call the hospital directly? I thought they didn't like getting in the middkle of these types of things...

Should I just bag the whole thing and look for something else?

Thanks for any/all suggestions!

rncopper · Oct 5, 2003

I think you posted that you saw the position posted with another company? Either way, I would actually call the NM that you spoke to and tell her/him of the difficulties that you are experiencing with this recruiter/company, that you REALLY want this position - but with the actions of THIS company, you cannot go with them. Ask what other companies the facility works with and would they accept you going with one of those companies.

If you really want this assignment, you probably have to do some of the work yourself. Sorry this has happened to you. I hope it works out.

If not, I guess I would chuck it under "things I have learned as a traveler"! Could you post the name of the unscrupulous company as a warning for the rest of us?

renerian, BSN, RN · Oct 5, 2003

I have called places I wanted to work and asked what company they use before without a problem. I sure would not want to work with him or the company.

renerian

gypsyatheart · Oct 5, 2003

Sure, I'll post the company...some may be surprised, b/k on the delphi TN&T forum it seems they have a "good" reputation, however I was privately e-mailed by someone that this company is notorious for using this "bait and switch" method!

The company is Abetta, I'm dealing with Todd Kasten as the recruiter.

renerian, BSN, RN · Oct 5, 2003

Thanks moondancer for the tip. I want to travel again in the future.

renerian

gypsyatheart · Oct 7, 2003

Wanted to give an update....

I called the agency that deals directly w/the hospital on these contracts and was told by the person who deals directly w/the agencies(my own included) that it is true: there are not any "real" positions open YET, these are possible, "anticipated" needs for the winter. I wondered why companies are posting these as open positions to the travellers, and was told "you should be leery of those companies". Hmmm, well my own company is one that has these postings...

So, I call the hospital directly, speak w/the person who co-ordinates hiring of travellers for this facility and she tells me, just that morning, they have decided not to open up any more positions until after Christmas, and then it will only be 1 night shift position.

So, even though it still sounds a little odd,it seems as if the recruiter is telling the truth. I don't want to start sounding paranoid either! LOL

I still don't think this excuses the way my recruiter acts when I'm dealing w/him, but at least I guess he's being honest about the positions....

Thanks for everyone's help. :)