what is my obligation?

[mmccool719]

I work per diem for a staffing agency. They placed me in an assignment for 2 weeks in October at a large hospital. It happened to be a hospital I had applied to twice with no reply. I was able to connect with the right people and got hired on there. I have recently worked a few shifts doing the same job the agency sent me to back in October. Now the agency just called and wanted to know the hours I worked. I have no clue how they even knew I worked the same job and am I obligated to them at all( since they landed me the work here originally)? I have nothing in writing in the way of a contract with them.

[llg, PhD, RN]

What you are asking is a legal question -- not a nursing one. It usually comes down to what is written in your contract and/or what is written in any sort of policy manual/employee handbook, etc. that you are obligated to follow. If nothing is spelled out there, it may come down to state law. There might also be something in the contract between the agency and the hospital.

I would ask the agency for an explanation -- and also talk with the hospital to gather any information on their end. If it sounds like you are going to get caught in a dispute between the agency and hospital -- or if you have any questions about your legal obligations, contact an attorney for advice.