Pool RN question

A hundred years ago when I was a pool nurse, it was made clear to both parties that I would give them my availability and they would try to get me shifts. It worked out. Now that I hire pool nurses, I have the scheduler fax our needs to the various agencies. If they fill the shifts, they fax back a form indicating which nurse was assigned which shift. All is clear and everyone knows who is coming.

It depends how the pool is set up. We have 3 levels of "Pool". Supplemental StaffingI is the lowest paid and least requirements, no weekends or holidays, but a certain number of hours in a 6 week cycle. Supplementat Staffing II is a bit more pay and requires weekend and holiday hours. FLoat Pool is either 24 or 36 hours a week, you are paid based on years of experience plus a float, and any other differentials. These folks also get benefits.

All levels give the scheduler their availability. Float Pool get 4 request offs in 6 weeks and work every third weekend. Float pool are garunteed the number of hours for the week, usually the days you posted yourself, however, sometimes the schedule is changed. Supplemental can be cancelled for low census or if staff pick up extra shifts.

The schedule is posted 2-4 weeks before it starts. Everyone KNOWS well in advance when they are working.

Other Pools work differently. The surgery center I work at doesn't post PRN for regular shifts. They call a day or two ahead and sometimes at 0730 for a 7am shift. Often I am working when they call. The Surgicenter called looking for me one day saying I was on the schedule, however, I was working my other job. She screwed up put me on the wrong day and expected me to come in. From then on I insisted we communicate ALL scheduling, posting, cancelling via EMAIL. Won't take a phone call to schedule or cancel.

Clarify with your manager the way it is to work and stick to it.

Good Luck.

You give them a list of dates you can work or you call in and ask..they tell you what is open..you agree before hand. Simple and you can leave your crytal ball at home.