NURS4GOD

Oh my friend, I can relate! I did nights in November and December this past year...I gained 10 lbs. in , like, a day or something like that!! I hated it! I went back to days for 2 months, but just took a full time nights spot...we'll see what happens to me. I totally know all of those eating times that you described, though. Nothing perks you up like a Chick-fil-a chicken biscuit at 7:30 am with a big coke either! Start and end the work day with tons of calories!! Larger by the night, Becky

I worked with a miraculous neurologist once who "induced" a "seizure" by massaging the "SEIZURE NERVES" located on the back of her neck with 15 alcohol prep pads!!!!!!!!! She was told that he would try to induce this seizure by this special massage and within a few seconds, she was in full "seizure". I tried so hard not to laugh in front of her! When we were done, the doc walked out and said "Isn't modern medicine a miracle? DISCHARGE HER!" Becky

Feast or famine, you know!! Yesterday, (1) I wasn't cancelled, (2) The floor they placed me on was well staffed, (3) I only had 4 patients most of the day, and (4) I ENDED UP STAYING 16 HOURS!!! Life is so funny!! I just have to keep remembering that GOD IS IN CONTROL!! Becky:chuckle

Well, all said and done, I got 20 hours total this week. I am pre-booked for 32 next week...we'll see. I called my previous agency, they were surprised to hear from me. I put my feelers out with them, but who knows. I almost gave up and called to try to get my old clinic job back, but no matter what they could come up with, I'd work only 24 hours agency to make the same as 36 with them. My time is worth the trouble. I am hanging in there! Becky

Same song, 2nd verse!! Cancelled again, but God is in charge! Hubby home sick...4 kids to get to school anyway...it all works out, I suppose . I have worked at other hospitals with this agency and I have let them know how much I need to work. Badbird, I think you are right about day shifts getting cancelled more, I am discussing nightshift with the family. They don't like it too much, but it is better than a 40+hr/week $11.50/hr job. There are no guarantees with this job, I knew that going in. It has worked for me for almost 2 years...I'll hang in there until it is obvious that I have to do something else! Becky:specs:

I know this happens to all agency nurses sometimes, but this is begining to hurt in the pocketbook!!! I was cancelled 3 out of 4 days last week, but was allowed to come in this morning. Feeling more optimistic, I drove the hour to the hospital where I have been pre-booked for a couple of months. I got there, went to my floor and started my day. I worked until 9:00, when the charge nurse said, "I'm sorry, we are overstaffed, you'll be going home at 11:00". I was carrying 6 patients just like the other nurses and no one else was coming in at that time. The hitch was that they have hired 6 new nurses, most of which are on orientation right now. The teams of regular staff/orientees took one or two of my patients and home I went. I am really discouraged! I am a good nurse, and they like me there. They always ask me to pre-book and come back. I really don't think it is about me, but I still am stuck with 4 hours of pay instead of 12. I couldn't take a 3-11 shift anywhere else this evening because I am supposed to work 7a-7p tomorrow again. Probably just more cancelations and early send home! I just wanted to know if this is at all common in other areas, or just Houston? Thanks for listening!! Becky:sniff:

I, too, do agency work as an LVN. I left a comfortable position 2 years ago that paid only $11/hr to enter the scary world of cancelations and new units. I did, however, jump to making $23/hr right away...that was a huge plus!!!!!!! My old co-workers thought I was crazy ( I think they were jealous!), and begged me not to leave such a steady job for the uncertainty associated with agency work. I prayed really hard, took a deep breath, and jumped in with both feet!!!!!!! I have never looked back! It is also affording me the time to pursue my RN with Excelsior. My husband is a youth minister...for the first time I can really help him on things I never could before such as youth camp, ski trips, etc... I used to use up all of my vacation days before June and had nothing left to work with...not any more!! I schedule myself (2) 12 hour days plus (1) 8 hour day per week or (2) 16 hours days per week. It isn't for everyone, but it is great for me! Becky