RN

[PinkSoda30]

I need help! I just started my very first travel assignment and I have huge problems with the facility that I am working at. I was not given an orientation to the floor and when I started what was suppose to be my second orientation shift I was told that I was on my own. I asked how I was suppose to provide adequate care and they said that we were short and I had to take patients. I was given two that were in active labor to care for myself. I did notice that by 22-2300hrs most nurses that are either permanent or been there a while were starting to take their breaks. When I inquired about help I was told that the charge nurse would re-assess. Long story short I worked 9 hrs before having a 15 minute break and later when both my patients were fully at the same time one of which had meconium and was a gest diabetic and only 36+3 I again asked for help and the charge nurse asked me why I couldn't care for both since they both would not be pushing at the same time. I reported all of this and other things that happened that night to my travel company and I was told that I just needed to understand the protocols and policies for my hospital better. I was also told that she would send me more courses so that I can learn to better advocate for my patient as well as my self. She also told me that she would talk to the facility on my behalf to find out about extra orientation. I was never even given any orientation to start with. Can I cancel with the company? Should I just do the courses and work?

[NedRN]

What are courses and how would they help here? If you are not experienced, some reading is not going to help you.

You should at least give this a longer try than one shift. A lot of times, these issues work themselves out. There is little point in talking to your agency, they cannot help you here. If you have a grievance, you need to take it up with your manager.

Try not to notice what other nurses are doing and focus on your patients. You are getting paid exactly the same no matter what other nurse's load or break schedule might be. I'm not defending their actions at all, but only you can modify the effect it is having on you.

[Guttercat, ASN, RN]

Yup. In the assignment I just started I doubt I will get more than 30 minutes total break time in 12-14 hours. It is what it is. Like Ned said, it may not be defensible, but just focus on your patients and usually the bugs get worked out on their own.

That said, it is wise to bring your concerns (in a professional manner) to the manager. Reiterate that you know your specialty, and your goal is to be an asset to them. Definitely document your conversations.

I would NOT enjoy only a few hours of unit orientation--especially if the EHR is different from what you are used to. It's hard enough just finding where stuff is, finding your way around, and facility-specific protocols let alone getting all the EHR stuff sorted out. Even using the danged phone can be an adventure in frustration.

I wish you the best. Travel nursing ain't for sissies.

[NedRN]

Travel nursing ain't for sissies.

Great line! No offense intended to the original poster.

[wanderlust99]

I always ask during the interview how many days of orientation on the floor I get and I expect them to honor their word when I arrive. I would have refused to be put in staffing without orientation at least one day on the floor.

If I was oriented one day but expected two, I might go with it because I've been traveling a long time. But yea, that's BS.

As for the breaks and watching the perm staff, give that more time. I would give it 2 more weeks and I think things will improve.

Your company/recruiter are just feeding you nonsense IMO. I would go directly to the manager about the no orientation. If you feel you need a shift to orient, ask for it through the manager. The other stuff about the breaks and perm staff I would keep to myself for now.