are the rumors true???

You can specify whatever you want to work with the agency. They might call you with other kinds of shifts but if you do not want to work them be strong and say no. I have not had a problem with many nurses treating me rudely, of course you are the outsider and kind of end up being alone most of the shift which I don't mind at all. I have had some bad assignments but everyone did and that's why I was there because they were short. It's not like everyone else was sitting there and I was running around, we were all running around. I have also never had a problem with the staff nurses not helping me. I have also used the supervisors as resources if the staff nurses were busy and not able to help me. I have been doing agency prn for about 1 yr med/surg and have worked at 6 facilities. There are some I refused to go back to but that was because of distance and the feeling that the facility was not a safe place for my patients and I do not want to work myself into the ground for any amount of money even if the staff there did like me it's not worth it so be as choosy as you want to.

hello!! I am thinking of picking up some agency shifts to supplement my full time RN job b/c the pay for lack of a better word is CRAP! :) I have heard more negative things than positive about working agency and I have developed some fear about what its really like. I have worked as a PACU nurse for 2 years doing both inpatient/outpatient surgery. The things I consistently hear are, you are given the worst patients, the other nurses are mean to you, if something goes bad not even the agency will back you up etc. etc... I really only want to pick up a shift a week to start, Is it really that bad? Also will the agency allow you to specify if you only want to work outpatient? Any advice would be appreciated!

I don't know if it's different in every state, but I have worked P.T. for an agency for 5 years and I like it. The staff nurses are very nice to me in most hospitals I have gone to. They have been very helpful, especially the charge nurse. I do always have the supervisor as back up help also. If you don't like the way they treat you at a hosp. you don't have to return. That is an advantage of working agency. Also, yes you can specify with the agency exactly what shift, hosp, and if outpt. or inpt. you want to work. They will help you find the work you want. I hope this helps you

Dunno if it's different in hospitals and LTC, but I have found in nursing homes that the majority of staff nurses in my assignments have been very decent and helpful.