Agency nurses pride themselves on being flexible. After all, that’s at the core of succeeding as a per diem or travel nurse. But even those nurses with experience struggle to adapt to unfamiliar facilities when accepting new assignments. Here are some of the mistakes nurses make along the way and how you can turn your next assignment into a new and exciting opportunity instead of a stressful one.
1. Failing to Research the Facility Before Committing
The two major incentives for nurses to accept a new assignment are pay rate and location. After that, most nurses hope everything else falls into place. But that can be a costly mistake. Before you commit to the job, do some research into the facility. Get an idea of their reputation by looking at reviews online, and check into details about the patient population. Review recent survey results, look into their state health department reports, and check out what the staff has to say on sites like Glassdoor and Indeed.
Red flags to look for from these sources are any mention of chronic understaffing, high nurse turnover, and a history of compliance issues and offenses. By performing your due diligence before you commit, you may dodge a bullet in terms of a poor work environment.
2. Not Looking at The Contract Fine Print
Assignment contracts may include clauses for things like cancellation penalties, number of guaranteed hours, floating requirements, overtime, and on-call expectations. If you don’t read the fine print of your contract before signing, you could find yourself responsible for shift coverage, being obligated to float outside of your specialty, not having pay protection, and penalties if you cancel. Always clarify the specifics of the contract and get it in writing before you sign.
3. Underestimating The Amount of Orientation You Need or Skipping It Altogether
Sure, you’re an experienced nurse, and this isn’t your first rodeo. Be that as it may, you need facility-specific orientation for each new assignment. Unfamiliar facilities have an unfamiliar layout, EHR software system, medication dispensing units, code protocols, chain of command, and even where they keep the emergency supplies. When you fail to attend the orientation, you can expect to be overwhelmed. Ask in advance if there’s more than one orientation shift and if you’ll be assigned a go-to preceptor. You can’t learn it all in one day.
4. Not Checking Staffing Ratios
You’ll find staffing ratios vary dramatically, even in the same state. An experienced nurse coming from a well-staffed facility may be shocked to find a significantly higher patient load. Before you sign on, be sure to ask about typical nurse-to-patient ratios per shift/unit.
5. Failing to Verify Nurse Compact Requirements
When you travel to a new state for work, don’t automatically assume your licensure covers you, particularly with the Nurse Licensure Compact. Not all states participate, even within a region. Also, some specialties require specific certifications, and these must be verified before you’re allowed to practice in that state. Confirm your licensure and any state-specific requirements before you accept the new assignment.
We Go Above and Beyond for You
Accepting an assignment in a new and unfamiliar facility involves a lot of planning. You really must do your research. Review the above information, avoid these mistakes, and you’ll set yourself up for a smooth transition.
At BOS Medical Staffing, you can rest assured we will go above and beyond to fully vet the facilities we work with so you don’t start day one feeling unprepared and unfamiliar. If you feel called to per diem or travel nursing, let us help. Get in touch with BOS Medical Staffing today.
