[dragonflier]

I was contracted for 13 weeks for a med/surg floor, 12 hr. nights (which is my preferred shift). I go in to work to find that the Dec. schedule is out and I am NOT on it! I begin asking around and am told through the hospital grapevine that I have been moved to 2nd floor which is ortho/tele. Not only that but DAY shift!!
I called my recruiter, who called the hospital and they gave him a spiel about "Oh she won't have to do cardiac drips, etc. just more acute M/S pts." SURE........this is the hospital who's orientation consisted of "Hi, here are your 7 pts tonight and oh yeah, you have an admission on the way."
My recruiter told ME to call the 2nd floor manager and speak to her about the change of shift. IS this MY responsibility? Isn't this what the recruiter gets paid to do, mediate???
I am so mad that I just want to cancel this contract. Only problem being is that this is local to my home and I hate to burn bridges. But I will not be someone's doormat.
PLEASE...........any suggestions public or private are extremely welcome.
Crying in IL,
Trish

[annelieseRN]

Dear Dragonfly:

I work for an agency so I know about contracts. This is totally not fair to you. This is why you work agency so that you can avoid the "politics" you have found yourself in.

There are several statements I would like to make here:

1). While it is true your agency is getting paid to talk on your behalf, you will find that many of the people that own the agency or work for the agency are NOT nurses so if they were to speak on your behalf, they probably know you would do a better job but yes, they should talk on your behalf.

2). The second point is that I would NOT do anything that I was not comfortable with. You are only setting yourself up for a possible malpractice situation should anything go wrong and that would cause more damage to your career in the long run. Unahappy employees make mistakes more than happy ones.

3). The problem I foresee you in is this: You will stand your ground and say you can not or will not work this shift or floor. Deep inside, your agency does not care. All they care about, is getting the position filled. Don't forget, they charge a specified amount and give you a percentage, in essence, you are being "pimped out" therefore, if you can not do it, your agency will just get someone else who can. Sounds cold but true. As I work for an agency.

4). Here is what the hospital sees, they know they are working short and they are paying double for your services. Naturally, they will take their own employees and give them what they want and put you where they have the hole because they view you as a service they are paying for and should be able to use you were they need you. Remember, if they use their own employees they are paying out much less than for an agency nurse. Again, if you can not do it, they will expect the agency to get someone for the kind of money they are paying.

I understand your feelings, I have been there and done that.

Caring4You--Anneliese,RN,BSN,CLNC

[OutWest]

Does your contract specify which unit & shifts you will work?? Couple of thoughts:

You are a professional adult. IMHO you should have gone to the manager(s) first to try to resolve this rather than relying on the "grapevine". Explain that you understand their needs but that you DO have a contract; whether or not you agree to their changes has to be your decision. Perhaps you might consider working Ortho/Tele IF they can provide adequate orientation & support. Who knows, might not be so bad.

Second, if you can't resolve this with the facility then yes, I would expect your recruiter to intervene. That is part of their job. If they are unwilling or unable then I'd find a new recruiter. From personal experience (husband's) there are agencys & recruiters out there who will go to bat for you.

Sounds like a bad situation all around....good luck