Breaking Travel Assignment Contract?

[aibanor]

I took my first Travel Assignment two days ago with one of California's State prison. I am a psychiatric Nurse and was expecting to care for inmates with psych issues. My Travel Agency did not inform me about the type of medical settings that I will be working at the Prison. In addition, the State Prison representative did not coduct a formal interview with me before being hired by my Travel Company. That could have given me the opportunity to ask questions. Anyway, I arrived at the prison on 10/16/06 and was assigned to work in the Prison ER. I was told that they don't have such thing as a psych unit in the prison. It was so busy at the ER that the RN on duty did not have time to orient me to the job. You can imagine what happens in an ER that handles 4,000 inmates. I was overwhelmed. Two days later, I called my Travel Company to inform them that I intend to quit because I am not an ER nurse. I have never inserted an IV and have never performed some other ER nursing skills. This was not the kind of settings that I am used to working. To my greatest surprise the Company told me that if I break my contract I will have to pay back to the Company all that it will cost the company to keep me working for the Prison for a 13 weeks assignment. They claim that the Prison might turn around and sue the Travel Company for me not completing my assignment. If that happens, Iwill be responsible for all legal fees incured by the Travel Company. Unfortunately, I have not had any compensation from this company. I secured an apartment for my self and paid the first and last month rent out of pocket. I have not even received my first pay check. In spite of all these threats, I intend to quit, and I need some expert advice as to what to do. I will never do Travel Nursing again. That's it. Thanks.

[HeyFraydo]

First tell us what company and recruiter is this so we are all forewarned.
I'm a Psych RN Traveler myself but I don't do Prisons or Jails although I've heard jails are better. I've had several companies try to sell me on a Prison assignment but I just say No Thank you I just got out Ha! But seriously keep all documents, emails, notes on conversations, write out all that has happened in detail while it is fresh in your mind. Sounds like you represented yourself as a Psych RN and nothing else. I think all their threats are just that threats to make you feel guilty and scared. It's all a game of intimidation. I myself have always done Psych and it's all I want to do. I don't know why companies try to market Psych Nurses to do Prison assignments. Now you know to insist on interview with the actual manager of the unit and what questions to ask. See my site and read online book. www.TravelNurseToolbox.com I say talk landlord in letting out of lease using yopur Psych skills <wink> . Tell company that they have no legal leg to stand on in that you represented yourself as a Psych RN not an ER or Med Surg RN and that you plan to inform other Travelers on all forums if you need to. If you are assertive enough they may even get you another suitable assignment but don't feel obligated in taking it unless of course they paid you for the housing and time on the job already and maybe some extra Travel pay. If they were a good company they would do that. Maybe some recruiters assume that Psych Travelers know what Prison assignments are??
If you need help with tips on assignments there in CA or other I'd be glad to help I get offers all the time especially in CA where I have worked before.

CJ Jones Psych RN Traveler
www.TravelNurseToolbox.com

[aibanor]

Thank you C J Jones for your input. I visited your site and found a wealth of useful info that will guide a Travel Nurse especially for people like me who are new in the Travel field. Keep up with the good works.

A. B.

[icu texan]

Maybe you forgot to mention it, but what was the company that has treated you so poorly and gave you this inappropriate assignment?
It is a big help to me (and a strength of this forum) to know who to avoid.
Thanks.

[carn]

Hi,

I'm a travel nurse in CA. The hospital I'm assigned to is the worst I've ever worked at. It is dirty and disorganized. What's more upsetting is my agency misrepresented themselves and I'm not getting paid what I'm supposed to. I've discussed with them in length my concerns and the president said he would take me to court if I leave this contract. Is there anything I can do?

[Kdog]

I would be concerned about my nursing license, leave the prison and tell the company that this is out of the scope of your practice and someone screwed up. a good company would back you as there is misrepresentation here..... Leave, tell the company you will get a lawyer..move on