Don't know what to do...

[jnthombles]

So I arrived in vegas...Had my first day of orientation. It took them all day to even get me on the computer. Then once I finally did my computer training was log on and just play around. Then they FINALLY found out who to go to to get me into the pyxis. No one knew how late I was supposed to stay or where I was supposed to be. So the day ended and I went home without saying a word.

Then my next night started. I was told that because they didn't know where the thermometer was ALL NIGHT to just make up some temperatures!!!! Then it states in my contract that I don't do hearts. (open hearts) So...guess what type of patient I oriented with lastnight: a fresh heart that was crashing. I'm neuro and heart patients are different. I was uncomfortable. THe charge nurse even asked me before making assignments if I did hearts and I said no...but I still oriented with one. I'm in the icu float...but I will only be orienting to 2 of the 3 floors. I will also be floating to er hold-where I also didn't get orientation nor will I.

And to top it off I was told Vegas was safe-by my company-to use public transportation! It's not! The girls I work with said they wouldn't even use it!

I just don't know what to do...I called my recruiter and told her and she made me feel like I was over reacting...Am I? What would you do?

[GipsyRN]

WOW!!! I am so sorry to hear what you are going through. This is so ridiculous. The first thing I would do is speak to whoever is above your recruiter if she is not listening to your concerns. First of all your working conditions are not comfortable or safe if they are making you take care of patients that you don't have the skill set for, second of all you have a transportation issue! Although your contract is probably already signed, I would either ask for a rental car, or rent a car and ask for reimbursement or make arrangements to ship your own car from your home town (if you have one). I have a couple of auto transport companies I use if that's an option for you. It is not acceptable for your recruiter not to take your concerns seriously! Follow the chain of command. In the meantime at work, hang in there, speak to the charge RN or person who is in charge of Travelers at your facility and express your concern. If nothing changes and breaking the contract is your only option, find out the ramifications and don't use that company again.
Good Luck!
GipsyRN

[Kdog]

Call your nurse liason at the company and inform them of the open heart deal. Meanwhile, let them know that you cannot work out of the scope of your practice or you will not accept the assignment.Also, call the nurse manager at the hospital and talk... regarding subway, see how much a cab is, or see if other nurses travel your way. Orientation can be overwhelming.