October 1, 2013 The U.S. nursing industry projects that some 1 million nurses will be needed by 2016. Between now and then, hospitals nationwide will be under the gun to provide value-based healthcare through cost-effective means, while addressing significant staffing shortages. Travel nurses are part of the equation, and often viewed as a temporary solution. Just because travel nurses are in demand, doesn’t mean they are always welcomed with open arms.
In some cases, stretched hospitals budgets are overloading nursing staffs with too many patients and duties — a trend associated with high turnover in the industry. Not surprisingly, the pressure on permanent staffs can create separate pressures for newly arrived travel nurses, who may enter a tough work environment they aren’t prepared for. Throw in employer expectations, administrative systems, and personalities that can vary at each hospital, and a traveler must remain on their toes when it comes to flexibility and patience. We spoke to some travelers and staffing agency representatives who have learned that blending in smoothly at work can be one of the toughest tasks a healthcare traveler can face, and the most rewarding.
"But you do need to have really strong people skills,” says Tashina Aycock, senior recruiter for Overland Park, Kan.-based Favorite Healthcare Staffing. “It’s important that you can work with a lot of different types of people.” One misconception fledging travelers might have is assuming they will be greeted enthusiastically when they arrive to their assignment. That’s not always the case — in fact, sometimes far from it.
There are many moving parts of a high-paced clinical unit where permanent staff members can make it challenging for travelers, who can be looked upon as newcomers, says Samantha Neal-Keith, a seven-year labor and deliver nurse, who has been traveling the last three years. Like other hospital units, the nature labor and delivery foster close employee bonds, leading to cliques that are sometimes hard for a new traveler to penetrate.
“Every place is different and you have to be very careful with (your) personality and how you’re trying to fit it. I’ve had a couple of experiences where I’ve not rubbed the right way with other nurses,” Neal-Keith says. The situation can be exasperated, she says, in hospitals where nursing unions operate and supplemental nurses are looked upon sometimes as a job threat rather that a solution to ease staffing burdens. The situation can be compounded when there is “a misconception that we make a ton of money,” which can spur further resentment.
Tips for travelers
· Be flexible. You may be asked to work a shift or a unit you are not familiar with. Bending when the wind blows will not only be a great help to the facility, but will make known who’s flexible and a team player.
· Be friendly. Introduce yourself to other nurses and engage in normal conversation.
· If you don’t know, ask. Going to the staff for help or advice will show that you are not only interested and willing to learn, but it will also ensure procedures are followed correctly and will minimize the potential for errors.
· Take notes. You’ll likely encounter a lot of new information throughout your first days of orientation.
· Research the area you are traveling to. Identify the closest supermarket, gas station, and drug stores to make your stay easier.
· Don’t be late for work. Be sure to bring an alarm clock.
· Ask your recruiter for help. Your recruiter should be able to help with almost any request.
- Read more at:
http://healthcaretraveler.modernmedicine.c...
Posted By: Jen Fad
Thursday, October 10th 2013 at 10:45PM
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