If you’re a new agency nurse at Nurses On Call, you may have some concerns about the job and what to expect. Don’t worry, we’re here to address those concerns and provide you with all the information you need to feel confident and comfortable in your new role. At Nurses On Call, we have over 25 years of experience matching our staff to facility needs, so you can trust that you are in good hands. Our nurses are highly qualified with at least one year of current nursing experience, and we offer a range of placement options at various medical facilities. Our goal is to provide you with a full-service experience, with 24/7 on-call service, a local support staff, and an on-site Director of Nursing. So give us a call today at 850-474-9803 and let us help you take your nursing career to the next level!
Orientation and Training
As a new agency nurse at Nurses On Call, you can expect a thorough orientation and training program to familiarize you with agency policies and procedures. This will include an overview of our protocols and guidelines to ensure that you deliver high-quality care to patients. In addition, you will receive comprehensive training on the electronic medical records systems used by the facilities where you will be assigned. This will enable you to efficiently document patient care and access essential information. Lastly, we will provide you with a detailed review of infection control measures to ensure the safety of both patients and staff.
Patient Safety
Patient safety is of utmost importance, and as an agency nurse, it is crucial that you understand and adhere to the best practices that promote it. Thorough documentation is key, as it ensures accurate and comprehensive records of patient care, which can aid in continuity of care and prevent medical errors. Proper identification of patients is also essential to ensure the right treatments and medications are administered to the correct individuals. You will also receive training on medication safety practices to minimize the risk of medication errors. Effective communication with interdisciplinary teams is another aspect of patient safety that will be emphasized during your training, as clear and concise communication promotes coordinated and efficient care.
Facility Adaptation
Each facility may have its own unique layout, emergency codes, and procedures. To ensure your seamless integration, we will provide you with orientation to familiarize you with the layout of the facility. This will help you navigate the facility efficiently and locate necessary supplies and equipment easily. Additionally, you will receive training on the emergency codes and procedures specific to each facility. This will empower you to respond appropriately in emergency situations and contribute to maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff. Interacting with facility staff is also important, and we encourage you to establish positive working relationships with your colleagues to foster teamwork and collaboration.
Work Schedule and Expectations
At Nurses On Call, we understand the importance of clarifying work schedules and expectations to ensure a smooth experience for our agency nurses. When you are assigned a shift, you can expect clear communication regarding the shift assignment, including the date, time, and duration. We will also provide you with information on overtime and on-call requirements, so you are aware of any additional responsibilities. Punctuality and attendance are highly valued, and we expect all our nurses to exhibit professionalism by arriving on time for their shifts. In case any changes need to be made to your schedule, we have established communication protocols to ensure efficient communication and minimize any inconvenience.
Handling Challenging Situations
As a nurse, you may encounter challenging situations while providing care to patients. Dealing with difficult patients and their families requires patience, empathy, and effective communication skills. We will provide you with strategies to effectively communicate and manage challenging interactions, ensuring that both the patients’ needs and your professional boundaries are respected. Responding to emergencies and crisis situations is also a critical skill that will be addressed during your training. You will learn the necessary steps to take in emergency situations, enabling you to respond calmly and efficiently. Conflict management within the interdisciplinary team is another aspect that we will focus on, as teamwork and collaboration are essential for providing optimal patient care. Finally, we will equip you with effective stress management techniques, helping you navigate the challenges of a demanding healthcare environment.
Professional Development Opportunities
At Nurses On Call, we believe in the importance of continuous professional development. We provide our agency nurses with access to a wide range of continuing education resources to enhance their knowledge and skills. This includes online courses, workshops, and conferences covering various nursing specialties and topics of interest. Additionally, we offer opportunities for specialized training, allowing you to expand your expertise in specific areas of nursing. We also provide support for professional certification, recognizing the value it holds for your professional growth. Lastly, we offer mentorship and career guidance to our agency nurses, providing guidance and support as you navigate your nursing career.
Support and Advocacy
We understand that starting a new assignment can be challenging, which is why we offer support and advocacy throughout your experience as an agency nurse. For your ease and comfort, we provide onsite mentors or preceptors who are experienced nurses available to answer any questions and assist you in acclimating to your new role. Additionally, our agency representatives will regularly check in with you to ensure your needs and concerns are addressed. We are committed to creating a positive work environment and encourage you to provide feedback and share any concerns you may have. We are also advocates for fair compensation and benefits, and we strive to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your hard work and dedication.
Ensuring Compliance
As a healthcare professional, it is essential to understand your legal and ethical responsibilities. We will provide you with information on legal and ethical considerations that apply to your role as an agency nurse. Adhering to HIPAA regulations is vital in maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality, and we will guide you on the specific requirements and procedures to ensure compliance. Each facility may also have its own unique policies and guidelines, and we will ensure that you are aware of and comply with these facility-specific protocols. Reporting incidents and errors promptly is crucial in maintaining transparency and addressing any potential risks to patient safety.
Professional Liability Protection
Nurses On Call provides malpractice insurance coverage to all our agency nurses. This agency-provided malpractice insurance offers protection in case of any incidents or claims that may arise during the course of your assignment. We will provide a detailed explanation of the scope of coverage, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of your protection. In the event of any incidents, we emphasize the importance of reporting them promptly. Proper documentation of incidents and risk management measures will assist in addressing any potential claims effectively.
Transitioning Between Assignments
As an agency nurse, you may be assigned to different facilities throughout your career. To ensure a smooth transition between assignments, we will prepare you for any new facility requirements. This may include specific protocols, guidelines, or procedures that differ from your previous assignment. We will review the patient population and common diagnoses of the new facility, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the specific healthcare needs of the patients you will be caring for. Adjusting to different facility cultures is also important, and we will provide guidance to support your adaptation to new work environments. Your transferable skills will be valuable in each assignment, and we will help you leverage them effectively to provide exceptional patient care.
In conclusion, as a new agency nurse at Nurses On Call, you can expect comprehensive orientation and training, a focus on patient safety, support in adapting to different facilities, clarity on work schedules and expectations, guidance in handling challenging situations, opportunities for professional development, support and advocacy, adherence to compliance requirements, professional liability protection, and assistance in transitioning between assignments. We are committed to your success and are confident that with our support and resources, you will thrive in your role as an agency nurse.
