Agency

[dfk122]

I am a scheduling manager for an agency. I would like some input on what the most common or most aggravating things are when dealing with an agency. Please list suggestions on what would help an agency retain good nurses...

[TriciaB]

1. Honesty. Please don't tell a nurse one thing and the client something different. Don't engage in bait-and-switch tactics. I made it clear to the agency that I needed complete control over my schedule. After going through a months-long hiring process, they had me work out my own schedule with the client. The client informed me that their agency nurses are "required to work 2 weekend days PER WEEK". When I called the agency they hemmed and hawed and it became clear they had tried to sell me out. I dumped them in a hurry.

2. Don't have a months-long hiring process. As soon as the applicant jumps through one hoop, don't wait a week before presenting the next hoop. The best agency I worked with had me working within the week. The above dishonest agency spent money hiring me they never recouped.

3. Don't promise someone you can get them work unless you can get them work. Oh, yeah, honesty.

Hope this helps.