Comments on: Ask a Travel Nurse: What would happen if a traveler were MADE to float to an area in which they were not comfortable?

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Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:16:56 +0000

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By: David Morrison

David Morrison — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:20:14 +0000

Epstein brings up a good point that I also advise in my book on travel nursing (as well as other things you should always have in your travel contract). However, you may still have these stipulations in your contract and that will NOT stop the hospital from trying to float you to units outside those you specify (which has happened to ME several times despite having it written into my contract).

To simply tell a hospital that they are in breach and not return is a BIG deal and advice that should not be followed unless you truly understand the consequences (both professionally and financially). All situations will not be the same. If I walked on a contract every time I have been floated to a unit outside what it stipulates in my contract, I doubt many agencies would work with me. However, if the situation is unsafe and could cost you your license, then you might not have any choice.

By: Epstein

Epstein — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:03:57 +0000

This is the EXACT reason why you MUST have in your contract which floors you can and will float to… the ones that you are competent in. For instance, “Sam hereby agrees to float to other floors of competenncy, which include: Medical, Surgical, Rehab, Telemetry, and Psychiatric. Related to lack of training and safety concerns, he will not be required to float to Oncology, ICU, or Pediatrics (ones that you will absolutely not float to.” THEN, if the hospital floats you to a floor which you are not competent to work, then just remind that that is a breach of contract on THEIR part, and you will not be returning. Worked for me in Washington State.