Healthcare Traveler - January 2009 - (Page 58)

Starter’s Kit THE BASICS OF TR AVELING Demonstrating your competence and character as team leader over one to two nursing assistants; on others, you may be considered a primary caregiver. Find out if you are to charge the unit or make rounds with physicians when they follow up on patients. Confirm whether you are expected to take call or perhaps work an extra shift when staffing issues arise. By reviewing responsibilities when you arrive, you’ll have the chance to revisit facility expectations and inquire about any staffing changes that have occurred since your initial interview. Schedule a conciliatory meeting If you sense a coworker is reluctant to work with you, arrange to have a conciliatory meeting with your manager so you may simultaneously state your concerns and promote goodwill. Let him or her know that you are open to any suggestions that will demonstrate your desire and ability to be part of the team, and present solutions and examples of how your skills could be best utilized. You want to ensure everyone understands that your goals are providing support to the staff and delivering quality care to your patients. Photo: Getty Images/Rubberball Lila Johnson competence, character, and high standards for the delivery of care. W hen you arrive at a contract hospital or clinic, it is important to begin your assignment with your best foot forward, mindful of the impressions you’ll make. While most healthcare providers inherently appreciate travelers’ expertise and ability to adapt to changing environments, there may come a time when a manager or colleague tests your professionalism. But fear not. You can—and will—be more than prepared for the challenge. Here, we share a number of tips with regard to demonstrating your skills set, Set the tone for collaboration At the start of a travel assignment, introduce yourself to your manager, permanent and supplemental staff, and patients. During these exchanges, you should establish yourself as a support base and offer to answer any questions they may have. Many staff members are likely fatigued and may even be dealing with burn out. You want to convey that you realize you’re there to provide needed assistance, not to “take over” or change the standard of care. By and large, coworkers and patients will be truly grateful for the help. Document and report If you find yourself in an uneasy situation, be sure to document all relevant information, chronologically, even details that may not immediately appear to be central to the circumstances. Then, fax or e-mail the particulars to your recruiter. This process will protect you in two ways. First, you’ll be making your staffing agency aware of the matter before it escalates. Then, if it becomes necessary to sever your contract, you will have a systematic, professional record of the account of events. Expanding Horizons Going the Distance… Allied Corner… 58 Healthcare Traveler January 2009 Verify expectations 60 62 Clarifying your role with your manager is a good way to prevent misunderstandings. On some nursing units, for example, you may be required to step in Follow the chain of command If you encounter a concern that cannot be worked out directly through your unit manager, do not hesitate to contact your www.healthcaretraveler.com http://www.healthcaretraveler.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Healthcare Traveler - January 2009

Healthcare Traveler - January 2009 Editor’s Desk Contents By the Numbers Paws for Thought Field Notes In a Flash Med Ec-cerpts Dream Destinations Nursing from the Heart Drug Update Professional Update Clinical Tips On Assignment Cityscape Name It Advertiser’s Index Contest Rules When In… It’s in the Bag Dot.com Tax Facts Big Deals Starter’s Kit Going the Distance Allied Corner Classifieds Tales from the Road

Healthcare Traveler - January 2009

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