Working with a New Agency

I have worked as a traveling nurse practitioner for 9 years now. Throughout my time I have worked with almost a dozen different agencies. Over that time, I have narrowed down my favorite ones and tend to work with them mostly. As I mentioned from my previous post, a recruiter from an agency I have never worked with before, reached out to me regarding a FL travel NP position. I ended up accepting the assignment with them, but it was an interesting process dealing with a new-to-me agency.

Before accepting the assignment, I told my recruiter that my DEA was expiring in December and if they would pay to have it renewed. I was already expecting them to say no, since most agencies say no until it affects their potential profit. As expected, my recruiter said no, they do not reimburse/pay for any licenses/certifications. I told her that it was unfortunate and actually a deal breaker for me.

So, she told me that what she could do is pay me an extra $20/h for the first week to cover the cost of the DEA. Although not ideal, especially because technically the $800 would be taxed, I accepted. I can always deduct the expense of the DEA on my taxes anyways.

Before interviewing for the assignment, I had told my recruiter what my expected rate was. After interviewing for the job (there were 2 of them), the site made it clear that I was the “perfect candidate”. This made me realize I should ask for a higher rate – since clearly the site is telling me I am worth a lot. I had not received any contract from my recruiter, so I told her that I wanted to increase my rate. She told me that it was too late since we had already agreed on the original rate.

I told her I had the option to go back to work with the geriatric clinic I normally work with and they would give me the increased rate. Thus, she said she would just match the rate I wanted from her end, not having to go back and forth with the site. In the end, I got what I wanted.

Next, was the challenge with housing. I did what I normally do which is look on furnishedfinder.com for furnished housing that is near the job site. I submitted the one I wanted to the agency for them to book for me. My recruiter said, since I am taking a week off in December, I wouldn’t be working enough days that month to cover the total cost of housing for that month. Therefore, would I be willing to pay the difference?

I was in complete shock over this request. I have often taken 1-2 weeks off during an assignment while working as a travel NP and having a furnished apartment. And I have never ever been asked to pay for the housing while I was gone! I understand if it was a hotel, in that case since you are paying per night, then I would just pack my things and keep it in storage with the front desk. But even when I have stayed in a hotel long term and have been gone for a few days, I haven’t been asked to give up the room. For an apartment, the agency is paying per month regardless of me working the entire time or not.

I was so irritated by the request that I simply wrote back “No, I never pay for housing even when I am on vacation and if this is going to be a problem let me know now so I can end the contract.” My recruiter responded and said “no, it’s ok we will figure something out to make it work”, and never asked me about that again.

Lastly, the week prior to my assignment starting I hadn’t heard anything from my agency. For example, is credentialing complete? What time and who do I report to on Monday? What is the orientation schedule? What is my rental car booking information? What is the address for my housing and check-in instructions? If there is an issue and it’s Sunday night, who can I call for an emergency?

Moreover, I am used to getting paid weekly. I had to wait 3 weeks to get paid my first paycheck. Then I was surprised when I didn’t get my second paycheck the following week. Apparently, the medical director had signed the time sheet a day late so my paycheck had to wait until the following pay period. I told my recruiter this wasn’t fair to me since I have no control over when the medical director signs the time sheet. I am sure in the past they have signed it late but I have always been compensated on time with other agencies. She told me I was right and would see what she could do, but of course nothing was done and I just waited to get paid the following week.

This made me realize that I have been spoiled by the main agencies I work with. I am used to them sending me all of this information the week prior to my start date, automatically. Not me having to request every last detail. I also realized they spoiled me by paying for all of my licenses, changing my DEA address for me, and never asking me to pay extra for housing.

So far I am not impressed with this agency, but if I continue to work with this client I will have to continue working with this agency. We will see how it goes and hopefully they can tailor to my needs.