The Gypsy Nurse

Step #13: Sealing the Deal

Posted by
/ July 11, 2012 / 4 Comments
This entry is part 13 of 28 in the series Treatment Plan: Hypertravelosis
wp-content/uploads/2012/06/cartoon-multitasking-nurse.jpg
Treatment Plan: Hypertravelosis

You have come a long way.  You’ve completed steps 1-12 at this point and your ready to move on to the next step; Sealing The Deal.  This should be the easy part but I’m going to warn you upfront that you need to be very cautious at this point.

You have probably submitted for more than one position with most likely more than one company.  It’s important to remember that you should make certain to notify all parties once you have accepted a contract.  Give your respectful declination’s to any companies that you are not going to be working with and let them know that their hard work was appreciated and you will check with them when your contract is coming to a close.

Before you inform all the companies, you must first make certain that your contract is acceptable.  On more than one occasion, I have declined a position that I wanted due to contract issues.  It’s not a detrimental thing, to reject an offer after reviewing the contract and finding it unacceptable. When you verbally accept an offer it is contingent on the written contract being acceptable. If the written contract is not acceptable simply tell your recruiter that you will accept it only if XYZ is changed. If they don’t change those things and provide you with a NEW contract then don’t accept and move on to another company.

In Step #11 we went through preliminary contract negotiations.  This was all verbally done and hopefully you took some notes along the way.  Once you tell a recruiter that you want to accept the position, they will draw up a written contract for you.  It’s important that you READ your contract thoroughly.  Make certain that all the ‘promises’ that you discussed with the recruiter are in the contract.  No matter how small the issue, if it’s something that is important to you make certain that it’s written into the contract.  Go through your notes and check off each item that was agreed upon with the recruiter once you verify that it is addressed in the contract.

At the minimum, your contract should include the following:

- Guaranteed Hours

- No penalties for hospital canceled hours/shifts.
- Any hour cancellations allowed by Hospital ie Maximum of 2 shifts during contract (this will override the guaranteed hours)
- Missed hour penalties (sickness).
- Housing location/stipend amount: This should include any housing promises ie. washer/dryer, TV, etc
- Hourly, holiday and overtime rates with detailed per-diem (non-taxable) rate/amount.
- Shift and unit assigned
- On Call requirements; if any.
- Contract start and end dates
- Travel reimbursements and date of distribution
- Floating agreements
- Any benefits offered.
- Any penalties for early termination need to be detailed and understandable.

Your contract should also address any additional agreements that you and your recruiter or the hospital manager have agreed upon.  These things may include requested days off, specific orientation for un-assigned units, pet-friendly housing (deposits), etc.

I would recommend that you read your contract initially, then return to it the following day and read it again prior to signing. If you have someone who you trust, you could have a friend/co-worker/family member also read through the contract and see if there is anything missing/wrong.

If there are issues with the contract; inform your recruiter right away and DO NOT sign.  Once the contract has been corrected to your liking, sign and fax to the recruiter.  Request a copy of the completed contract from your recruiter (after signed by them).  You will need to keep this with your work papers and have available at all times while on site.

 

My Twitter profileMy Facebook profileMy Google+ profileMy LinkedIn profile

TheGypsyNurse

Owner at The Gypsy Nurse
As a travel nursing educator, Candy aka Gypsy Nurse, RN has worked in healthcare for nearly 20 years, working up the ranks from CNA to LPN to RN. For the past eight years, she’s worked as a travel nurse, allowing her to practice and live in 14 states throughout the U.S. She regularly shares advice for those interested in travel nurse jobs on her website at: www.thegypsynurse.com.
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
Series Navigation<< Step #12: Determine if The Job is A Good FitStep #14 Getting Ready for The Journey >>
Submit A Destination Report Submit Travel Nurse Interview Submit Specialty Interview
Submit Change of Shift Report Submit: Ask A Travel Nurse ? Contact The Gypsy Nurse
The Gypsy Nurse 921 E. Dupont Rd. #745 Fort Wayne, IN 46825 gypsynurs@gmail.com

All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. thegypsynurse.com makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis

Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by TheGypsyNurse.com

All content © TheGypsyNurse June 2012-Present