While you may not need much instruction on how to use the App, I do have some useful information on how the process of picking candidates work. During my nursing career, I have been on both ends of the hiring process and agency selection process. Working in nursing management, my facility used staffing agencies that used cell phone applications to find staff. Don’t worry, if you don’t have the ability to use the app on your phone, most of these programs work to view shifts and “put in” or apply for shifts via website as well.
When you have an application, you will see facilities and the available shifts posted by the date/day. Most apps will have a price the facility is willing to pay. Many apps have a way to place a bid for what you’re willing to work for. I’ve heard of some people bidding lower amount on the shift, thinking that would give them a greater chance of being picked at a certain facility they would like to pick up. As an employer, I do not ever recall being overly concerned about the difference in pay that staff bid. More I was concerned with the users rating on performance and attendance. The distance from the facility they are, as that created a greater risk for them to call off etc.
With that being said, it is important that you follow through with your obligations if you have bid on a shift and been accepted. Every agency is different on their cancelation policy. Though there aren’t really any greater than another. Some require a certain amount of time to cancel through the app or agency, others require you to call the facility and cancel with them. When you cancel, you often will have to wait for the facility to cancel you within the app/program. Many apps won’t let you pick up another shift for that scheduled time/day if you cancel at one place, if it’s not done within the time frame given. Other apps will let you schedule, if the facility cancels you. Some facilities may be a little salty if you cancel late, and leave the shift for you to show as a NCNS because of the inadequate time given on canceling. Other times, they aren’t being salty they are just juggling too many different tasks and you being canceled within the program is not a priority for them.
You have the greatest chance of being picked at facilities, by making a stellar professional impression on them. Simple! Be on time, do what is required of you, be willing to do what is asked of you and do the job as though you were staff. If you aren’t pleased with the facility, mark them on your list of do not return.
Speaking of “do not return” a facility can blacklist you, 86 you, on the app from their facility.
A big way many facilities decide on your performance, you having no patient/family complaints, charting completed, and reports from their staff on duty. When I’m doing agency, I make sure to communicate with staff (Regardless if they’re agency or facility staff) respectfully, offer my assistance and ask if there is anything I can do during my shift if I’m able, to help them out. I do this regardless of how I feel they treated me, how much work I feel they are doing, etc. As I portray myself based on my values, and don’t let other staff/people affect the quality of my work. My work, is my money maker. Therefore, I’m not concerned with other people when it’s not necessary.
Your shift during per diem, agency, contract work is a certain amount of hours, 8, 12 etc. When I feel overwhelmed or am regretting working at a particular facility, I tell myself – ” I just have to make it through this shift ” and it’s no longer my problem. I don’t have to come back, because, I’m not a staff nurse here. Praise God!
Finding good shifts happens more than finding terrible shifts. Often, when you work through staffing agency, you’re going to facilities that are struggling obviously with staff, sometimes with management etc. So I try to keep that in mind when I find myself critiquing the way things are going during my shift, and keep my eye on the goal, excellent PT care and making my pay!
Working independently, without causing more problems for a facility than they already have, is key! This role in nursing is more about what you can do for a facility, and not what they can do for you.
During my mgmt role, we used an app called “Kare” that markets jobs to staff and includes an option to give a bonus. This was VERY popular on last minute shifts posted, weekend and holiday shits. The closer it became time to the shift, the higher the bonus might be. There have been CNA shifts I’ve posted at 15-20 hourly with 250 bonus. Seeing caregivers make 400-500 a shift at times. The catch with the bonus is, you had to complete the shift and have no major complaints. The facility had to give you so many stars on review. Fret not, I remember only 1 time ever not giving people the stars needed to make the bonus. It was a nurse who didn’t get the bonus, we ended up sending her home because it was assisted living facility requiring her to pass medications on the cart and she said “I’m a nurse, I don’t pass medications”. CLASSY! DNR!
Some applications give you the option to rate and review the employer/company offering shifts after you have worked. Like, ClipBoard! You can also check out the reviews for this facility before applying for a shift. Often jobs on clipboard automatically assign shifts, you don’t have to “Bid” or “apply” to a shift.
Not to mention, most applications have the option to have “instant pay” or “next day pay” – like Shiftkey, Clipboard, Kare and Shiftmed.
What applications, agencies or travel contract nursing have you used? What was your experience? What do you think should improve?
Remember, with the freedom of planning your own schedule and wages comes the task of being an independent contractor who comes to save the day to facilities in need. You got what it takes!
