Probably not…. but as a healthcare traveler recruiter I can relate to those anxious therapists who talk to me wondering what the next three months will be like. They want to avoid a travel assignment disaster. In most instances, these travelers are not only going to be working in a different environment, but they are also going to be living in a new city and state. The uncertainty of the first few days of a contract can be challenging. Drawing on experiences, I can help set the tone for others’ assignments, knowing, firsthand, that meeting a friendly supervisor and/or employee at the job site can make all the difference in avoiding a travel assignment disaster.
People’s management practices play a role in creating situations where a travel assignment disaster is more likely. I feel pretty far removed from the current oil disaster taking place in the Gulf of Mexico because I’m not involved in oil drilling or sophisticated mechanical operations. However, assuming that there aren’t important lessons to be learned from BP’s handling of the issue would be shortsighted.
In recent years, numerous scandals and disasters have demonstrated the far reaching impact of corporate policy and practice. Firms like Enron, Bear Stearns, and Toyota all had well documented processes, policies, and procedures but they also engaged in practices that led people to make bad decisions.
While every travel contract has its own flavor and varying degrees of interaction with those in therapy, the orientation needs to provide a foundation for your time at the facility. Spend some time talking with the Rehab Director and staff. Find out their professional experiences and personal history. This should give you an idea of how successful they have been in acclimating to the facility.
Expect a tour of the facility, as well. It’s a great way to see day-to-day operations and be introduced to coworkers both inside and outside your department.
Once you have settled into your position, remember to stay current with your clinical education. Inquire about upcoming classes that may be available during your contract and plan on attending. In addition, always be clear about your background and level of clinical experience during the assignment. If you feel uncomfortable with a patient assignment, notify your supervisor. And don’t be afraid to ask questions. Should you be required to perform an unusual procedure, make sure instructional resources and experienced coworkers are made available to you.
Above all, recognize that your role as a contract employee is an important one. While you may not work for the facility, you contribute greatly to its healthcare team, providing the highest quality of care to patients.
Another thing to keep in mind throughout your assignment is that organizations in need of travelers most likely are searching to hire core permanent staff. Evaluate positive and negative aspects of working there and determine if the contract facility would be a place you could work on a permanent basis. With each new assignment, update your resume so you are prepared to market yourself effectively, should you decide to settle down.
While the investigation into the BP disaster continues on, like other recent disasters, it’s already clear that human factors played a major role. Mike Williams who was the chief electronics technician on board the ill-fated Deepwater Horizon drilling rig at the time of the explosion said that “all things that they told us could never happen… HAPPENED.” Take heed to his observation and develop a process and awareness to more accurately predict upcoming problems on your next travel assignment. Start by realizing that there are always early warning signs to most problems. Develop a process and checklist for yourself that identify things and use them to take action early enough to prevent minor problems from becoming major problems. Finally, develop a checklist of these factors and work with your recruiter to periodically check for potential problems on your next assignment.