The phone rang this morning, (they are supposed to call you everyday to confirm that you will be working) to say that I had been cancelled but they had a 1:1 if I was interested. I said ok. While talking to Sean it hit me, "I wonder if they pay the same for me to sit on my butt all day with a patient who is confused as they do when I have five patients and am running up and down the halls?". Sean said yes, I said I'm not sure, so I called.
The answer is no, they do not pay you the same to sit on your butt. I thought about it for maybe half a second and said, "I think I'll take today off". Do you know what she said??? "Ok, have a good day". That was it. One of the many joys of working agency!!! If I don't feel like working, I can say no and it's really no big deal. (another one is that you get paid everyday)
Now, I want it to be very clear, I was up showered and ready to go because I had planned on working as a regular nurse with several patients. I would have been working as a "sitter" and really doing nothing but making sure the patient doesn't pull out things they shouldn't while watching TV. That would make for a very long 12 hours.
I understand that while working day shift, there are times where you are cancelled. When I asked if that happens at night, they laughed at me and asked if I was crazy. (no, if they do, it's beyond rare) I also found out that when you are an RN, you are never cancelled. More motivation for me to pass those boards.
BTW, the director of the place where I've been work came up to me and said "I keep hearing good things about you. When are you going to fill out an application?". Thank heavens someone came up to ask her a question so I could walk away. They can't pay what I am making right now. Besides, I like having the power to decide when I want to work instead of someone telling me.
