When healthcare professionals are transitioning from working on staff to traveling, they often discover there are different expectations surrounding time off and call ins. Working on staff often means you have PTO to use through out the year. However, it’s a little different for travelers.
This blog post will explain the difference between requested time off (RTO) and paid time off (PTO), and how call ins are handled.
RTO vs. PTOAs a traveler, your recruiter will ask for your requested time off for each assignment. This is time you need off for any planned, personal reason. As a traveler, you are there to help fill in staffing gaps, so it is best practices to keep RTO to a minimum. The less RTO you have, the more attractive you are as a candidate to the facilities. Keep in mind, that you decide when to take your assignments. Many travelers schedule their vacations strategically between assignments. This allows travelers to take as much time off as they’d like without having to get it approved.
Most facilities require travelers to work holidays. You might find that some facilities do not allow travelers to take time off around certain days. Again, this is due to the nature of traveling. You are there to fill staffing gaps. Facilities know their staff members will likely take time off during the holidays, so they are looking for travelers to fill those gaps.
This is different than paid time off you might receive as a staff member because as a traveler, you are contracted to work a certain number of hours per week (typically 36-40 hours). Oftentimes, if it’s just one or two days, the manager can schedule you around those days so that you still work all your hours for the week. But with traveling, if you don’t work your contracted hours, you do not get paid for those hours.
Sometimes, things will come up unexpectedly, and travelers have to call in. When this happens, it is important that you communicate with your facility manager and your recruiter.
As mentioned previously, travelers are contracted workers. The facility has contracted you for a certain number of hours, and you are expected to work those hours. If you call in, you should ask your manager if you can make up your shift another day that week. Unlike staff positions, you cannot use a PTO day to cover an unexpected call-in.
It’s important to remember that travelers are there to help fill staffing needs. Your facility depends on you. If you are not able to make it to a scheduled shift, that puts a strain on the hospital. This is especially true for weather events when the hospital might be even more short-staffed than expected.
For example, in the event of a snowstorm, some facilities have teams who will pick up workers for their shift. Typically, workers must be within a certain radius of the hospital for someone to pick you up. Check with your unit manager if you’re afraid you won’t make it for your shift due to weather conditions.
To avoid weather conditions you’re not comfortable with (e.g. snow, hurricane, etc.), it is important to research the area you are going to before you sign your contract. Remember, you have control over where you go.
Talk to a recruiter today to get more information about these topics! Get started by emailing us at thisisfun@travelnursesinc.com.
