Union strikes are commonplace in the nursing industry, and when practitioners are fighting for better wages or improved staffing, someone has to be there to fill in. That’s where travel nurses and strike nurses come in.
This year alone, there have been more than 20 nursing strikes throughout the country, according to Beckers Hospital Review.
While financially beneficial — in some cases between $8,000 and $12,000 for one week alone — nurses also need to consider the ethical implications, what’s covered in the contract, and the work environment itself.
Deciding to Work a Strike
Earlier this year, KGW8 reported that an Oregon hospital accused a nurses union of “interfering with patient care by calling on other nurses, including travel nurses, to not accept contracts at the six hospitals.”
“The world of replacement nurses, if they feel intimidated or if they’re feeling like this isn’t a place that they are welcome to come, or safe to come, then it’s possible that they wouldn’t choose to accept those contracts and that could negatively impact patient care,” Jennifer Gentry, Providence’s central division chief nursing officer, told the outlet.
The Oregon Nurses Association called the request “standard practice for all union engaged in strike actions.”
Situations like this are not uncommon and should be taken into consideration when accepting a contract. The tension between unions, striking nurses, full-time nurses who choose not to strike, and nurses who cross the picket line all influence the work environment.
Because of the nature of a strike, regardless of industry, there’s minimal onboarding or training. As a travel nurse during a strike, you’ll likely be expected to jump in right away and start caring for patients.
The Staffing Agency and Travel Nurse During a Strike
Agencies like Luminous Travel Staffing can serve as a mediator of sorts for those who decide to work during a strike. Trevor Fandale, president at Huffmaster, wrote in October that hospitals rely on these agencies to keep up with patient care.
“A staffing agency’s support and dedication allow the healthcare facility to continue its mission, even under the disruptive, stressful circumstances that can surround a strike,” he wrote. “Any healthcare organization that uses temporary workers during a strike should not be seen as ‘bad guys,’ but rather ‘good guys’ for coming to the rescue.”
In this mediator role, agencies can help nurses understand (and possibly negotiate) the details of their contract during a strike, including duration, compensation, expectations, and termination clauses. Ancillary items like temporary housing and travel accommodations can also be handled through an agency.
The Bottom Line
Strikes are a normal part of the nursing industry these days, and travel nurses who choose to cross the picket line can reap the financial benefits. Strike nurses tend to earn much higher wages due to the nature of the work environment. However, you must balance the monetary incentives with your own moral and ethical guideposts to determine if working as a travel nurse during a strike is worth it in the long run.
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