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Nurse First News Blog

Nurse Feature: Stronger Together

Posted September 27, 2021
Nurses PRN nurse, Rachel Kijak
Rachel Kijak, RN

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t land your dream job right out of nursing school. I knew I wanted to work in the emergency department but I was offered a med/surg/tele/step-down float position. In this position, I learned how to be a nurse. I collected skills along the way that have only enhanced my skill set in the emergency department as a level 1 trauma nurse in Chicago. I wouldn’t change anything about my career path. Do you want to be L&D, ICU, PACU? Start with a tele job, you’ll be amazed at what you learn. But by all means, if you land your dream job- CONGRATULATIONS- you are lucky!

I always ask questions. I would rather feel humiliated than create a safety event because I didn’t know what I was doing. Double-checking has never hurt anyone.

Enjoy the team sport of nursing and be a team player! If I notice a nurse has a busy assignment I love to ask “what can I do to help you get out on time?” Do you need to catch up on charting? How about I pass your meds? I can watch your other patients while you care for this one. Honestly, the days and nights are long, and while we do enjoy our job, we love clocking out on time. The most impactful lesson I learned along the way is that we are all nurses regardless of our staff or agency. Working as a team creates a special bond, unlike any other profession. When I was taking care of a covid patient, a nurse I never met before tapped on the window and held up a sign that said, “I’m here if you need me”. I almost started crying. We are stronger together and do much better work as a whole.

When I set out to be a travel nurse I had no idea the pandemic would hit. I have met some of the most amazing nurses along the way. My phone is packed with more RN phone numbers than I can count. I have created an incredible network of friends around the country and as a local traveler in Chicago. I will also admit the preapproved requested time off is AMAZING!

PSA: A good staffing agency will not guilt you into signing a contract. I was afraid and felt really bad, but I fired 2 previous recruiters from other companies. PRN Healthcare has been amazing and has looked out for me since the day I started working for them.

Employee Applicant Statement

I certify that the information provided by me in this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that if I am employed, any false statements or omissions can lead to immediate dismissal, and I agree that Nurses PRN shall not be held liable in any respect if my employment is terminated for that reason. Nurses PRN is hereby authorized to verify the information I have supplied and to conduct any investigation of my personal history records. I authorize the companies, schools, and persons named in this application to give any information requested regarding my employment, character, and qualifications, and release and hold harmless Nurses PRN and the companies, schools, and persons from any liability. I understand and agree that if hired, my employment is at-will, for no definite period and may be terminated at any time without prior notice and without cause. I further understand that any offer of employment may be conditioned upon the results of a physical examination, including tests for the use of controlled substances in accordance with applicable laws.

If hired, I agree to abide by all rules and regulations of Nurses PRN, which I understand are subject to change by Nurses PRN at any time for any reason without prior notice.

Nurses PRN is an equal opportunity employer. Nurses PRN considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally-protected status. Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application and/or the interview process should notify Nurses PRN and request such accommodations.

Should an investigation or legal proceeding adversely affect my professional license/certification or ability to perform the functions of the job, I understand that I am obligated to immediately report said occurrence to Nurses PRN’s Chief Nursing Officer at 888-830-8811. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

I represent and warrant that I have read and fully understand the foregoing.

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