Name:  Aufre Campbell  Specialty:  Medical/Surgical/Telemetry Number of Assignments with USN:  8  Number of Years with USN:  9 months  Type of Award Won: Daisy Award (Twice) Why do you love working with USN? I am truly able to thrive as a nurse and provide the best care for my patients while working for US Nursing. Their focus is on providing quality care to patients and they only collaborate with the best facilities. What was your experience around winning this award? It was a very emotional experience! An experience that I was able to share with my coworkers, hospital staff and management. This award is one of the most prestigious awards a nurse can receive and the fact that a family member, whom I only encountered while working as a strike nurse at Los Robles Medical Center, thought enough of me to show their gratitude. Honestly, every time I go to work in a new facility, I have fear from the unknown. I usually immediately want to establish a great rapport with staff, patients, and family members if they are present. What does winning this award mean to you? This award recognizes nurses who provide exceptional are to individuals while hospitalized who goes above and beyond the call of duty while delivering high-quality and compassionate care. I look at this as I am just doing my job. How do you feel traveling with USN prepared you for your award-winning assignment? Winning this award means shows that I exemplify extraordinary courage, compassion, and integrity in every situation. Working with different patients and populations can be frightening, but USNursing has collaborated with Ingenovis to provide resources that help me stay prepared. They also have qualified staff members on site to assist if I have any questions. How do you think having won this award will impact your travel career? I hope this award will open new adventures for me with US Nursing. I honestly feel like I am ready to help nurse deliver compassionate and extraordinary care on the administrative side. How have you accomplished other personal and/or professional goals by traveling with USN? Traveling with US Nursing has allowed me to accomplish personal and professional goals. First, going to work in states I never would have imagined going to. Second, working in a culturally and diverse setting. Lastly, keeping me focused and grounded as to why I signed up for the job. What is your greatest achievement as it relates to being a healthcare professional? Many would say obtaining their degree has been their greatest achievement, but for me it’s taking on new assignments, responsibilities, and providing care to those in need. What is a bit of advice you'd give to your fellow healthcare professionals? I would encourage them to do a self-assessment before committing to an assignment. Do not present problems or complain without a solution. Always wear a smile on your face. If you make a mistake, own it and move on. Do not blame others, learn from your mistakes, and take responsibility! In conclusion, US Nursing has provided me with a career far from what I could have ever imagined. In solidarity, Aufre Campbell

Labor disruptions in healthcare can disrupt the normal functioning of hospitals, impacting patient care and posing significant challenges for hospital leaders. When faced with the potential of a labor disruption, one approach to mitigate its effects is to partner – and partner early – with a strategic staffing agency. However, selecting the right partner is crucial to ensure the delivery of high-quality care during this critical period. Experience and Expertise When evaluating potential strategic partners, prioritize those with extensive experience in healthcare staffing during labor disruptions. Seek out agencies that understand the unique requirements and challenges of the healthcare industry. Experience counts since it ensures the agency is well-versed in quickly identifying suitable temporary staff, managing complex employee dynamics and navigating legal and regulatory aspects specific to labor disputes in healthcare settings. Comprehensive Staffing Solutions A reliable strategic partner should offer comprehensive staffing solutions to ensure all positions in your hospital are adequately covered during the disruption. This includes providing qualified and experienced healthcare professionals across a wide range of roles, such as nurses, technicians, therapists and support staff. Ensure the partner has a robust network of healthcare professionals and the capacity to meet your hospital's specific staffing needs. Rapid Response and Flexibility Time is of the essence during a labor disruption, and your strategic partner should be able to provide a rapid response when the need arises. Look for agencies with proven track records in mobilizing reinforcements quickly, ensuring minimal disruption to patient care. Flexibility is also crucial, as conditions can change unexpectedly. The ability to swiftly adjust staffing levels and assignments based on evolving demands is essential for maintaining smooth operations throughout the labor disruption. Quality and Competency Patient safety and care quality should never be compromised. Verify that potential partners maintain high standards for competency and quality assurance when selecting temporary staff. Assess their recruitment and screening processes, as well as their strategies for orienting and integrating temporary staff into your hospital's culture and protocols. By ensuring that temporary staff are on par with your permanent employees in terms of expertise and professionalism, you can maintain the quality of care your patients expect. Compliance with Labor Laws and Regulations Navigating labor laws and regulations is critical during a labor disruption, as entities involved can be subject to legal action. Partnering with an agency that is well-versed in labor laws and can ensure compliance is essential. Seek partners with excellent legal support to handle any disputes or challenges that may arise during the disruption. Operating within the bounds of the law not only protects your hospital from legal issues but also helps preserve the overall reputation and standing of your organization. Cultural Fit and Communication Effective communication and cultural alignment between the strategic partner and your hospital are fundamental. Choose a partner that can seamlessly integrate with your existing staff and communicate effectively to ensure smooth collaboration. Sharing the same values and patient-centered approach is crucial for maintaining continuity in care delivery. Verify that the partner can adhere to your hospital's policies, protocols and ethics, fostering a cohesive environment that prioritizes patient well-being throughout the job action. Selecting the right strategic partner to help staff your hospital during a labor dispute can significantly impact patient care, operational efficiency and the overall reputation of your institution. Prioritize partners with extensive experience, comprehensive staffing solutions, rapid response and flexibility. Ensure that the temporary staff provided maintain high quality and comply with labor laws and regulations. In addition, seek partners that align with your hospital's culture and can effectively communicate with both temporary and permanent staff members. By making informed decisions when choosing a strategic partner, you can weather a job action while maintaining the highest standard of care for your patients. USN: A Leader in Healthcare Staffing USN is widely recognized as a leader in healthcare staffing during labor disputes. With unparalleled experience in addressing staffing challenges, USN has earned a reputation for excellence and proven expertise in this specialized area. They have successfully deployed qualified healthcare professionals to hospitals across the nation, helping to maintain the quality of care regardless of labor disputes. USN’s comprehensive staffing solutions and rapid response capabilities set them apart from other strategic partners. Their extensive network of highly skilled and trained healthcare professionals allows them to quickly mobilize reinforcements and match the specific needs of hospitals during any size job action. This ensures that patient care remains a top priority and minimizes disruption. Moreover, USN’s commitment to quality and competency is consistently demonstrated through their rigorous screening and recruitment process. By carefully selecting experienced and qualified temporary staff, USN ensures that hospital patients receive the best possible care. They prioritize aligning personnel competencies with the unique needs of each hospital, enabling seamless integration and continuity of care. Another aspect that sets USN apart is their thorough understanding of labor laws and regulations. They provide valuable guidance and support to hospitals in ensuring compliance, mitigating legal risks and safeguarding their reputation and standing within the community. Additionally, USN emphasizes cultural fit and effective communication. They strive to align with the values, culture and protocols of partnering hospitals. This commitment fosters seamless integration of temporary staff, effective collaboration, and a unified approach to patient care. In conclusion, USN stands out as a trusted leader and reliable strategic partner for hospitals facing potential or active labor disputes. Their extensive experience, comprehensive staffing solutions, rapid response capabilities, commitment to quality and compliance and emphasis on cultural fit and effective communication make them an ideal choice for hospitals seeking a partner to help maintain high-quality care during any size labor dispute. USN’s track record of success and their dedication to the healthcare industry make them the right strategic partner for your hospital.

Fastaff nurses are rewarded and recognized for the experience, skills, and dedication they bring to each travel nursing assignment. This nurse is someone who exemplifies the Fastaff values. Read below to learn more about, Noar Gashi. Name: Noar Gashi Specialty: ICU Float Number of assignments: 4 Number of years with Fastaff: 1 Why do you love working with Fastaff? Fast staff has access to hundreds of facilities throughout the country. My concerns and questions are always followed up. What do you love about nursing? The ability to help people who are at their lowest point.  What makes travel nursing rewarding for you?  I absolutely love to drive to new states and cities. The freedom to explore different areas all over America is an absolute dream. Travel nursing also allows me to visit new national parks and hike trails.  Tell me about a time when you felt more valuable/respected because of the experience and knowledge you gained from your Fastaff assignment. One time I was floated to a step-down unit and one of the patients began to crash. I immediately stepped in and helped the doctors in stabilizing the patients. Because of my ICU experience, I was able to administer ICU IV drips to prevent the patient from going into cardiac arrest. The other staff members were very thankful to have me there because I took control of the situation and ended up stabilizing the patient by appropriately tearing the medications to the patient’s needs. What has been your most challenging Fastaff assignment and how did you feel that impacted your worth as a nurse afterward? During my current assignment, the nurses went on strike. I was assigned to MICU that night. I had 4 ICU level patients. The doctors and administrators on that night were very appreciative of my ability to manage such sick patients at such a difficult time. Since then, the doctors in the MICU remember me and always say hi. Describe the most miraculous or impressive thing you’ve witnessed or been a part of during your time as a nurse with Fastaff. The most miraculous thing is to see these patients come to the ICU on the brink of death. Some are on full IV life-sustaining support, multiple drains, and devices. Usually within one week most of these patients are off the medications, off the ventilator and up sitting in a chair talking like nothing ever happened. It is truly a blessing to play such a crucial role in healing these patients and getting them back to normal.

When it comes to healthcare, readiness isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. Hospitals are the backbone of our healthcare system, and their functioning is critical to public health. Yet, like any other complex organization, they are susceptible to labor disruptions that can disrupt the delicate balance of patient care. While healthcare workers may choose to strike or engage in job actions for various reasons, including workplace safety concerns or labor disputes, the impact on patient care can be severe. To counteract this potential chaos, hospitals must prepare for the unknown by creating comprehensive emergency preparedness protocols that address a wide variety of "what if" scenarios. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of these protocols and how USN, premier provider of labor disruption services across the country, plays a pivotal role in staffing hospitals during labor disruptions. The Complex Nature of Labor Disruptions in Healthcare Before delving into emergency preparedness protocols, it's essential to understand the complex nature of labor disruptions in healthcare. Strikes and job actions can be triggered by a range of issues, including disagreements over wages, benefits, working conditions and patient safety concerns. Regardless of the underlying reasons, the impact on patient care is undeniable. During labor disruptions, hospitals face a multitude of challenges: Staff Shortages: When healthcare professionals participate in a strike or job action, hospitals experience a sudden shortage of critical personnel. This can result in decreased patient care, longer wait times and an increased workload on the remaining staff, which can lead to burnout and decreased morale. Patient Safety Concerns: The reduced staffing levels and increased workload during labor disruptions can compromise patient safety. Medication errors, delayed treatments and other critical issues may arise due to overworked staff and unfamiliar temporary replacements. Financial Implications: Labor disruptions can lead to significant financial losses for hospitals. The cost of hiring temporary staff, maintaining operational continuity and potential legal expenses can strain the hospital's financial resources. Community Trust: A hospital's reputation and the trust of the community are at stake during labor disruptions. Patients and their families may question the quality of care and the hospital's commitment to their well-being. Creating Comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Protocols To mitigate the challenges posed by labor disruptions, hospitals must develop comprehensive emergency preparedness protocols. These protocols should encompass a wide range of "what if" scenarios, ensuring that the hospital can adapt to various situations effectively. Develop Clear Communication Plans: Effective communication is crucial during labor disruptions. Hospitals should establish clear lines of communication with all stakeholders, including employees, unions, patients and the community. Transparent and timely communication can help manage expectations and minimize uncertainty. Adequate Staffing Plans: Hospitals must establish contingency plans for maintaining staffing levels during labor disruptions. This may involve hiring temporary healthcare professionals or utilizing existing staff from other departments. Partnering with experienced staffing agencies, like USN, is a strategic choice for acquiring skilled nurses and allied healthcare professionals. The Role of USN in Emergency Preparedness USN is a premier provider of labor actions across the United States, specializing in staffing hospitals with nurses and allied healthcare professionals during labor disruptions. Their expertise and experience in addressing the needs of healthcare organizations facing staffing shortages make them a crucial player in the realm of emergency preparedness for hospitals. Rapid Staffing Solutions: USN is well-prepared to deploy skilled healthcare professionals on short notice. Their extensive network of nurses and allied healthcare professionals allows them to quickly match the right personnel with the specific needs of each hospital. Compliance and Credentialing: USN ensures that all of its healthcare professionals meet the necessary regulatory and credentialing requirements. This guarantees that the temporary staff can seamlessly integrate into the hospital's existing workforce. Quality Assurance: Quality patient care remains a priority for USN. Their commitment to maintaining high standards ensures that the hospital continues to deliver quality care during labor disruptions. Cost-Effective Solutions: Partnering with USN can be a cost-effective solution for hospitals facing labor disruptions. By outsourcing staffing needs to experts in the field, hospitals can reduce the financial strain associated with these events. Labor disruptions in healthcare are a complex and challenging issue. Hospitals must be prepared to maintain patient care during these times of uncertainty. Comprehensive emergency preparedness protocols that encompass clear communication plans, adequate staffing solutions and trusted partnerships with organizations like USN are critical to ensuring resilience in the face of labor disruptions. By taking these steps, hospitals can uphold their commitment to patient safety, maintain their financial stability, and preserve the trust of their communities. USN's expertise in providing skilled healthcare professionals during labor disruptions makes them a vital component of a hospital's emergency preparedness strategy. As healthcare continues to evolve, the ability to adapt and prepare for the unknown remains essential, ensuring that the focus remains on patient well-being, even in times of labor disruptions.

Labor disruptions can have a massive impact on patient care and the surrounding community. That’s why, when your facility is preparing for an upcoming contract renewal or potential work stoppage, USN has one goal in mind: to help your facility negotiate from a position of strength. We provide full operational staffing, transportation, logistics, consultation and leadership so that patient care never suffers. USN Provides Core Group of Healthcare Professionals When facing an organized labor disruption, USN helps facilities by providing a core group of experienced healthcare professionals to ensure continuous and high-quality patient care throughout the work stoppage. Our team consists of experienced clinicians who are carefully screened and selected based on their credentials, skill set and experience. Moreover, they are all committed to delivering exceptional quality care to patients during this difficult time. Full Operational Staffing & Logistics Support In addition to our core group of healthcare professionals, USN provides comprehensive operational staffing support for all areas affected by the labor disruption. This includes nursing staff as well as support staff, including allied, home health and other departments that may be impacted by the action. We also provide full logistical support for transportation services to the site, including hotel and meal coordination. Leadership & Consultation Services At USN, we understand that labor disruptions can be challenging not only for staff, but also for administrators dealing with the situation at hand. That’s why we offer guidance through consulting services; we provide helpful advice on tactics that can be used throughout preparation and deployment of a labor disruption or contract renewal period. On top of that, we also provide leadership services so you can rest assured that your facility will stay organized during this trying time. Labor issues often bring disruption to patient care and put strain on both medical staff and administrators alike. But with USN on your side, you don’t have to worry about being unprepared or overwhelmed by the task at hand; our team is here to help you negotiate from a position of strength while providing full operational staffing services along with leadership and consultation support. If you're looking for an experienced partner throughout preparation, deployment and management of a labor disruption, then turn to USN—we’re here for you.