Locum Story: Why Molly Signed On with Em-Staff
Let’s delve into the transformative journey of Molly, a seasoned nurse with 15 years of experience, and her transition to the world of locum tenens nursing through Em-Staff. The Em-Staff model not only offered Molly an impressive 30-40% salary increase compared to her previous roles, but it also afforded her the invaluable flexibility to choose her work schedule. This flexibility has enabled Molly to cultivate a more flexible working lifestyle while also freeing her placement locations from the typical over-promises and under-deliveries promised by healthcare staffing agencies that are all too prevalent in the healthcare sector.
From her beginnings in administrative roles to her experiences as an emergency room (ER) nurse, and now as a valued locum, Molly's trajectory is a testament to the benefits and opportunities presented by engaging in a new type of staffing model. Dive in with us as we hear from Molly about the pivotal reasons why Em-Staff was the perfect career choice for her.
Setting the Stage – Molly’s Career in Nursing
Molly was a career-changer nurse. In her early thirties, she transitioned from administrative roles to nursing, fueled by her lifelong dream of becoming an ER nurse. She embarked on her nursing journey at a critical access hospital, initially working with med-surge patients with low acuity levels. However, her path led her to Dartmouth, where she participated in their Nurse Residency Program. This was just the beginning of her transformative journey.
Over the years, Molly gained extensive experience as a cardiac nurse at Dartmouth before seizing an opportunity to work in the ER. Her first experience in the ER was a revelation, as she discovered her true calling and developed a deep passion for the fast-paced and challenging environment. Molly spent nine years at Dartmouth, continuously growing her skills, adapting to the ever-changing healthcare environment, and learning invaluable lessons along the way. Toward the end of her time at Dartmouth, she took on the role of a charge nurse, akin to an air traffic controller in the ER, responsible for prioritizing the care of the sickest patients, ensuring appropriate staffing, optimizing patient flow, and advocating for her team of nurses. While she initially hesitated to take on the charge nurse role, Molly eventually embraced it and found immense fulfillment in it.
Molly's career took a pivotal turn during the COVID-19 pandemic. The healthcare landscape witnessed numerous changes and shifts, and Molly took pride in her role on the frontline, working tirelessly to protect staff, develop treatments, and provide care to those in need. It was during this challenging time that she decided to explore a new avenue: travel nursing.
A Brief Transition to Travel Nursing
As the pandemic continued for months, and then eventually years, burnout began to take its toll on Molly, prompting her to seek another change. She ventured into travel nursing, initially taking on a local assignment that turned out to be longer than expected. It was during this period that she realized the extent of her stress and the need for a new approach to her nursing career.
A Turning Point That Led to This Positive Locum Story
In 2021, Molly's journey led her to Em-Staff after a nurse manager recommended them when her travel agency contract expired. What attracted Molly to Em-Staff was the agency's unique local pool model and its commitment to transparency. Em-Staff was forthcoming about rates, both for nurses and the hospitals they served, and was committed to integrity in practice, the respectful treatment of nurses, and the clarity of expectations on both ends. This was a win-win for Molly, so she signed on right away.
Em-Staff's responsiveness and reliability stood out as she started to navigate this new milestone in her career. She no longer had to chase anyone down for information or assistance, as they were consistently accessible and supportive. The freedom and flexibility offered by locum tenens nursing were especially appealing to her. She could choose where she wanted to work and was onboarded by several hospitals, including Grace Cottage Hospital, Springfield Hospital, Valley Regional Hospital in Vermont, and occasionally Cottage Hospital in New Hampshire. Molly relished being a "free agent" in the healthcare field, which allowed her to build trust and familiarity with fellow employees across various hospitals while still having a schedule that worked for her.
“One of the hidden perks of working with Em-Staff was the sense of being plugged into the healthcare network of Vermont and New Hampshire, working with amazing people, and contributing to local hospitals,” Molly noted. “My experience felt rewarding, which was refreshing and needed.”
Molly also appreciated the absence of referral bonuses or fee structures at Em-Staff. Nurses recommended by the agency were truly based on their achievements and abilities. She cited her positive experiences working with the Em-Staff team, particularly Lauren, for staffing needs.
A Staffing Model Having a Profound Impact on Healthcare Delivery
Em-Staff's model differed significantly from traditional agencies in Molly's eyes. She considered herself a locum, distinct from travel nurses who often prioritized financial incentives over their connection to the healthcare facility. As a locum, Molly felt a stronger sense of investment in the hospitals she worked with. She developed rapport with colleagues and had a genuine interest in the success of the health systems she was part of. In her words, Em-Staff was "part of the solution" and represented the cavalry in times of need.
Burnout, which had plagued Molly earlier in her career, significantly lessened with her transition to locum tenens nursing through Em-Staff. The autonomy to choose her own schedule and take time off as needed had a profound impact on her experience as a nurse. Hospitals typically published schedules months in advance, allowing her to tailor her work schedule to her liking. This flexibility was a far cry from the rigidity of traditional nursing roles and was instrumental in rejuvenating her passion for the career she chose to go into in her thirties.
Molly’s Locum Story Shouldn’t Be Singular
Molly's journey from a career-changer nurse to an experienced locum tenens nurse with Em-Staff is a testament to the transformative power of embracing change and seeking fulfillment in one's career. Her story highlights the unique benefits of locum tenens nursing, including autonomy, appreciation, and reduced burnout. Em-Staff's commitment to transparency, high-quality staffing model, and responsive support further enhances the locum experience – and it shouldn’t be unique to Molly alone. This model is possible and scalable with the right people at the helm.
As healthcare professionals seek ways to optimize their careers, Molly's story serves as an inspiring example of the possibilities that await those who choose to explore new avenues. Are you curious to learn more about Em-Staff's innovative approach? We encourage both health systems and providers to get in touch.*
*Of note, we currently support New England’s healthcare staffing needs and hope to expand our footprint and offerings in the future.