Having signed on with a nursing agency, make sure you nail these basics.

Know the ancillary staff members and their roles. When you're assigned to a new hospital, or a new unit, go to the nurse, manager or unit secretary to find out who does what. Learn their names and use them. Then locate the policy and procedure manuals. Then use them.

Even if it's different from what you know, as long as it's reasonable, safe, and legal, follow hospital policy. Don't try to implement the policies of one hospital in another without going through the proper channels. Be open-minded. Your way may not always be the best way, so be flexible enough to learn new skills from the hospital staff.

Be patient and don't complain. Most hospitals try to give agency nurses manageable assignments. But if your assignment is overwhelming, discuss your concerns with the agency to prevent that situation from happening again.

Get oriented as soon as possible. If your agency doesn't provide a formal orientation when you work at a new location, arrive early for your first shift to orient yourself. Find out who to use as a resource person. For example, the charge nurse may orient you to the unit equipment, code cart, telephone paging system, charting system, and any special codes. But be prepared for the expectation that you'll be productive immediately.

Chart thoroughly and accurately. Although most hospitals use a flow sheet or checklist charting system, be as thorough as possible and use narrative charting to address patient issues. Document everything.

Use the pharmacy as a resource. As an agency nurse, you'll administer various medications. If you're not sure about the actions and interactions of a drug you're administering, ask the pharmacist or refer to a comprehensive and current pharmacology reference.

Be prepared and identifiable. Take your own equipment-stethoscope, and so on-to every assignment. Always display your identification prominently on your uniform.