I have experienced temping, really temping for the first time in my career this summer. Not like filling in for a hygienist at your office but working at several different offices filling in while someone is sick, on vacation or whatever. I have learned a lot about different delivery systems and a lot about myself. I have developed some opinions that have previously never crossed my mind.
1. It is difficult to come into a new office, new operatory, new instruments, protocols etc. I know we can be a little fanatical about our stuff and our space- but if someone works for you- be gentle and gracious and kind and for crying out loud don't lose your mind when you cannot find an instrument that may be in the sterilizer! If you are the temp- be absolutely diligent in returning things to the proper place and avoid like the plaque your desire to want to clean out that top drawer and throw away that junk that looks like it is 15 years old. That is sure to set off a territorial hygienist and keep you from coming back. And despite the fact that maybe you find burnished calculus all the way down those 6mm pockets they have been "maintaining" for the last 12 months do not say the things you really are thinking to the pt. Like, "Ugh! If she would sharpen her instruments and include something other than 2 graceys and an H6H7 you might not be in this situation!" Just saying.
2. The assistants are worth their weight in gold. The success I have had as a temp is directly related to the assistants in every office. They have all been overwhelmingly kind and helpful and it is difficult to return to my "home" office because I am so spoiled by assistants in other offices. If you temp for an extended period of time consider leaving a thank you note and goodies and BE SURE to give credit where credit is due.
3. Sharpen your instruments! Period. I am so surprised how dull most people leave their instruments- no wonder it still takes an hour to do an easy prophy and pockets are still bleeding.
4. If you do not own a universal curette, a nevi, or a 204S- get one. I love graceys but find them a time waster for the average, easy, every 6 month prophy.
5. Accelerated hygiene is fun!! The day goes by so fast and the best bonus of all- someone else sets up and cleans up. I do not even seat the pt- I just bounce from one room to the next doing what I do best- working the crowd and removing calculus. The down side- less time for education. Particularly difficult when you need to give a little extra TLC or if someone has compromised health. The office I am currently temping for that does accelerated does a fantastic job of balancing the double booked schedule and pt needs. If you need more time you simply schedule it- I am loving it.
The beauty of temping is avoiding all the drama, gossip, stress over production, ordering, inventory, vacation time etc, etc. I simply work when I want and don't when I don't want to. I come in, follow the schedule, clean up after myself and leave knowing I helped out, took good care of patients and have a new experience under my belt. The down side- missing out on the extended relationship with patients, feeling like a member of a team, and the uncertain schedule.
IDEAS FOR THOSE SEEKING WORK:
In large cities temping agencies are available but if your town is without a temp agency- consider starting one with you as the number 1 employee. Get a business license, learn about tax laws and market yourself. Even if temping agencies are available sometimes employers do not like to use them because they are expensive- as a temp you should be making more due to being available on short notice, helping the office out of a bind, and having to come in and learn the ropes very quickly. Temps have to be great communicators, outgoing, flexible, and willing to go out on a limb. If you do not want to compete with a large agency, or work with them pick a few offices (maybe you know the DDS or the RDH) and offer your services. Once you do it a couple of times and you are successful the word will spread. We know how hard it is to take a day off when we are scheduled out 6 months or more- hygienists will LOVE having you available in their back pocket for times when they need off. I have actually been hired by the offices I work in- even if it is just a temporary hire. So they just include me in their payroll- it is great for me but I will have several W2 forms come tax season. If I pick up any more offices I may just have to get that business license. :)
IF YOU TEMP CONSIDER...
While I have made the best of available resources in any particular office I have often thought that if temping was something I did all the time I would invest in a few things for myself.
1. Consider bringing your own instruments. I never realized how much I loved my universal explorer and my Nevi until I did not have one. I have found myself caught in a really tough spot when I am doing SRP and really, really needed a different instrument that was not available. It made me feel like I was doing a disservice to the patient because I know how much better things could have gone with the right instruments. It would even be worth having an ultrasonic tip or two- many offices are using tips that are ineffective because the ultrasonic has lost that couple of mm in the toe.
2. BRING YOUR LOUPES. If you do not wear them- bring your own goggles. Bring your own patient goggles too- unfortunately I have been in offices that do not have pt goggles available. Isn't that an OSHA violation??
3. If you need a special glove bring it. I have terrible excema on my hands that eats my skin alive- especially when I wear latex gloves. No it is not a latex allergy- it is because my hands sweat more in the latex and it is the wet to dry that causes the excema. I assumed everyone used nitrile... WRONG. Bring your own gloves if you need something special.
4. Pack a lunch, or a snack at least. I have always had a lunch break and was shocked to find out lots of hygienists just work like crazy through the day with no break to get off an hour early. The first day I went home shaking and weak because I did not prepare to go without lunch. Most offices have a fridge and snacks but what kind of guest rummages through the food and takes what they want? Not the kind of guest I want to be.
5. Some people use a special operator stool and if you have one, bring it.
You may feel like the woman who brings 5 suitcases for a weekend trip- but when it comes to patient care and your comfort who cares! By bringing your own things it also leaves out the possibility of putting something in the wrong place and setting off some overly controlling, emotional hygienist who is on vacation.
In closing- do not underestimate the power of your reputation. It will be the greatest tool you have working as a temp. If possible try to gather letters of recommendation from those you have temped for and include it in your portfolio or a package you take to offices to market your services. Be on your best behavior, deliver the best care you can and make it so that offices are begging you to stay permanently. It feels good to be wanted. If you are looking for permanent work what better way to "try out" an office to see if it is somewhere you want to be permanently. While I love the offices I am currently temping for I am not ready to commit to a steady relationship.
Good luck.
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