Dear Dragonfly:
I work for an agency so I know about contracts. This is totally not fair to you. This is why you work agency so that you can avoid the "politics" you have found yourself in.
There are several statements I would like to make here:
1). While it is true your agency is getting paid to talk on your behalf, you will find that many of the people that own the agency or work for the agency are NOT nurses so if they were to speak on your behalf, they probably know you would do a better job but yes, they should talk on your behalf.
2). The second point is that I would NOT do anything that I was not comfortable with. You are only setting yourself up for a possible malpractice situation should anything go wrong and that would cause more damage to your career in the long run. Unahappy employees make mistakes more than happy ones.
3). The problem I foresee you in is this: You will stand your ground and say you can not or will not work this shift or floor. Deep inside, your agency does not care. All they care about, is getting the position filled. Don't forget, they charge a specified amount and give you a percentage, in essence, you are being "pimped out" therefore, if you can not do it, your agency will just get someone else who can. Sounds cold but true. As I work for an agency.
4). Here is what the hospital sees, they know they are working short and they are paying double for your services. Naturally, they will take their own employees and give them what they want and put you where they have the hole because they view you as a service they are paying for and should be able to use you were they need you. Remember, if they use their own employees they are paying out much less than for an agency nurse. Again, if you can not do it, they will expect the agency to get someone for the kind of money they are paying.
I understand your feelings, I have been there and done that.
Caring4You--Anneliese,RN,BSN,CLNC