I've been a nurse for three years. Two of which I was working in a coronary ICU for a 400 bed hospital.

I am considering travel nursing, but was curious as to what kind of orientation you get if any? Any other helpful tips would be great.

I'm looking to travel to the Phoenix Metro area.

Thanks,

Kim

Also any info on top companies to travel for especially in this area. The hospital I'm looking at also offers 3,6, or 9 month assignements (would this be good)

I'm considering travel nursing too. So I will be watching this thread. I do know when we have travelers they get anywhere from a 1-3 day orientation. Depending on how they do. Some only need 4 hours. Also you have to be able to adapt easily to new paper work and new systems easily. I know we have had many travelers who are not competent, we have canceled many contracts.

I've had orientations ranging from 1 shift to 2 full weeks. My preference is for about 2 shifts. The 2 weeks (same orientation as new permanent employees) was ridiculous - lots of info I didn't need about benefits, listening to "rah-rah" speeches from various administative types. On return contacts at hospitals (some I'e been back to repeatedly) I've been able to skip the orientation thing completely.

In my opinion, to be a travel nurse you have to feel like you can work anywhere, with anyone and with anything. If you can't or don't you probably shouldn't take the travel assignment. You need to be confident in your assessment, evaluation and prioratization (spelling :) ) skills . If you can do that, a general walk around the unit to see where the tools of the trade are is the only orientation some need. As far as length of contract, remember you are signing a contract. If you sign on and agree to work for Nine months, you are expected to work 9 months. Most times you can extend your contracts without difficulty. It's harder to get out of a contract and still keep your good name.

I traveled with O'Grady-Peyton for a short time and really enjoyed it. They were very supportive through the whole process from start to finish.

Most of my experience has been STICU and I traveled to a Level 1 trauma center for my first 2 assignments. I worked in the Neuroscience ICU, which I enjoyed. They expected alot of me right from the beginning because of my past experiences. I got 1 full 12 hr. shift and 6 hrs. of the next 12 hr. shift as orientation.

The procedures were no different than I was use to; just getting oriented to the physical layout was the most difficult. Finding equipment, etc. My co-workers were amazing in how they helped.

I found out alot of companies I interviewed with want you to have your CCRN. Fortunately I have had mine for many years. I am sure alot of these requirements would depend on the area you are applying to.

Go for it. You will meet all kinds of neat people and see that there is more than 1 way to do things.

Just be sure to stay in close contact with your company rep. They are a great help.

MidnightSn1

:penguin:

My last assignment I had a few hours of paperwork and then it was "Ask that nurse if you need anything" for my orientation.

I have no problems taking a "coronary type" patient, and don't think I would have any trouble adjusting (unless they expect the RN to insert Art lines) My only fear is that I'll take an assignment and get some Neuro mess with an ICP monitor (neuro is not my strong suit)

You should definitely tailor your first couple of contracts to your strong suit. Don't accept contracts that have the potential to throw you into an unfamiliar type of unit until you are comfortable with the "traveler" role. Be especially certain when interviewing about any floating in the contract - specify where you would float and in what capacity. I would start with 13 week contracts rather than the longer ones. That way you have enough time to get comfortable in the unit, but if it turns out to be a less than desirable contract you are not tied in for he long term.

Hi,

I'm interested in traveling for the first time in my 33 years as a nurse. I have a diploma, BSN, plus 8 years of graduate school and 28 years of neonatal ICU

nursing, (26 at a Level III). I do not wish to sell my small condo in Lexington, Ky.as it is also the homebase of my spiritual family, (non traditional), to which I am very committed. My son is grown and I would love to take a 12 week assignment to Univ of Ala. at Birmingham, where he is in grad school. I am also very adaptable and confident in my skills. I wish to focus on NICU, though I have worked all over pediatrics. I was considering O'Grady Peyton based on their reputation.

Why did you only travel with them for a short time, (the person who responded to this thread)? I would like to travel for 3 months, take a break,(do other things), then take another assignment and so on. Is this possible. Are there others out there who maintain a small residence in a home base?

Colleen

can anyone tell me the fastest process to migrate to the United States as a nurse?

Hi,

After exploring this thread, I now realize that O'Grady-Peyton is part of The

Evil Empire...and I want nothing to do with that after all these years. In fact, the more I read this thread, the more I am turned off by travel nursing and realize how good I have had it, even though I'm currently unemployed for the last several months,(first time in long career). I love NICU though and have no desire to work with adults...at least in nursing.

Colleen

Hi,

I'm interested in traveling for the first time in my 33 years as a nurse. I have a diploma, BSN, plus 8 years of graduate school and 28 years of neonatal ICU

nursing, (26 at a Level III). I do not wish to sell my small condo in Lexington, Ky.as it is also the homebase of my spiritual family, (non traditional), to which I am very committed. My son is grown and I would love to take a 12 week assignment to Univ of Ala. at Birmingham, where he is in grad school. I am also very adaptable and confident in my skills. I wish to focus on NICU, though I have worked all over pediatrics. I was considering O'Grady Peyton based on their reputation.

Why did you only travel with them for a short time, (the person who responded to this thread)? I would like to travel for 3 months, take a break,(do other things), then take another assignment and so on. Is this possible. Are there others out there who maintain a small residence in a home base?

Colleen

Actually, maintaining your home is a smart move. You can only legally receive the tax free stipend/housing and travel expenses if you maintain a tax home by the IRS guidelines, thereby duplicating expenses you would have at home. Otherwise, you would be liable for taxes on all that money. (Yes I know some people take the tax free money anyway, but that leaves you open to BIG problems if the IRS ever audits you, which has happened to some travelers)

Actually, maintaining your home is a smart move. You can only legally receive the tax free stipend/housing and travel expenses if you maintain a tax home by the IRS guidelines, thereby duplicating expenses you would have at home. Otherwise, you would be liable for taxes on all that money. (Yes I know some people take the tax free money anyway, but that leaves you open to BIG problems if the IRS ever audits you, which has happened to some travelers)

:yeahthat: