[BadBird]

Let me say that I am 100% dependable, as a matter of fact I have only worked in 3 hospitals because the management called the agencies and offered me contracts. I work off shifts, weekends and holidays when no one else will, with that I am flexible, I just won't float to MS. There are many ICU units to go to and they are always understaffed so this has not been a issue . When I work for the agency I make money and they make money, I let them know up front what I will and will not do, such as med/surg. If the agency is short that is not my problem, they should be glad to have a reliable ICU nurse, and fortunately for me my agency is, no problems and going on 3 years with them. Some of my friends who work with other agencies complain about floating and their agencies not sticking up for them, they switched to my agency and have been very happy. I work agency because of the Money, schedule of my choice, I love the ICU's and thrive on learning new technology. I am smart, quick learner, I keep up my CEU's that aren't even required for the state I am in now. I try to stay current at my own expense. It is amazing how many of the hospitals staff do not know how to use their own equipment. Floating from ICU's is a good learning experience and I feel quite comfortable since I have done this for years. Mostly I am in the same unit unless I pick up a extra day at another hospital just for a change of pace, it's nice to compare different hospitals you can always learn something or teach something. Mostly I love it when I see a patient near death recover and make it out of the unit.

[Agency]

Brownms46,

It's interseting that you work for a travel nursing agency. We have been kicking around the idea of expanding our operations into travel nursing, but we lack any experience in this area. Any insight into the specifics of travel nursing...as far as licensure (your own, not the companies), operations, lodging, meals, etc...would be greatly appreciated.

Agency

[Kikumaru]

Agency, I do med/surg for a registry at one hospital which is very good to me, now. However, I feel if I wanted to do more agency/registry work it would be in home health. You may want to investigate this. I have done agency work for administrative nursing (UR, QA, DCP, CM).

[Brownms46]

Agency,

Excellent thinking on your part....concerning Travel! Many new companies are jumping in the water it seems...daily! I would be glad to assist you in anyway I can. Ask any question you wish...and I will do my best to answer. I always enjoy talking to others about Travel...as it has been a lifesaver for me.

[Agency]

Brownms46,
Such an enthusiastic reply! I hope you can be of assistance. Do you know how your company finds the open positions? Is there some type of list that can be purchaced, or is it all contacts? Also, how do they handle applications for your nursing liscense in different states? Are the fees paid by the company, or are you responsible for the application fees?
Agency

[Brownms46]

Heyyy Agency...sorry I meant to answer this earlier..but got side track.

First most agencies I have worked for do both. They market, and they used contacts. I know there are probably lists you can buy...I'm sure you can find it online...with not too much trouble.

Most of the people who do well in travel...are those who have been travelvers, and or those who have hired travelers on as recruiters. Most travelers relate much better to recruiters who are former travelers!

As for the licensing fees...the company pays the fees either upfront, or by reimbursement. Some companies pay the entire fee...or some companies pay up to so much. Now in many states...it isn't neccessary to get a license in each state...as many states...are mulit-license states. This the first time...I haven't had to get a license in the state I'm working in. the recruiter is responsible for finding out what is required by the state she/he is placing the travler in. I hope this helps. If I missed something ...just bring it to my attention...and I will try to get an answer...;cool:

[renerian]

AGency. I would love to chat with you. I have worked in home health, acute and long term care. I am going back to the hospital only because I wanted to do traveling home health and could not find any positions in Ohio. We are behind the times here. When I worked at the hospital we always gave the agency nurse the easiest assignment so she would want to come back. AFter all they are there to help you not get dumped on. I would love to do traveling home health-did it for 11 years. If you ever do traveling home health let me know......renerian

[caliotter3]

Just a thought. I get lots of nurse advertisements (mostly solicitations for workers) that obviously came from the nursing board. I imagine you can get this info for a fee. I know it has been a bone of contention among many that the general public can get our addresses from the board. (Personally, I think this info should be private). Hope this helps.

[caliotter3]

I reread my previous post and wanted to clarify: I meant that the entity sending the the ad got the addresses from the nursing board, not that the nursing board itself sends out this stuff. One of my employers still sends me ads every time they do a mass mailing even though I've worked for them for years!

[NancyRN]

Hello Agency!

I work at a local hospital on a PRN basis and I fill in with agency work when I need extra money. I love being on staff because I can get CEU's and other education. I like agency because of the money and flexibility; I do get frightened when I get the worst patients. Also, when I'm at my hospital, I feel I can ask for help when I don't know how to do something. When working as an agency nurse, I get the feeling that the other nurses resent showing me how to do something.