Originally Posted by ManyRN2B
Moondancer~ I thought about doing the traveller thing for a little while until I figure out where our family can settle down. Isn't the bad part about travelling being at the mercy of the hospital? Don't they just fill you in where needed and your shifts suck? Where I work now, we have lots of travellers and they schedules aren't the best. They get flipped from days and nights in one week. That would be my only hesitation because we have 2 kids and I will need some schedule flexiblilty because my hubby will be traveling. I do work per diem now with an agency I guess if I work something out with the hosp in CA it could work out. I will have to discuss this with hubby. Thanks for the idea.
Hopefully our first trip out there together will be June 14th weekend. I guess I should set up interviews that week? Lordy, I'm sooo confused!!! I did however gather everything to apply for my license because that seems like that can take sometime.
Thanks everyone!!!!!! I can't wait to get out there!
A couple of thoughts....
one: travel contracts typically are 13 wks long...they re-imburse you for travel, provide you w/housing...even a 2 or 3 bdrm (you usually have to pick up a small portion to cover the diff), utilities are paid, they reimburse and help w/licensure. It gives you the opportunity to get out here with a little help and a place to go, etc. Gives you time to check things out before committing to an area you don't know. Believe me, it is
way different than what you imagine...I know it was for me!
Second: You choose from a variety of assignments...I don't know what area of nursing you are in, but Ca hospitals use travellers like crazy...due to the ratios, especially. You can choose different assignments, review the hours and particulars, and then you interview for the position. Any specific needs you have can be covered in the interview. Whatever you agree upon is put into your contract. So you are hired onto a regular unit to fill a full time spot. Most hospitals will give you a regular schedule and in fact, allow you to put in requests, etc. Some hospitals, yes treat travellers like dog doodoo, but that is not the norm. I have had great travel experiences, and have always been treated like part of the staff.
It really is a great way to get somewhere,
not on your dime, have a place waiting, a job lined up.... really gives you some breathing room.
If you want more info, pm me, I can give you a link that will give you all the information you need on travelling, contracts, jobs available, pay rates, etc. Plus which hospitals to avoid, which ones are good, etc.
Either way, good luck to you!
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Boo hoo!! I'm hoping to find an ER job in the SF area. I don't know much about hospitals in the area. I've looked on the internet etc at different hosp in area but it's wierd not knowing much about each hospital. 
