How do you GET there?

RNERHOUSESUPOR · Aug 1, 2006

It all depends on where you are going, where you are from and how you normally get to and from work. I know several people who used public transportation all the time and loved it. Personally I couldn't. As far as rentals and company reimbursements it's different between companies. There are also tax deductions if you qualify. If it's your first assignment and you have a reliable vehicle, pretend it's a vacation. Take along only enough clothes and personal items for a few weeks, maybe after you are there for a bit you might visit the local goodwill and purchase a few cooking utinsels that you will donate back to them when you leave and see what happens. You can have some other things packed and ready to be sent by a friend or relative if you arrive and just have to have more stuff. I plan on the RV when I hit the road again. I already know I like the travel, it's just the packing and moving that bothers me. Good luck.

bagladyrn, RN · Aug 1, 2006

I drive to all my assignments. I really enjoy the driving, seeing the country along the way. I generally allow myself at least one more day than it should take to get there so that I can stop and sightsee along the way and so that I don't have to stress if something delays me along the way. So far, my longest trip between assignments has been about 3500 miles, from WA state to Key West, FL.

I also like to have my own vehicle, not worrying about getting a rental or figuring out the public transport in a new place.

This also makes it much easier since I travel with my dog.

housemomma · Aug 2, 2006

Same her baglady................No better way to see the country!! WE even have a GPS and never get lost. Love taking off of the interstate and seeing the real world!! lol Wife and i bought a book on her last assigment called Indiana oddites we went to damn near every place in that book!!! was awsome!!

ruthiebaby88 · Aug 4, 2006

I drive too - I suppose it depends on what you are planning to do when you get there. Some travel companies say they will give you a rental car but usually they just factor the expense out of your hourly rate so it's not really for free. A few hospitals I have heard of in hard to reach places like alaska and hawaii the hospital actually pays for the car so it really is a bonus though.

If you are planning on working tons of overtime and not doing much on your days off, perhaps you could get along with flying and public transport if you are in a city. Of course most small or medium size towns won't have much public transport - if any. In my town for example we have only the school bus and if you tried to get on that people would probably just think you were a pervert! We also have one taxi in town but I have no idea how much that costs I guess it's probably pretty steep!

So if you want to do anything on your days off better bring your car! Also sometimes the agencies might give you housing out in the suburbs. So if you are going to a big city you better specifically tell them you want housing in the city if you are planning on using the public transport.

The other benefit of bringing your car is that you have some extra space to bring stuff that you couldn't fit in your suitcase. Your favorite comforter, your surfboard, whatever. So unless you are going to NYC or San Fran - better to drive!