new to traveling short assignment wanted

heres a few questions if anyone could answer them. I'm over my current place of work..needless to say they cancelled all our agency nurses without warning, closed 2 of our ICU beds and 2 in another unit so we are either being forced to float or getting called off...So I'm just wondering if this would even be doable. Is it possible to go work 7 nights straight in N. California and do that like once a month and then come back home. I currently make 18.50 an hour with 2 years ICU experience..How much would I make on average doing that type of schedule..for night shift? Has anyone done this and how much did you make if anyone did? Also are any travelers having problems finding work with the economy and everything..I dont know if the isssues my hospital is having is economy based(theres a lot of indigent care at my hospital) or if its just because our CEO gave himself a 250,000 raise this year and we havent had a raise in 2 years. Also what is a good travel company where you can work short assignments? Also how much cheaper is a hotel expense as opposed to apartments..I know apartments are expensive out in Cali...but what about hotels since I'd just be out there for a week.
thanks
becky