Traveling in St. Thomas/USVI

Just left there in Dec. I had the time of my life, but the hospital can be difficult at times. I would highly suggest doing a 3 month not a 6 month. You will get island fever and be ready to be back in the states after 3 months. One other HUGE suggestion...greet every person you meet with good morning, good afternoon or good night. I don't care if they are the guy on the street. Go ahead and except the fact that things will not run smoothly or as easy as they would in the states and DO NOT allow yourself to get upset about it. No matter how crazy their way of doing things may seem to you don't critisize it just do what they ask and smile and have a good attitude (trust me this will get hard at times). Don't go down there trying to fix things...trust me they get a lot of that and it just doesn't go over well. Thing will happen that could make your blood boil but you just have to let it go if you are going to enjoy your time down there. And work so you can play!!! The island is SOOOO much fun.

As far as money goes they all pay about the same, but you will probably have better "take home" money if you don't go with cross country because the per diem set by the Gov is high there so you can really take advantage of it if you go with a company that does not have a set tax advantage for everywhere you go. If they hire too many people they could get overtstaffed and cancel you... yOu might want to think about getting guaranteed hours.

I didn't rent a car but took the stipend but if I did it again I would buy a junker island car when I got there for about 1500 and sell it when I left or just leave it. Check out the Island Trader when you get there. I wouldn't do it again without a car, however I was fine without one my first go around. I had a lot of friends that had cars. If you are staying at Sapphire see if you can get a one bedroom - especially if your parents are coming out. otherwise it will be a studio. And when you work nights your husband will have to leave so you can sleep during the day. It seems the majority of the travelers stay at Sapphire so you will have friends around you. If you do want to rent try Barry at 757-718-0096 (I think that is right) I think he will rent for roughly 550/month if you sign 3 month contract...but that was slow season so not sure.

Have so much fun! A part of me want to go back, but I think maybe just for a visit next time. Not sure I could do another 3 months there, but I am so glad I did it.

Hi CRNAWannabe.

My wife and I are currently under contract in northern California. I work in the E.R. and she is a cardiac/telemetry nurse. We are both at Kaiser facilities under travel contracts.

We are interested in travel nursing in the Caribbean. What agency did you use? Where did you stay for housing? We are laid back and have experience with "island time". Caye Caulker in Belize is very similar.

Where do you go for licensure for the virgin islands?

Thanks for your help.

Dave G.

license online ... google VI nursing board - not hard to get. agency - Professional Nurse Service

Everyone has unique traveling experiences but I'm much like you in that before I left for St Thomas I wanted to get all my ducks in a row before I made the leap. I had the greatest experience of my life I met the most amazing friends (both local and travelers). The hospital itself is a great place to work... Like any health care facilities there are high and low points however the high outweighed the low. This was my first travel assignment and many nurses mentioned it would be a horrible place to venture for my first stop but it was rather, the best 5 months of my life. I lived in a beautiful condo overlooking the ocean, the pay was great (remember, St Thomas has no state tax), beaches, day trips to other islands --you'll love it if you have a positive attitude and are looking to broaden your horizons. I say go for it. I worked with CCTC (awesome company and equally awesome recruiter), I rented my car from Linda at Dependable Car Rental (599.00 for a three month mini lease), you need to get insurance from gaurdian which is really easy and costs 800.00 for the year, you'll have to pay that up-front but will be pro-rated when you leave the island... (it comes out to be about 60 a month for car insurance). Any questions feel free to ask

Hi, my husband and I are leaving July 23rd for St thomas. I am really excited, I work in the ER. This is my first travel job I'm going through Trustaff. I have been there 5 times and love the island. We wen't going to get a car but now were thinking differently. Any suggestions?? how about internet service?? Any suggestions for things to bring along that are not available down there??
Thanks for any help

You will have a fantastic experience in St Thomas. It takes a few weeks to get used to the system and culture but they will be sad to see you go The locals are really friendly once you get to know them.
You DEF need a car no matter what. I know trustaf puts there travlers at Sapphire Village and the saffari's are pretty good (and cheap-$2 per ride) but I've had so many friends that were late and not to mention aggravated to no end when they had to go shopping for groceries etc. I went through Dependable- you MUST get insurance and the best insurance is Gaurdian. Internet is shotty but I hear that at Sapphire it's not too bad-I lived at Sea Cliff on the south side of the island-you will be on the East side were it's much better. You can't check your email or log on to the internet at work at all-it's blocked. There's a great coffee shop called "bad ass coffee" in Havensight that has free Wifi so long as you buy something. It's fast and reliable but it's about a 20 min drive from where you live. While the island is only 13 feet by 4 feet traffic sucks and it takes forever to get places. I am so envious of you-wish I were starting with you-you will LOVE IT! Don't listen to people on here that try and scare you--so long as you have an open mind (which you obviously do-otherwise, you wouldn't take on a travel assignment like this) and stay positive you'll be so happy! Best of luck! -Keri

Hi All,

Going to STT Dec 3rd for a contract. any/all advice and comments appreciated. I understand there are alot of us there!

Thanks.