Aaaaaah!! Packing insanity!!!!

Enfermera85, BSN, MSN, NP · Jan 8, 2010

I will be asking the same thing soon!!! :) I am looking to go to Northern California/Bay area as well, which agencies did you use? I am looking to start end of February and will be my first time, nervous BUT very excited!!! Have fam in San Fran too but my cousin has a roommate already... so will be needing the agency's private housing.... which means I will have to bring sooooo much stuff (lucky for you your sister will have everyday necessities like cooking utensil, etc.)....LOL

GalRN · Jan 9, 2010

Now the hospital is dragging their feet on the actual written contract. I'm all set except it's not in writing- at this point I am slowly packing. I know I have the job- they fired the other nurse who worked for an agency so they need me, but I can't get totally into it until I see a real contract.

I do psych so I'll be working in San Leandro, about an hours worth of public trans south of Oakland. OR the same time from San Fran. I could save by living in Oakland (only at my sister's for a week or 2) but she's going to let me use her car a lot so I'm going to find a place in SF itself. The short term listings are all in that area anyway. I might as well spend more on rent and live where the cool stuff is...

My profile has been looked at and given the nod by the higher ups at the hospital (the psych site for Alameda County Med Ctr) but just that process took 10 days b/c of the holidays.

I'm with Axis staffing this time. I've heard really good and really bad things about them. I like my recruiter- my other 2 semi travel assignments were crappy b/c the first recruiter was a con and the second quit halfway through. I did an 18 month local stint with MSN and can tell you that the recruiter can make your life so much easier in so many ways. I had 3 different ones in the 18 months.2 were good. One called me and asked if I was currently employed or looking for some hours. I had to break it to her gently that I was already giving her 40 hrs. The recruiter with Axis called me in the middle of his daughter's basketball game to tell me that the competition had been fired.

My sister's not around to ask about weather / clothing stuff, but my mom's been there this time of year and says that it's in the 50's and 60's usually, colder in San Francisco, esp in the morning. Not bringing shorts, but will bring a long skirt or 2 and my sandals in case it gets extra warm. Also bringing my 2 layer ski jacket- mainly b/c it turns into a fall/spring jacket, plus a water repelllant windbreaker.

Not sure about bedding.... my sister's rm has no heat but I can't fit my comforter into my luggage and will have to ship it. Probably will buy a couple of fleece blankets fron the local discount store.

If you're doing company housing you may want to pack Clorox wipes and TP. Might not need them- but it would suck if you did and didn't know til it was too late.

As far as housewares, you can usually rent a set- several different packages. I'm going to get furnished housing and rent the kitcheb stuff, TV, and vacuum. I need to get a laptop soon, after check#1.

Unless you only specialize in psych you have a ton of options. I don't do medical as a tavele so I'm limited as far as choices go.

Enfermera85, BSN, MSN, NP · Jan 10, 2010

Thanks for the info.!!! I am getting excited just reading your reply I can't wait to get to the bay area I really need a change of scenary and work environment : ) I wish you the best of luck and happiness in your adventure, keep us posted in how everything goes.

P.S will you just rent the housewares from your agency?? I didn't even thing about a vacuum...lol

GalRN · Jan 11, 2010

I looked around online and found a few companies that do it independently. Plus on Craig's List a lot of the short term rentals are listed as having everything. I do have to get a laptop...