Advice on travel nursing

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I am interested in possibly doing some travel nursing to California. Can anyone give me some advice on how to go about getting in contact with a good travel agency? I've worked in the ER for 2 years now, live in Georgia, and am ready for a change. My parents just moved to Texas, which at first I thought about moving there but I think it would be cool to live in California for a little while. I don't know anyone in Texas or California, which makes it a bit scary to just pick up and move to another state. That is why I'm thinking travel nursing may be good for me, b/c it's short assignments and if I don't like it one place I can change to another.

I have obviously never done travel nursing before, so the fact that I would only get a couple of days of orientation makes me a little nervous. However, after 2 years I am much more comfortable in nursing and patient care than I was as a new grad, so I feel I could do it. Also, is it hard to meet people travel nursing? I know you have to make more of an effort to meet people, obviously, but I would greatly appreciate any advice on ways to meet friends travel nursing.

Another thing holding me back are my 3 dogs, I would have to find a place that I could have them. They are very well behaved, don't chew or pee in the house. How likely is it that I could get housing through a travel agency with 3 dogs? I would be willing to find my own housing, but would they give me some money to go towards housing every month?

Any advice, or info would be so appreciated!!! Thank you!!

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You will have your choice of travel agencies. Do your research and go with one.

They are desperate for travelers. It is YOUR work that funds their agency. They better treat you like a prince /ess.

If you work in an ER, you are a fast mover and thinker... you can run with a minimal orientation.

You will be provided with housing that will accept your pets. Some agencies provide a car.

A friend with one year experience explored California.. ended up moving to San Francisco from the dismal Detroit area.

She had 3 dogs too!

Excited for you, best of luck, feel free to PM me :)

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Thanks for your encouragement, Been there, done that!

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Google travel nursing. You will find hundreds of agency names in both the search results and the surrounding ads. Larger agencies will be higher up in the results. Smaller agencies tend to pay better, and often have more personal service. But a large agency may be better for your first assignment with a better choice of assignment for new travelers.

So now you have found them! Now what? Start calling them. You want to talk to at least a dozen or so and pick the best five. Which five? Ignore the agency brand and marketing speak on their website. The most important factor in your success as a traveler is your ability to communicate with your recruiters. So pick the best five recruiters who appear to tell you the facts without sounding like a car salesman and you can have an adult conversation with. The best five agencies for you might/will be completely different for another traveler with a different communication style.

You are going to meet more new people than you can keep up with with new peers at work every three months. You can bond with them, other travelers, or doing outside social activities. With three dogs though, you have a built in social circle!

All agencies provide housing, or a housing stipend for you to find your own housing. Housing with pets can be very difficult depending on the location, especially with three dogs, and extra especially if they are large. Generally there is a non-refundable pet deposit (could be a few hundred dollars) to go towards the extra cleaning costs of a short term rental. Sometimes agencies are unable to find suitable housing and you will either have to skip that assignment, or find your own place (which may still be extremely difficult depending again on location). Many travelers always find their own assignment because often you can find housing for less than the stipend amount, putting extra money in your pocket.

Yes, you can travel with dogs very successfully but it is a hassle with housing, just as in real life. RVs can be a good way to go with some pets as RV parks are almost universally pet friendly. You also don't have to be constantly packing and unpacking, but it is a lifestyle choice, not a way to save money. I would try an assignment before considering an RV, just to see if the lifestyle and work is good first.

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I'm on my first assignment now (from Georgia too, with 3 years ER experience before heading out). You either take the travel stipend or they provide your house. Your income is usually from your housing stipend/per diem pay since it's tax free. Find a person with a good recruiter! I have two that I can recommend for you if you're interested. One was recommended to me by an 11 year traveler and the other I have used and love! (Both with different companies.) Your first assignment isn't the easiest to get and Cali licensing takes LOTS of time. I travel with a girl and she has met tons of people. I don't hang out with many people since I'm here to explore, so I tend to spend my time alone and exploring the area. Message me if you have more questions!

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Tech1000: I am new to this site and although I am not usually technically challenged, I cannot figure out how to send you a message. I would like to know the two recruiters that were recommended to you. Would you please send them to me? Thanks!

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Hi tech1000,I am looking to find an ER assignment for travel nursing as well and was hoping to get some suggestions on travel agencies. I have been working as an ER nurse for 4 years currently. I am speaking with one recruited right now but am hoping to get your advice on the two that you were using. I already have my California nursing license. Thanks so much!

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Specializes in oncology, MS/tele/stepdown.

I'm thinking about traveling for the first time soon as well, although I'm onc/tele/med-surg. I think I'm more intimidated by the business aspect of working with these agencies than the whole new job every 12 weeks thing.

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I am currently searching for travel opportunities. I found my agencies through researching the comments through this site as well as the ratings on highwayhypodermics.com Ive been researching for hours a few times a week just because I want to get the best experience.

Good luck!!

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