Any traveling nurses out there willing to give advice?

[tchinn]

Hi,

I am a Registered Nurse with a little more than a year in. I am single with no children and looking to explore travleling nursing opportunites, but don't know much about it. If anyone with any knowledge or experience would be willing to share it would be greatly appreciated. To tell you the truth it sounds too good to be true what are the negetives to this job if any?

Thanks

Tchinn

[IdahoNurse]

Ditto on all of the above, especially atleast a year's experience. You have to know what you're doing out there with little assistance. Yes, you can ask questions about policy and procedure, but you will have to know the basics like the back of your hand.

Do alot of research on the internet, magazines, and I believe that there are two books out there on travel nursing.

Good luck in your adventures!!! I wouldn't trade this life for nothing!!!

[mewmeow]

Hi,

I read you message about LPN travel in FL. Can you please give me any helpful information re: travel agencies that employ lpn's. Do they offer ltc opportunities???

Sorry you missed the job in FL. I've been playuing around on the internet with the travel thing for a cople of years now and think from what I've seen you shouldn't have too much trouble finding another position in FL that will be of interest to. I hear ya, I've had it with the s now and am so lookin gforward to travel nursing in FL. BUT I haven't looked into this stuff for a year and a half and things change. Can you direct o me travel agencies geared to lpn's??

thanks

[tchinn]

Thank you for response. But I have a few more questions if you don't mind.

1. what do you have to do to get your licensing in different states? Take nclex again or fill out paperwork. 2. i'm a renter so would I have to store all my furniture. 3. Does some companies pay for health ins vs. you paying for it on your own if so how much is it usually?4. As far as mail how do you manage that do you have someone send it to you at the end of the month?5. what do you look for in choosing a comany. 6. what did you mean by evaluate the company contract and hosp. as I complete the job? Lastly what do you do about your bank account do you keep the same bank and how do keep up with the bills that you have traveling so much? Thank you so much for your time this is really helping me make a decision.

[NephroBSN, BSN, RN]

Thank you for response. But I have a few more questions if you don't mind.

1. what do you have to do to get your licensing in different states? Take nclex again or fill out paperwork. 2. i'm a renter so would I have to store all my furniture. 3. Does some companies pay for health ins vs. you paying for it on your own if so how much is it usually?4. As far as mail how do you manage that do you have someone send it to you at the end of the month?5. what do you look for in choosing a comany. 6. what did you mean by evaluate the company contract and hosp. as I complete the job? Lastly what do you do about your bank account do you keep the same bank and how do keep up with the bills that you have traveling so much? Thank you so much for your time this is really helping me make a decision.

#1 You will have to get a license in every state you work in unless you have compact license and are going to a compact state. A good company will direct you to the BON you need to contact

#2 You don't want to give up your tax home. Keep your apartment and your ties to your tax home. You need them to get all the tax deductions allowed by law for travel nurses.

#3 Many companies pay for health insurance. Some don't but it's equivalent of what you paid at home.

#4 The US Postal System s**ks IMHO.. Try Mail Boxes ETC or UPS. Although I've heard the US Postal System has something new now. Just have to check with them

#5 Everything...LOL.. Make sure you are happy with their actions. GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING IN YOUR CONTRACT.

#6 Evaluate the hospital as you go so you know what to ask next time. Did you forget to ask what the weekend is at the hospital, did you get there and find out you had to wear white etc. Also, keep track so you know whether you might return to that hospital again or not.

#7 I do all my banking online. I get most of my bills through www.mycheckfree.com some of them I know what they are i.e. mortgage etc. Others I call at the beginning of the month and ask. I follow my credit cards online i.e American express, home phone verizon etc.

Good luck.. It's a learning experience to travel.

[kenesha212002]

Are there in travel companies specifically for nurses who would like to work in Florida? If so what are they?

[RN Mc Neese]

To all the traveling nurses in Cali.I've been nursing now for 8yr and now decided to do local traveling assissgnments.What are the best agencies in Cali for local assignments.The only benefit I need is 401K.What about housing? I heard if you work as a local you can pocket the housing cost.Tell me about the flexibilty, do you pick your own days or do they plugg you in where you are needed.Do you have to work every other weekend?, and what about the holidays do we have to work them also.I quess what I am asking, do we call the shots when it comes to scheduling.Someone please give me info on Fasstaff,nightingale, and americanmobile.Also someone give me a general idea on the pay rate. My specialty is ms/tele I want to work 3 days a week.How much would I be bring home weekly on a day shift position?

[pearldora]

Hi Everyone,

TChinn asked similar questions to what I've been wondering myself. I'm a senior nursing student getting ready to graduate in May with my BSN. I'm currently living with my parents because I wanted to finish the nursing program "stress free" and without any distractions/responsibilities. I'm not married, have no children, 30yrs old. I'm considering NICU or definitely L&D (always loved L&D but precepting now in NICU and it isn't as bad as I thought it would be). I really don't want to stay in South Florida after graduation, however I haven't been many other places to decide where I do want to live (just New York and Florida). I'm considering travel nursing-BIG TIME - as a way to kind of feel my way around, see what states I like etc. My question is, how much time do you think I need to work after graduation as a nurse prior to trying the travel nursing? Is a year enough? 6 months? I mean I'm really looking to leave South Florida. Heart is saying find a hospital willing to assist a new grad with relocating (since nursing program ate up majority of my funds, what I have is pretty low) brain is saying stay home with parents for a year (banking my local nursing paychecks) and then do travel nursing. Any advice?

-Carrie

Here's my 2 cents. Pick an area of the country you'd like to live in for a year or two and research hospitals in that area. Find out what kind of specialized training they offer new grads in NICU. Many have programs designed to "groom" grad nurses in specialty fields. For instance, University Hospitals. Some will even pay you relocation fees and sign-on bonuses. You won't regret the training/grooming/mentorship you'll receive.

That's my thoughts. I wish you well.