Caribbean dreaming

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I would like some info on ICU nursing in the Caribbean (yeah, I know-everyone's dream!). Working conditions-staffing ratios? Living conditions and cost of living? Acceptance by the residents? Is it easier to go to the US territory islands? Should I settle for Florida instead? Any advice on Florida, especially the Gulf coast?

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Specializes in tele, stepdown/PCU, med/surg.
I would like some info on ICU nursing in the Caribbean (yeah, I know-everyone's dream!). Working conditions-staffing ratios? Living conditions and cost of living? Acceptance by the residents? Is it easier to go to the US territory islands? Should I settle for Florida instead? Any advice on Florida, especially the Gulf coast?

Hey Bill! I know that Supplemental Health Care (a travel nurse agency) staffs nurses in the Jamaica. Abetta Care (another agency) staffs in the US Virgin Islands.

It's quite different than working in the contiguous states I hear but I'm sure it's worth the experience.

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From listening on here i heard FL has worst pay...

I would like some info on ICU nursing in the Caribbean (yeah, I know-everyone's dream!). Working conditions-staffing ratios? Living conditions and cost of living? Acceptance by the residents? Is it easier to go to the US territory islands? Should I settle for Florida instead? Any advice on Florida, especially the Gulf coast?
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I would like some info on ICU nursing in the Caribbean (yeah, I know-everyone's dream!). Working conditions-staffing ratios? Living conditions and cost of living? Acceptance by the residents? Is it easier to go to the US territory islands? Should I settle for Florida instead? Any advice on Florida, especially the Gulf coast?

Actually the VI has the worst rates imaginable. If you go into it knowing that the hospitals are underfunded and understaffed, you'll be ok. The virgin islands Islands are beautiful though, and always looking for travelers.

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Just finished an assignment in VI - St.Croix....terrible pay.....$17/hr.....hated the work while I was there but now that I'm back in the states can only think of all the wonderful great things about my time there....well worth the experience....even if my husband doesn't agree.

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$17 an hour isn't much less that what I currently make, exactly what I started out as a new grad last year.....What about cost of living, living conditions etc. MORE INFO PLEASE. Maybe someday my dh and I will go once the kiddies are grown.

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Specializes in Neuro/Med-Surg/Oncology.

How about Trinidad? One of my friends at work is from there. It's gorgeous and safe. The government is stable. I'm not sure what the hospitals pay, I'll have to ask him. English is the official language, so you would not have to learn another one before you went. Did I mention it's beautiful?:chuckle (He is too, but I try not to stare.:imbar )

http://www.tntisland.com/

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$17 an hour isn't much less that what I currently make, exactly what I started out as a new grad last year.....What about cost of living, living conditions etc. MORE INFO PLEASE. Maybe someday my dh and I will go once the kiddies are grown.

Didn't really notice much about cost-of-living.....company paid for housing and utilities.....I had to rent a car though....$600/month....company paid $400 and I paid the other $200....whined about it the whole 5 months but they wouldn't budge. Only other expense is food and fun. Didn't notice the food being that much more but going out to eat is expensive....I have strange eating habits so usually eat at home. Snorkeled all the time so that was free....had my own gear. The company to go with is Medical Services of NW Florida...1-800-273-6566. This woman had a travel company in florida and the caribbean....she is on the board of the hospital in St.Croix (that's the island I was on) so she has the connections....I didn't work for her but most of the travelers down there did and I think she offered the best deals. Need any other info just ask. Well worth the experience but don't get to bothered about the lousy work situation.....you can't change it....they don't want to change it.....just go with the flow and have fun when not at work.

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Hey NRLEVART, I sent you a private message.

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I am working as a traveller in st croix and the pay is $24 per hour going to $36 after 40 hours. hospital a bit third worl but the experience is worth it.

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I am working as a traveller in st croix and the pay is $24 per hour going to $36 after 40 hours. hospital a bit third worl but the experience is worth it.

Can you tell me which travel company?

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lots of nurses here from o'grady peyton international,(I am with them ) also from medical services of nw florida, and cross country. I understand that we all get the same rate of pay. but if you are a us RN then you will get housing paid etc. look me up if you get here!

Can you tell me which travel company?
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