Cautionary Tale/ American Mobile /Medical Express Strikes Again

lilacscrubs · Feb 11, 2011

I refused to move in and told my recruiter , who told me, "Just move in and we will have you moved ASAP". I refused why should I move in to move out? (Little did I know at the time this was the apt they had leased and there would be no switching this tidbit came courtesy of the leasing agent). I was next moved to another complex and although it was gated my building was all the way at the end of the cul de sac and was dark and I had to cross a large parking lot. I expressed my concerns to the leasing agent who told me that was what was leased. I moved in anyway because I was weary of living out of suitcases. In hindsight I should have refused to move in.

About a week after living there, I came home from work and stopped at the drugstore. After getting to the security gate I discovered my entry fob wasnt working. I had taken it back to the leasing agent twice to have it activated. I walked through the main gate which stays open 24/7 because its broken. Long scary story short I was followed to my building by a guy who walked in through the same gate.

I knew something was wrong b/c of my gut instinct, and since my building was all the way at the end and he wasnt walking into any other building my fear was heightened. I ran up the steps to my apt and quickly locked myself in. For all I know the guy could have been lost high etc, but why take chances when your instincts are piqued. I had a friend pick me up b/c I was too shaken up to stay there alone. I called my recruiter the next day about what happened and to tell her I wanted out of that complex and the wench told me, "That could have happened to anyone, just go back there its not like you had to call the police, we are not taking another lease out for you", she then said, "Cant you have your friend who picked you up stay with you until you feel comfortable there?"; , As if she doesnt have a job and family etc. I calmly told my recruiter I was not going back there and I havent!!!

Im new to traveling, but Im learning quickly just wanted to share this with allnurses. I have learned to ask where am I going to be placed so I can research it myself, had I known that I would have googled the complex and found out that other tenants have complained about the gate being broken all the time. I will never re-sign with this company. I know there are many tips shared on here just adding another one. Im still staying with my friend and trying to get stipend for living. Shaken but not broken!

caliotter3 · Feb 12, 2011

When your personal safety requirements exceed those of the employer, you need to be prepared to look out after yourself, to include the expenses associated with finding your own housing. There are few employers that are going to cater to your needs in this respect. They prefer to treat you as if your reservations are neurotic and not their problem.

emilee1978 · Mar 4, 2011

I was with AMN for 3 years, the housing seemed to become shabbier with each assignment, left and went with Advantage RN, so far I'm happy, gave me 3 choices of housing through them, or could take the stipend. I had AMN quote me for a housing stipend for a contract in the same city, it was considerably less than my current company's stipend. AMN started out OK, and seemed to get worse , my recruiter was nice and helpful, became short and snippy with me as the years went on, I'm making about 100 dollars more a week with this company.

RNERHOUSESUPOR · Mar 5, 2011

It's not for everyone, but maybe if all us get RV's the hospitals will put in hook ups and let us park on site for free. No commute to work, all the travelers would know each other. You don't have to worry about who last slept in your bed, sat on your couch or did whatever on the kitchen table. You did. I wish I would have started out in an RV in 1989. I would be so much more ahead of the game now it wouldn't be funny. Of course my year in Hawaii may not have happened. Oh wait, that might of been a good thing too. Once again, only my opinion, no pay, use it as you see fit.

Rod

wanderlust99 · Mar 7, 2011

Was with AMN for 3 years. They did something very similiar to me. Housed me at an apt complex, I called the apt complex just to confirm and they said someone else was living there. AMN is just getting more and more incompetent each year. Unbelievable.

lilacscrubs · Mar 8, 2011

I wont let AMN sour me on traveling. Other travelers here have reached out to me and been so kind. I will research other companies and facilties. To say I have LEARNED a lot is an understatement.

sandi917 · Mar 25, 2011

The housing part of the travelling can be a nightmare, for sure. The last assignment I had was in CA with Protocol. The apartment was all electric. I was told to just fax the bills to my recruiter and they would take care of them as the apartment complex put the electricity in my name. Needless to say, the company has not paid the bill for the last two months of my six month contract. Also, I was told I would have health insurance, but they never signed me up for that either.....even though I kept calling the recruiter and asking about it. Not a good experience, for sure!!

wanderlust99 · Apr 10, 2011

I knew one couple who traveled together & AMN forgot to pay the utility bill. Their power was shut off & at least $100 in food was ruined. I don't know if they foot the bill, but seeing it was AMN, it's highly unlikely.

You'd think they would know not to house 2 people in the same apartment? I mean, is that really too much to ask?? Incompetent I tell ya.

79Tango · Apr 11, 2011

I start out by taking the housing coordinators advice and then researching whatever they tell me. I always get the address or at least the name of the property.(mostly so I can find out how much $$ it really costs).

Even doing it this way there is still room for error. Some landlord/property managers exagerate more than the recruiters. They will tell you whatever you want to hear so you or your company will sign the lease!

GrnHonu99, RN · Apr 12, 2011

stipened all the way....