Driving to Alaska

zipporah · Nov 11, 2006

Could I ask how you negotiated the sign on bonus? Did you ask? Did they offer? Does a big sign on bonus mean a dive job? What unit will you work? Have ou been at this for awhile? These sign on bonuses are something i am trying to understand. Who will pay it? The hospital? The travel company?

As for driving, time of year is important, you can take a ferry instead and arrive in anchorage.

Alaska is on my list of places to visit and work also.

Medic15251 · Nov 12, 2006

Some hospitals offer bonuses, which usually means they have a serious need. In the above offer the company first offered us a $1000 sign on. If we decline the rental car ($2400) though, we can have it added to our bonus. Thats how I came up with the $3400. Our last assignment we really had to negotiate. Our company heard the phrase no that's not good enough several times. This time they didn't lowball us too bad though.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Nov 12, 2006

my parents drove to alaska a few years ago. they enjoyed the trip in their pick-up with camper, but cautioned that it's a long, often boring trip on a rough road. the road was hard on their truck, and they're very glad they didn't bring their brand new rv. services are few and far between.

what i'd do if i ever again had the opportunity, is take the car ferry from seattle to alaska. you still get there with your car, but without the wear and tear, and it doesn't take as long. it's pretty expensive to get a cabin; but folks i knew took their back packing tents and camped on the deck.

ICUERRN8 · Jan 2, 2007

I just drove to Alaska. It was a nice, but scary drive, Oct. 30-Nov. 5.

The deal you were quoted sounds very good from what I am seeing around here.

Selke · Jan 3, 2007

Which agency did you sign with? What area of nursing? If you feel more comfortable telling me privately, please PM me. Thanks!!!

I heard from a friend that the ferry ride to Anchorage (with your car) is quite beautiful and worth the trip, that yes it is a long boring car ride otherwise.

nursee78, BSN, RN, NP · Mar 13, 2007

Does anyone have any info on Providence in Anchorage? We negotiated a $1600 monthly stipend, $3400 sign on bonus, $1700 travel, and $33/hr. I thought that sounded like a pretty good deal for Alaska.

:beercuphe

Hello, i was just wondering which travel company you are going with? I am planning on going to alaska in June and would like the best offer, thanks

nursee78, BSN, RN, NP · Mar 13, 2007

Has anyone drove to Alaska for an assignment? My company offers a car rental for the term of the contract, but I'm tempted to drive and take the car rental money in a lump sum bonus. We also have a dog and I would hate to have her ride in the cargo section of a plane.
Does anyone have any info on Providence in Anchorage? We negotiated a $1600 monthly stipend, $3400 sign on bonus, $1700 travel, and $33/hr. I thought that sounded like a pretty good deal for Alaska.
:beercuphe

just wondering what travel company you are going with, I am planning on going to alaska in june, would like to go with a good company, thanks!

JRapha'sRN · Mar 17, 2007

I think boring is all your perspective. I have driven to and from Alaska and loved it. I don't think it's boring. You go through so many varied landscapes that there is always something new to see. Of course, you are in the car for hours upon hours, so you may get bored in the car, but I wouldn't say the drive is boring.

If you will be driving in the summer you shouldn't have any problems. Yes, there are patches of rough road, but they aren't nearly like what they used to be like. Hop online and purchase "the Milepost" it is a travel book that tells you what to expect (scenery, animals, towns, road construction) for the whole trip.

Enjoy your drive. Enjoy Alaska. Make sure to take a day-cruise and see some sea life. Get to Denali National Park for a weekend or longer if you can. There is so much to see and do in AK; don't stay in Anchorage on your days off!

Medic15251 · Mar 18, 2007

Hey, thanks for all the replies. We decided against driving there in the winter, but it's still on our list of places to visit. For those of you wondering what company made that offer it was intelistaf. They were staffing a new facility in Anchorage and I think the fact that it was for a winter assignment played into the good offer.

ffmedicrn · Mar 28, 2007

WOW, I would like to know what you have found about the hospital and what CO. you went with. We are very serious about going to Alaska and would love a deal like that. Thanks

Snugglibumkins · Mar 31, 2007

Everyone driving through Alaska should purchase a copy of The Milepost. It is the Alaska driving Bible of sorts. We love ours.

I have not been a staff nurse at Prov Anchorage - I live too far south. However, my kids have been flown up and seen there for various things, including an over night in the Peds ICU - I was amazed at the team work and overall postive vibe in the hospital. Not as rural as where I'm at, but still plenty 'Alaska'.