first assignment

[travl2where]

I have been researching travel nursing off and on for 7 years waiting for my youngest child to finish high school...time is finally here. Just looking for some feedback. I chose 5 companies and am presently so overwhelmed by all the paper work that needs to be filled out on line, faxed and mailed, gathering all my medical records that are required for vaccines and the such, having I-9s notarized and mailed, tests, and the endless experience check sheets, gathering reference letters... I'm starting to get confused on what I sent who, I thought I was keeping good records.

I turned in my PRN status notice at my staff position here in NC, I had one full time job and work prn at two other hospitals in the area. now I'll have three PRN jobs that really don't require any certain amount of days worked to keep this status.

I purchased my own medical insurance just today. Had a agent actually come to my house, he's a local.

I got three names of accountants in town that I plan on hiring one of them next week, I don't understand all the tax write off stuff...gonna need help.

Anyway my plan is to go to Rhode Island for my very first assignment or Ct. because I have family there and would feel comfortable and wouldn't have to get housing. Two agencys tell me that it's a very good chance of finding something when I'm ready in mid October after my four week notice at present hospital. I have a compact license and in the process of applying for a CT one. I also have a Florida one with family living there also. One company tried to talk me into staying in NC but like 4 hrs from home. The hard part is I nly want a 8 week this time around to be home for Christmas, it will be my first holiday in the mountains of NC, just moved here a few months ago. Am I being too pushy by requesting just one certain area for my very first assignment?

What I really want feed back on is this...My main reason for wanting to travel nurse is so I can do a 8 to 13 week contract and then stay home for a few weeks in between some contracts, I work when I want to and can make enough money to afford these weeks off. Does this sound doable. I have some travelers tell me they take the whole summer off. Once I get the hang of this I want to travel with my husband to different states in a RV but still coming back home for extended periods of time and work my PRN jobs part time while I'm home.

Can someone please tell me if I'm being realistic, can this be done? I feel like I'm just living in a dream world cause the thought of this gets me so excited. By the way, I love change and hate hospital politics. I adapt easy, specialty is ER but was a float for two years not that long ago in a 851 bed trauma II hospital, would do everything but Peds, ICU, OR and L&D. Thanks. Corrine

[neurorn6]

I'm a first time travel myself and totally understand what you are going through. Trying to keep up with everything is driving me crazy. Sometimes it seems like a "learn as you go" kind of thing. This much I have learned. YOU decide on where you go depending on what you want and need.

I have been talking to 4 different companies to try and get the best package that suits my and my family's needs.

You are right in one thing, all but 1 of my recruiters are pushing NC. I'm learning quickly to say what I want and what I need. Let them know that you are working with more then 1 company.

Watch out for packages that offer you a taxable pay rate that sounds too good to be true, it will be. The IRS can spot that as a red flag. The housing subsidy is actually per diem. The IRS allows so much money per day for food and entertainment. If you know anyone who drivers OTR, they can explain it. Truck drivers have been dealing with it for years. From my prespective, I look for a good pay rate, good insurance, can I live with family or friends and take the per diem.

Make a list of your must haves and go from their. Good luck on the road. I hope to be on assignment in the next week or so.