First Assignment!!!!

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So I have just accepted my first 8wk assignment to San Antonio, TX. I picked 8 wks to see if travel nursing was for me. I have less than 2 weeks to get everything in order, I don't even know where my head is right now! I am leaving my comfort zone and venturing out. While interviewing I learned that the nurse have a dress code which my current job doesn't, the nurses start their own IV's which I have no clue how to do because the job I'm at now has an IV team. And not all of their charting is computerized!!!! I'm excited to go and also nervous! I don't know anyone in TX. How did you adjust to you first couple of assignments? I hope it's a great experience because I am looking to do this permanently! I Would love to hear from other travelers experiences!

Specializes in Nephrology, Dialysis, Plasmapheresis.

I have a compact state license from South Carolina, which is compatible with Texas. So I didn't have to do anything. It costs just as much to get a temp as a permanent though, so I always go for the permanent, that way you can extend if needed. I also would try to plan way in advance because licensing processing can hold you up big time. I have applied to 5 states, SC, OH, MA, CA, and FL. Every single application packet I have sent in has been put in hold for some reason. One was college transcripts, one was proof of payment of an old speeding ticket, MA actually wanted proof that my college education was in English, OH I forgot to check a box, and SC lost my electronic fingerprints in processing so had to redo. The fastest I have ever gotten a license is 8 weeks. The longest was Massachusetts- 4 months. I can't speak for temp licenses, but either way, I don't delay. If there's a state I want to go to, I already have my license in hand. I also recommend getting a binder or some kind of organization for all your documents and licenses. Keep track of renewals, license numbers, and always have documents ready on hand when you travel. My binder is huge.mit is full of containing education proof, certifications, licenses, all receipts used for licensing expenses, travel expenses, resumes, reference letters, and anything my travel agency gave me. It's a lot of prep work and paper shuffling, but when my agent says he wants proof of my ACLS, and I'm 1500 miles from my stuff, I have it right in hand and email it over right away. Be prepared. No one is looking out for you but yourself! Could easily be put on hold or lose an assignment without proper legal documents.

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Hi Dee_RN. I am new to travel nursing. My agent is having me consider an assignment in San Antonio that will also be an 8wk job. It is with NurseChoice as well. I would be interested to know how your experience is going and where you are? My offer is at Christus Santa Rosa. I wont be traveling with anyone or know anybody there. It would be nice to connect with someone before going. Thanks!! Good luck with your assignment!

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Has anyone else had any experience with Christus Santa Rosa in San Antonio? Not the childrens facitlity. Is it a good place to work? Do they like travelers?

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Neuro, Nephrology, Pulmonology.

That's a good ideas, I need to start a binder of everything I think I'll need while away from home. Thanks so much for responding to the post!! Guess I need to check and make sure everything is on order, good luck on your journey!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Neuro, Nephrology, Pulmonology.

I'm going to the same hospital, I don't leave until next week so, I'll let you know how it goes unless you beat me there lol! I, pretty much set to go except for my licenses of course which is the most important piece. I'm just ready to go and experience this journey.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Dialysis, Plasmapheresis.
Has anyone else had any experience with Christus Santa Rosa in San Antonio? Not the childrens facitlity. Is it a good place to work? Do they like travelers?

Christis Santa Rosa is one of the nicest hospitals in the city! My great uncle lives here and he worked in the medical field, that is the only hospital he will go to. I work at 4 different hospitals with my travel assignment in San Antonio. From what I've heard, you are def at a good place. San Antonio is a great city with a lot of nice people, great weather, and the patients are overall very respectful and kind. Best of luck! I'm here too as my first travel assignment if you all ever want to meet!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Neuro, Nephrology, Pulmonology.

Made it finally to San Antonio! Visited the hospital now I'm just ready to knock out these 8 weeks and meet the kiddos!!! My excitement starts NOW!!

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Made it finally to San Antonio! Visited the hospital now I'm just ready to knock out these 8 weeks and meet the kiddos!!! My excitement starts NOW!!

Good luck to you! Please post about your journey so new travelers can get a feel of what to expect:)

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Neuro, Nephrology, Pulmonology.

Good luck to you! Please post about your journey so new travelers can get a feel of what to expect:)

Thank you, and I surely will!!!

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Specializes in CTICU/CVICU.

I'm looking to start traveling in August and looking in Fastaff, NurseChoice and On Assignment because of their short assignments. I work as a CTICU nurse and had 1 and 1/2 year experience. I also work as an agency nurse. I'm looking to start the process since I know it will take awhile to get the licenses. I want to go to Cali, Georgia and back home to NY/NJ (I live in TX now). So excited! Keep us posted on how everything is going, especially as a new traveler! By the way, does any of the traveling companies pay for your licenses?

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Neuro, Nephrology, Pulmonology.
I'm looking to start traveling in August and looking in Fastaff NurseChoice and On Assignment because of their short assignments. I work as a CTICU nurse and had 1 and 1/2 year experience. I also work as an agency nurse. I'm looking to start the process since I know it will take awhile to get the licenses. I want to go to Cali, Georgia and back home to NY/NJ (I live in TX now). So excited! Keep us posted on how everything is going, especially as a new traveler! By the way, does any of the traveling companies pay for your licenses?[/quote']

Since you reside in Texas which is a compact state you may not have to purchase a new license. Unless you travel to a state that is not apart of the compact. The company I'm with does reimburse you for travel expenses and license.

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Specializes in CTICU/CVICU.

Yeah. The states I want to travel to are not on the compact list. I eventually want to come back to Texas but for now, I have a bunch of states I want to travel to first.

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