First time travel nursing *advice and tips*

[GeminiRN2007]

So I'm a currently a RN with 5+ years experience in MS-telemetry. I work at a large teaching hospital now, and I've been thinking about travel nursing for a long while now. This year I'm hoping to venture out and at least give it a try. I feel comfortable with my nursing skills and knowledge so thats not a problem for me, I'm just nervous and antsy about finding a good company, a good recruitor, and proper pay and housing. I know that some people have had good and bad travel nursing experiences but I want to atleast give it a try and if it doesn't work out I can always come back home and to my current staff job. I'm thinking about Trinity HSG and American Mobile; does anyone know of any first time traveler friendly companies? what kind of pay can I expect? I'm also wondering about transportation and if certain companies reimburse for rental car expenses or provide a rental car? Like if I get a first assisgnment in texas, if I choose to fly instead of drive from NC will certain companies reimburse for travel expenses and a rental car for transport while I'm on assignment? I think for my first time travel experience I will take the company offered housing to make things a little easier for me! what can I expect realistically in regards to take home weekly pay? housing? and the overall travel nursing experience?! any other advice and info will be greatly appreciated! Thanks and happy new year! :)

[meandragonbrett]

Just remember....the more reimbursements you have from your company the less your take home pay is. Nothing is free from the travel agencies.

There are some other recent posts here that offer some great information.

American Mobile can be good at getting you your first assignment but AM is known to pay less than some other companies. American Mobile is part of AMN Healthcare which is the parent company of SEVERAL staffing companies such as American Mobile, Medical Express, Nurse Choice, etc.

Your recruiter can make all the difference in the world.

Don't sign your contract until you are 100% okay with everything in it and there is no vague terminology that could leave you on the hook if something goes wrong. Ask away and specific questions that you have :)