First Time Traveler

Specialties Travel

Published

Specializes in Critical Care.

Hi Everyone!

I have been an RN for 10 years. In the past four years, I have been an agency nurse (local 15-60 miles); so I am used to going to different hospitals and learning their computer systems, protocols, and just fitting in, etc. So I have decided to take the plunge and start traveling.

My first assignment is going to be in Reno, NV; which is approximately 2,300 miles from my home in Ohio. I'm excited...LOL but also terrified. What scares me the most is that I have tentatively decided to drive my car to the assignment, instead of leaving on a jet plane.

Babbling here, but I would like to get any input from experienced travelers about traveling cross country.

Great fun to drive, you made the right decision. Plenty of sights to see along the way, and easier exploration once there. It will also save you money over air fare and car rental, but not if you were not planning on a car rental. Remove the tentative part and start planning your route and things to pack. Rule of thumb, take about half of what you think you need. You will almost certainly reduce that by another 50% after this first assignment.

Good luck on your big adventure!

Specializes in Critical Care.

NedRN:

Thank you so much for your input. I have already started planning my route...and love your rule of thumb r/t overpacking. And LOL, not paranoid, but since I am driving such a long distance on my own I purchased a GPS, car charger for cell phone, stun gun, and pepper spray.

Specializes in oncology, MS/tele/stepdown.

I met a traveler who drives home after every contract; home is in Canada, so that makes for long road trips when she works in Florida. She told me she frequently picks up a friend or relative for the drive, and they sight-see along the way til she gets to her destination and they fly home. Maybe that's something you could do if you're nervous and have a friend who loves road trips?

Car charger is a must. A smartphone is more flexible than a standalone GPS. Stun gun? Ever used one in your normal life? No? If it makes you feel better, no harm. But you've seen too many movies.

Life as a traveler has pretty much the same risks as real life with your normal activities. Sometimes tourists are targeted but as far as I know non tourists have the same risks. Hotels are perhaps the most dangerous part of this endeavor. Personally, I feel safer sleeping in my car. Mind you, most will say the opposite.

Specializes in ICU.

I ship my car. The drive is not enjoyable to me.

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Allow plenty of time and enjoy the trip. Don't spend all day in the car- get out and see the country!

I ship my car. The drive is not enjoyable to me.

It is the stopping in new locations that is the fun part. That is why we travel, right? ;-)

Im a first traveler myself but so far have very bad experience with the agency PPR Travel Nursing. Do not sign up with this agency. Contact me and I will tell you details.

Specializes in ICU.
Im a first traveler myself but so far have very bad experience with the agency PPR Travel Nursing. Do not sign up with this agency. Contact me and I will tell you details.

Just put it out there. If they figure you out so what.

Im a first traveler myself but so far have very bad experience with the agency PPR Travel Nursing. Do not sign up with this agency. Contact me and I will tell you details.

I agree, tell us here. Just saying don't use is not helpful. Sometimes bad things just happen, like a bad hospital experience that may not be the fault of the agency, but still leaves a bad associative taste. One thing that can be difficult to for travelers to understand is that the agency is just for pay. You are a licensed professional and have to deal with many of the issues, especially clinical or job performance issues, that may arise on the job. The agency cannot help you with most of those. If you have a contractual issue such as scheduling, that is the job of the agency, although they often fail here as well if the facility is an important client.

PPR has a historically excellent reputation for good service (I've even recommended them in the past for new travelers), but was never known for high pay. That info is from the old days though. I've never seen a complaint about them online before other than compensation.

Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
Hi Everyone!

I have been an RN for 10 years. In the past four years, I have been an agency nurse (local 15-60 miles); so I am used to going to different hospitals and learning their computer systems, protocols, and just fitting in, etc. So I have decided to take the plunge and start traveling.

My first assignment is going to be in Reno, NV; which is approximately 2,300 miles from my home in Ohio. I'm excited...LOL but also terrified. What scares me the most is that I have tentatively decided to drive my car to the assignment, instead of leaving on a jet plane.

Babbling here, but I would like to get any input from experienced travelers about traveling cross country.

Sounds like you're well-qualified for a travel assignment!

Driving cross country -- especially alone -- is GREAT! I like the freedom of stopping when I want to, where I want to. I can have lunch at the local diner or stay on the freeway and eat at Cracker Barrel. I can see the sights along the way, listen to my favorite music or, if I'm getting sleepy, listen to a right wing talk radio show which is sure to get my blood pressure up and keep me wide awake. I've been known to spend an extra day on the road just to have a day to myself.

Make sure your car is in good shape before you go -- oil change, good tires. If you don't already belong to AAA, join. MacDonald's has the cleanest bathrooms in whatever area you're in (they may not always be clean, but they're always cleaner than any alternative in the immediate vicinity) and a large ice tea is $1. I sip at the ice tea as I drive, and it keeps me hydrated and awake.

I'm starting to envy you the drive!

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