First travel assignment for 1 year experience RN -HELP!

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I am an RN in Illinois right now and have just over 1 year experience in the ER. I feel like I've learned everything I can from my current position and am ready to start traveling. I have my Cali license and have been working with some recruiters but I'm hitting a few walls. First, my recruiter says that because I only have 1 year, I need to basically take what I can get, which for her means a Kaiser hospital in LA with the following contract:

8hr shift for 13 wks assignment, $500 for travel, $200 for benefits with $15.21/hr pay and $805/week tax exempt stipend. This totals $1322/week which is less than I make here... plus this does not include any kind of housing. I feel like I'm getting ripped off but I've been talking this up to my husband so long I'm pretty sure he'd kill me if we settle for this or if we don't go. I'm working with some other recruiters from other companies but they seem to take forever getting back to me and many other companies say not enough experience. Any advice?

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Hi,

I'm researching too for a first time travel position. And after speaking with other travel nurses they stressed the importance of being comfortable with your recruiter and assignment. Do more research and look at other companies. If it doesn't sound right , it probably isn't.

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Specializes in Peri-Op.

Don't do it unless everything feels right... for your base 40 hours its like $34/hr. Just sucks that ot will be based on $15/hr and no housing .... im sure u can find a place off craigslist for $800/ month...

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I'm wrapping up my first assignment, so I am no experienced traveler but I did learn a couple of things when approaching my first time around.

- The more particular you are with location and shift, the more patient you have to be. But don't accept something that you would be unhappy with... I really wanted to go to Florida and the recruiters all said it was too slow there and were trying to submit me everywhere else coast to coast. I was patient though, and ended up in Orlando... it wasn't exactly the type of hospital I wanted, but the location has been great! So glad I didn't agree to be submitted to St. Louis or Texas or somewhere I didn't really want to go.

- Don't be afraid to negotiate. I was afraid to negotiate and question contract terms. I eventually got so fed up with my recruiter for offering me measly pay that I said, "If you can't pay me this amount I can't pay my bills, so don't bother." Guess who could offer me more pay an hour later?

Good luck! It is very stressful but it is awesome :)

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Specializes in Paramedic,ER, House Supervisor, OR, CVOR.

I agree with having to feel comfortable with your recruiter, if they say "You Have Too" then I say NO YOU HAVE TO find some one else because I am done with you. There are way too many companies out there and some of the recruiters leave much to be desired. It has been said before, but worth repeating. You may think the recruiter is working for you but they are not. They work for the company, which works for the hospital. Nurses are the commodity if they are hard to get, they cost more. Easy ones are cheap. Supply and Demand. I tell everyone I am easy but expensive.

I started travel nursing in 1989, my first job as a nurse was a travel assignment in Oakland, California. Trauma Hospital, Intercity Hospital, County Hospital. Much different than my Small Town Iowa upbringing. I had been a Paramedic for many years before and Had several years of experience in Emergency Medicine before going to Nursing School. One company counted that and One Hospital took a chance with it. I didn't disappoint them and actually returned to the same place after spending a year in Hawaii. (if I only knew then what I know now.) It can be done if you really want it. You have to sell yourself and then hopefully back up what you sold.

Rod

Rod

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$35/HR doesnt sound right plus 8hr shifts in LA will feel like 12hr shifts once you factor in the traffic!

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Specializes in ER.

I would dig deeper with your recruiter tell them what your frustrated with etc. If they can not help you anymore do some more research with other companies. I agree with everyone you have got to be comfortable with your recruiter.

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