getting scared

Hi there:

What type of floor is it? I hear Reno is busy and there are oppourtunities to work OT.

It will probably be fast paced, depending on the unit etc...

Try to go see the floor before you are scheduled to work. Get the basics down, know where your utility rooms are, supplies etc. See if they have an orientation packet to view that you can pick up before or better yet faxed to you. Knowledge is power and the more you know about your floor the better you will do with the prework jitters.

I hope you really enjoy your first assignment... watch out! It is addicting!

it is med/surg with tele. how about the being away from what is normal and familiar?

Nursing is Nursing. Expectations are the same. You still do meds, chart on Mars, PRN's chart on Mars and probably a note with a follow up on the intervention, watch for Dr. changes on the orders, sign of orders (many variations with clinical staff on that on who does what for taking orders off, assessment documentation, note expectations... on and on.. that is why you need a packet for orientation.

The biggest adjustment is in the documentation process. Find out, as much in advance, what the expectations are. Plan to be there early everyday. I never clock in early but when I stay late I BILL my time for being there. Plan to do some homework, review your notes from the day. At first, it is kind of like when you were a new RN; you review the heck out of your day and research how to do it better.

Most importantly, think of yourself as an asset to the facility. You are there to fill a need. I always think of myself as needing to do MORE then staff and to be better, nicer, and more efficient. Stay focused on how "lucky you are" to be there.

Do not forget to smell the roses; start a journal of all that you have enjoyed in the area. It is better then being a tourist because you will have opportunities to really get to know the area like few others who visit Reno. Look for those coupon books that Casino Areas are so famous for.

Tell your recruiter you would like regular check ins till you gain comfort that first week or two.

Let us know how we can help.

Breathe...

hey everyone. I am the one who is starting first travel assignment on july 24th. i leave my home tomwon mon the 17th and am driving to reno. needless to say i am now getting scared. i have forgotten all the reasons for doing this. i am not going to back down but would truly appreciate some pick-me-uppers. i know that once i get n the road and get there i will be ok. once i say my goodbyes... but still.. any help or advice...

thanks,

Lcraigbsn

I think Nightingale pretty well covered reassurance from a work perspective, so now to give you some encouragement from the "days off" perspective. Reno is one of my favorite places, in fact I just got back from a few day off spent out there. Plan to take a day on your first day off to drive over to Lake Tahoe - take plenty of film or a digital camera - you will be stopping every 5 minutes to be taking pictures! Of course, the casinos are lots of fun - check to see what "names" will be performing at some of them. The performing arts center has good national touring plays and shows. You should be out there for "Hot August Nights" and the Reno Balloon Festival as well as the Shakespeare Festival going on now through August. Hope this gives you some things to get you past the "nerves" about starting a new adventure!

Lcraig ,

It can be a daunting experience leaving loved ones and what you know to take on these new adventures , you are right , keep reminding yourself why you are doing this , as baglady said , Reno is a great town with tons to do there . Whenever I start an assignment in a new city , I do tons of research on the new city with sites like virtualtourist.com or tripadvisor.com . not only do they have the usual business listings , but also info from locals . Most places I have worked are very traveller friendly , and if there are alot of travellers there ,chances are that a few will be in the same complex as you . Make a list of things that you want to do , because before you know it , it will be time to go . (Luckily I have a short list where I am at in Alaska !) . If you get lonely , You can always call home , or talk to us here !! (that is what this forum is about, helping other travel nurses !)

I am lucky that I started with a travel partner , but alas I travel alone now , but I still can't imagine working a regular job right now ! Have fun , enjoy life !!

Hey Lcraig,

I've lived in Reno now for 9 years after relocating here from WA state. I'm a nursing student, so I can't speak about work experience at Washoe, but I think you'll enjoy your stay in Reno.

The first thing you should prepare yourself for is the culture shock. There are slot machines EVERYWHERE! In grocery stores, the airport, restaurants and bars, convenience stores, etc. Smoking is allowed in all the casinos. The larger ones do a great job of keeping things ventilated, but if that bothers you, you may want to stay away. This was probably the #1 thing that was not "normal and familiar" to me!

The thing I like the most about Reno is the 24/7 lifestyle, to some extent. All the casinos have multiple restaurants with some great deals...you can always find a good meal! Buffets are kind of scary unless you stick to the major ones, like at the Atlantis or El Dorado. There is no such thing as last call here. In fact, last time I visited WA state and the bartender yelled "Last Call" while ringing some bell, I was like, "What's all this please?" (for the record, I'm no barfly...but nightlife here usually starts here when it is last call in other states) Basically, no matter what time of the day it is, you can do the basics like eat out or do grocery shopping.

If you like to go for walks, there's a very nice marina in Sparks (the city just east of Reno) and Virginia Lake in the middle of Reno. They're both nice places to relax and enjoy the warm weather. But while you're here, on your days off, YOU MUST GO TO LAKE TAHOE! It's absolutely gorgeous. When I have friends visit, I always take them up there. They have boat tours, great dining, and lots of nice shops up there.

There are tons of great restaurants, and I love finding new places to enjoy a meal. If you ever want any recommendations, PM me!

I hope you enjoy it! Let us know how your assignment goes.

Hey!!! I just got my first travel assignment at Washoe too!!! I start 9/11 and will be working in the ER. My recruiter is still working out the final details in the housing, but she says they usually use Manzanita Gate too.

I'm 27 and from Tampa, FL. I've never left my family before and I am FREAKING OUT!!! I'm excited and scared. I can't wait though.

I was born here in Tampa and have never been anywhere. I'll be driving to Reno from FL...42 hours! This should all be a HUGE adventure. Just wanted to let you know that you're not alone!

Melissa

I didn't mention it in my post, but Manzanita Gate is very nice. I've visited people who live there and they're very nice apartments and I attended a pool party there at their clubhouse (which residents can reserve, I guess) and that was really nice as well. It's in the newer area of NW Reno and within a great neighborhood.

Hey!!! I just got my first travel assignment at Washoe too!!! I start 9/11 and will be working in the ER. My recruiter is still working out the final details in the housing, but she says they usually use Manzanita Gate too.

I'm 27 and from Tampa, FL. I've never left my family before and I am FREAKING OUT!!! I'm excited and scared. I can't wait though.

I was born here in Tampa and have never been anywhere. I'll be driving to Reno from FL...42 hours! This should all be a HUGE adventure. Just wanted to let you know that you're not alone!

Melissa

Hi Melissa - I'm also from the Tampa area (New Port Richey). I've done the cross country drive to and from NV, AZ,WA, etc. Just wanted to suggest that you allow yourself more time than you think you'll need for the drive across, especially if you have never done cross country driving before. I've done the drive out to northern NV in 4 days, but I tend to be a marathon driver and have been across these routes many times. I'd advise giving yourself 5-6 days to make the drive so that you can stop at interesting sites along the way and so that if any issues arise (I've had blowouts and flooded interstates slow me down along the way) you can stop without stressing about making your miles. Needless to say, AAA or other road service is a must!

If you've "never been anywhere" before you'll be amazed at all there is to see and do out there.

Good luck!

Wow...thanks for the info! Everyone was telling me 3-4 days, but I guess I'll have to start driving sooner! I have AAA and have already reqested some maps from them. I have no idea what to expect! I'm really excited though. I'm trying to finish all my NV licensure stuff now...what a PITA!

Wow...thanks for the info! Everyone was telling me 3-4 days, but I guess I'll have to start driving sooner! I have AAA and have already reqested some maps from them. I have no idea what to expect! I'm really excited though. I'm trying to finish all my NV licensure stuff now...what a PITA!

Let me know if AAA tries to send you up through Atlanta because I can give you some other routes. For some reason all the map programs want to send you out of FL by way of Atlanta - going northeast to head west makes no sense. I've got a couple of other good routes that take a diagonal route and meet up with I-40 near Memphis.

It sounds really helpful to hear of the different routes that are more scenic and practical. Thanks bagladyRN