Hawaii, Recent travel assignments questions

[positivethinker]

Hi

I am a ICU nurse very much interested in traveling to Hawaii. I am looking for travelers who have traveled to Hawaii within the last year or two to help get some insight on hospitals that are travel friendly, agencies that work well with travelers and how did your assignments work out?

I understand the rate of pay varies but if possible to also provide a range of rates that are being offered or housing stipends. And if you felt this was a fair amount based on the high cost of living in Hawaii.

I dont expect to break the bank with my paycheck from Hawaii. And I know its away to see Hawaii, like a paid vacation. But I dont want to have to live on the streets once I return home.

Do you fair better with the local agencies or do you break even? And Im having a little difficulty finding recent reviews from other travelers on agencies that go to Hawaii.

Thank you

[NedRN]

There are two local agencies in Hawaii, Altres Medical and Kahu Malama. You don't want to work per diem for them, but a travel contract. Most Hawaii assignments are done by the larger agencies such as Cross Country or American Mobile. I'm not sure if the local agencies have an edge or not. Worldwide is certainly worth a shot too, they have a lot of experience in those kind of assignments.

Like any other place that is worth going to, there are a lot of other nurses that want to go too. Supply and demands means the pay usually is not so great, and getting an assignment in the winter will be more difficult. But you won't have to be out money to work there unless you spend like you do on vacation. Supplied housing, and most of your airfare should be covered. Your hourly will usually be in the 20's but can be higher depending on need.

Generally it is finding good recruiters to work with, not really a traveler friendly agency. And that is personal, a recruiter that works great for someone else may not work for you at all. You will have to do some legwork to find those recruiters by calling them and talking to them. I would start now and ask the usual questions. Be sure to ask not only about pay and assignment availability, but also about housing. Don't give anyone your contact information or professional documentation until you are convinced that you can work together successfully and that they can deliver the assignment you want.

[ldrpt]

I received an email today for travel nurses to Hawaii. Looking for L/D nurses (me) but possibly others too. I thought the pay looked decent. Might be same or more for ICU? Says Hawaii is a walk thru state for licensure. Definitely worth calling for! Let us know if you find out any info. Good Luck!

[positivethinker]

Thank you for the information. I have been a traveler for 11+ years and I have worked with several agencies and hospitals. However, I was interested in someone within ICU who had a story to tell about their travels in Hawaii. Alot of the posts regarding Hawaii are around 5 yrs or more. I am seeing roughly the same agencies you have listed, but I would like to know from someone who has traveled with them recently to Hawaii.

I have worked with Cross Country before, however, they offer low rates. My experience with them in the past has been hit or miss. And their pay period is bi weekly, depending on the hospital you can obtain a weekly paycheck. I thought about going with them just to get to Hawaii then network once I get there, to find out things for myself. Because I know everyones experience will be different. But sometimes you want to get a little insight before diving in.