Help please! Last time I travelled was 1990

lemur87 · Apr 8, 2013

Great questions, I'm looking into traveling as well and can't wait to see some responses.

NurseRies, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2013

Number 2- use Craig's list and look for sublet or type furnished ,short term, or seasonal in the search box. Send out a generic email to those that interest you. tell them your situation, your job, and move in and out dates, be sure to mention pets. Ask for more photos. Research areas as much as possible for safety and proximity. Also search for vacation or short term rentals on google for your specific area. I think it's too expensive to rent furniture and move into an empty apartment. Stipend varies from $1200-2800 depending on agency and area. If possible try to get all utilities included, even cable and Internet. It saves so much time, money, and hassle. That's why I like to sublet, just be mindful to have a basic contract signed with them too.

I can't help with agencies since I'm specialized and don't use any of those you mentioned. I use dialysis agencies.

I'm still figuring out the contract thing myself. I'd love to see a generic travel contract with blanks for nurses. Just make sure you get guarenteed hours, requested off dates, no float, all agreed upon refunds and stipends, hourly rates and differentials. I wish I had gotten a no mandatory overtime written into my contract. I'd love to hear others opinions on this.

HarleyNrs · Apr 9, 2013

Thanks Nurseries! Are you usually able to negotiate the rate down from what is advertised?

Is there a forum where travellers to share housing suggestions? Places they liked places to avoid?

NurseRies, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2013

Thanks Nurseries! Are you usually able to negotiate the rate down from what is advertised?
Is there a forum where travellers to share housing suggestions? Places they liked places to avoid?

I usually have said- hey I'm willing to move in next week if you can lower the price a hundred bucks. Or if you can include electric and cable in the price of rent, I'll sign a lease right now and give you a check. People like the idea of a nurse in their home, and also the idea of someone moving in right away. Just keep options open and be ready to do some calling on your days off. If you want, set up appointments and get a hotel when you get there, but then you're wasting $200-300! Just ask for extensive pictures and do your research! Get a good vibe from the condo owner. If your agency is really accommodating, they might do the work for you if you send the infoZ. It saves them money too, but why not make money!

peeweedelivery · Apr 11, 2013

FREEDOM Healthcare. Ask for Crystal Lavato. I travelled with AYA and had bad experiences. FREEDOM is fabulous!! Crystal will hustle and attempt to get you higher pay and anything else you request. They are organized and friendly and try to arrange everything so it's close to you. If you do contact her please PM me so I can give you my name as a referral. Good luck! I love travel nursing.

dance4life · Apr 21, 2013

1) email me if you would like.

2) Agreed craigslist is a place to look. this is what I have done. Two of my agencies had their own housing, so I luck out sometimes just going with theirs. If they are under my terms. It has been my experience that if the area has a high cost of living it compensates. Plus, sometimes my salary depends on stipend amounts. One agency took it from my salary and others offered up to $3,000 in one area. But, of course it was a huge city that the cost of living for a nice place, this would be average.

3. No but if you haven't seen one already I can try to blank one out for you.

4) I float anywhere they ask me. I have experience in several specialties, myself. But, then again I have never been floated to anything specialty I do not know like the NICU. =) I have had Fcontract cancellations. Save your money and make sure you have enough to cover yourself. I had move out withing a day to a week with some agencies.

5) Whichever they have. I have a family to take care of and the home address is in a state where I have to have insurance or well I get penalized.

7) I wouldn't do 48 hours again. Yes, the money was good but I was burnt out. If you can handle overtime then do it. =)

6) $2,000 I have only worked in the Northeast.

2) I have had both sides of the fence. It seems to work either way for me, but of course I need to know if I can live nicely. =) If not I won't take the assignment.

Thanks!

Nancy