I need some insight

[PMHNP10]

I am planning on taking my first travel assignment in CA. As of now I have narrowed my choices down to 3. They are all psych positions with the CDC. They are in Salinas, Avenal, and Coalinga. My first choice is in Salinas because from what I have heard from my friend (and former college roomie) the area is beautiful and there is plenty to see. Also, this company is represented by like 20 nurses at the facility. The problem with Salinas is that the travel company's contact isn't returning calls, so that option is eliminated for now.

As for the other 2 places, I know only what I have been able to dig up on the net. From the research I have done, I have found out the basics, which wasn't at all endearing. Seems like they are in the middle of nowhere and have nothing to offer--well maybe a Burger King, but that's about all. I guess what I'm wondering is are these places inhabitable? Without a doubt I can tolerate anything for a short period of time, but the problem I am having is that my girlfriend will be going with me and she will be looking for her first job as a GN, so I really need to do all I can to stay wherever I go for at least 6 months to give her a decent amount of experience before moving on. I know these 2 places are close to Fresno and not too far from the coast, but as I understand it, I'd be working the 3-11pm shift which wouldn't give me many opportunities to go sightseeing. The only positives about these 2 sites is that they pay really, really, really well. I mean like really well.

I guess I am asking for any information anyone would have firsthand or secondhand about the area. For example, does it stink, is it dirty, is it safe, is there absolutely anything anyone can do to keep occupied and keep from losing it?

Assistance would be greatly appreciated.

[sjoe]

"Seems like they are in the middle of nowhere and have nothing to offer"

That about says it all.

Fresno is in the middle of the primary agricultural valley of the state. Big farms, migrant workers, dust, hot, irrigation, sunny, dry, some stinky areas--particularly the feed lots (since you asked). Why else do you think they need to pay agency nurses high wages?

Not to mention that CDC policy includes mandatory overtime, though whether that would be part of your contract I don't know. You might want to follow this up if you wish to be able to make any plans for your time off.

It would be wise to bring along your own support system, as you are thinking of doing.

Salinas is not much different, except it is closer to San Jose, Monterey, etc. so it is farm country with even higher rents, since Silicon Valley people commute from there to their jobs.

Just think of it like going to a desert island for a few months or a year or so--however long a contract you accept. Is it worth the money you will be able to put in the bank? That is entirely up to you.

[PMHNP10]

It would be wise to bring along your own support system, as you are thinking of doing.

Good, now we can watch eachother go crazy. Ain't love grand?

:chuckle

Thank you for the information on the layout of the land--even though you just confirmed what I feared was the case. Also, much appreciation for the mandatory OT issue because if I'm working 5 days/week I'm certainly not willing to donate 1 of my 2 days off. Might be a different story if I work 7p-7a 3x/wk. On the one hand, the busier I'm kept in BFE, the better for preserving my sanity (ironic since I will be working with psych pts) and moreso for paying my mountain of loans; on the other hand, although I am a young buck, my body still needs time to recoup like anyone else's. I will certainly verify.

[pickledpepperRN]

Fresno has a university.

It is near beautiful Yosemite National Park.

I

t is the raisin capitol!

The regional IRS office is there too.

You can easily drive or take the train to San Francisco for a couple days off.

Salinas:

Home of John Steinbeck and the Steinbeck home and museum. The town is in a beautiful valley.

Salinas is a relatively short drive from beautiful Monterey with the famous Bay aquarium on cannery row.

Both are near farms and roadside fresh produce.

Amtrak stations in both towns for those like me who live in LA and are TIRED of driving.

[PMHNP10]

Originally posted by spacenurse

Salinas:

Home of John Steinbeck and the Steinbeck home and museum. The town is in a beautiful valley.

Salinas is a relatively short drive from beautiful Monterey with the famous Bay aquarium on cannery row.

Both are near farms and roadside fresh produce.

Amtrak stations in both towns for those like me who live in LA and are TIRED of driving.

Yeah, I've heard Salinas is absolutely beautiful. I really wish the Salinas contact would start calling back to my travel company. Of course I haven't heard from anyone right now, so I'm getting a bit discouraged. I have to know where I'm going (if anywhere) by the end of this month and time is quickly winding down.