I want to go to the virgin islands

Specialties Travel

Published

Hi,

I am new here although far from a new nurse. (RN)

I discovered your board while trying to search out traveling companies, and I am sure glad I did. I have gained so much useful information I had not even thought of before.

First time traveler and I have decided I want to go to the Virgin Islands. As funny as it may seem, I work at a small rural hospital that sounds very much like the island's hospital. (No supplies, all black population, we don't even have hot water at night except for in the med room as they cut the boiler off because they are afraid it will explode, no tape, sometimes have to bring our own supplies including toilet tissue, etc.)

So what I have read makes me think of home.

Anyway, does anyone have a current list of agencies that are staffing in that area?

Your help is much appreciated.

Judy

PS My start date would be after my Christmas vacation and there is a good chance I will have another RN to go with me.

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try cross country or medical services that are based in florida....pensacola I think. will get you the phone number if you like, you have to come here for 6 months with them. I am not sure if cross country still send nurses here or if they just renew the contracts of the nurses who have been here forever wth them.

the hospital is as you say but the island and lifestyle are great...plus the weather!!!!!!!!!!

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Thanks for the fast reply. I would appreciate the phone numbers.

I had planned on 3 months, but I can do 6. Just need to be back home in time to start school in Sept.

You sound like you work there already. Can you give me more information?

Like how many hours a week and work day rotations.

I am a newly certified scuba diver and the place sounds like heaven to me. I am headed to the western caribbean in Nov on a cruise and back to Roatan for Christmas vacation.

My friend wants to know if you know if they hire lab techs too.

Thanks,

Judy

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yes I am already here, the name of the agency that staffs here is medservices, I will pm you with the phone number and e-mail address.

most of the shifts are days, 3 days one week and then 4 days the next with alternate weekends. its 80 hours every 2 weeks.

the agency does send lab techs here as well.

plenty of the world's best diving sites here. look up the wall....its a coral wall 250 yards from the shore at cane bay and drops about 2,500 feet.

warm weather 24 hours a day 52 weeks of the year.

the sea has been about 80 plus degrees this year.

hope you manage to arrange your working vacation over here!!!!!!!!!!!!

christine

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Specializes in L&D/MB/LDRP.

National Health Care Staffing & RN Network (I think)

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just heard that a new travel agency is bringing nurses here, they are called worldwide travel. looked them up on the internet, the nurses arent here yet so I dont know what they are like yet.

christine

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I am very interested in traveling to the virgin islands for a job assignment. I would love some info on how it really is to live and work in the islands...the good and the bad. I am willing to pack up and go at any time after January. I would love some advice! Thanks

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As you have heard, it is beautiful there, especially if you love to dive. Pay is pitiful, but the beaches are free. Take some extra cash for island hopping (if the ferry doesn';t go to the islands you want) and if you like jewelry(great deals). Say " good morning" to everyone you see in the morning. Be polite and be flexible with a can-do attitude. The standards of care are a little lower simply because they don't have money for the needed supplies. You might end up being part engineer while you're there. The place that I worked had a newer hospital, but didn't maintain it. For example, the room at the far end of the hall from the nursing station had a callbell that didn't work. They did not fix it. Instead, the patient rang a big cow bell whenever he needed a nurse. It also might help to look up a bit about the rasta culture.

One thing if you go in January, is to take an extra blanket with you for the night. I moved into a place (through the agency) which was to be furnished complete with linens. Oops. no blankets. The winter nights are cooler and you'll need it.

Have fun!!

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