In need of input from experienced travel RNs

IdahoNurse · Apr 9, 2006

Any advice or recommendations on travel companies or hospitals would be greatly appreciated. Anyone have experience with PPR?

Have several friends who are with them and have had no problems with them. My personal favorites are Trinity Healthcare Staffing, Cirrus Medical, Medical Solutions, and Abetta Care.

I have my BSN and every certification an ER nurse can have..so I deserve high pay.

All those certificates may help you obtain a job, but won't help much with pay rate. There is a bill rate that the companies have to work with, and that is what your salary is based upon. Your needs for benefits and negotiating skills can make a difference also... but basically it's the bill rate and how much the company retains -vs how much they pay out for salaries and benefits.

Cloudtalker · Apr 10, 2006

I will second Cirrus. When I was a traveler, I used them for several assignments. Very friendly, and will listen to you.

I have my BSN and every certification an ER nurse can have..so I deserve high pay.

Is this arrogance? It sure sounds like it. I hope the arrogance wears off before you start traveling. The key to being a good traveler is being very competent, yet not coming off as arrogant. If you go in planning to teach them a thing or two, you will last about a week. The key is to quickly adapt to their way of doing things, not try to bend everyone to your way.

As was said earlier, you only get what the going rate is for the area you are in. You may make 36 dollars/hr in CA, with an aprtment and travel each way. In Fla, the pay may only be 29 dollars/hr for the same.

If you are looking at traveling as a way to make money, go to CA and work a large regional hospital for an assignment. Then become an independent and attempt to sell yourself. I have known several people who fly to CA once a month, work for 50dollars/hr, and then go home. If you want to make the big bucks, find one that pays 1.5 over 8 and then double over 12. Go work a seven day stretch and make the first shift a 16 and the last shift a 16. At 50/hr it adds up fairly quickly. But, you will be responsible for your own lodging, travel, etc. As you can figure it out, you can make some very good money doing that. The key is to find a place you can fit in and try to talk the manager into that type of sched. It would be a 16, 12, 12, 12, 12, 12, 16 type of schedule.

CT

suzanne4, RN · Apr 10, 2006

When working as a travel nurse, all of the alphabet letters after your name, as well as years of experience, do not change your rate of pay for that facility. You will have it easier getting selected over others, but your pay will not change.

Each agency has different benefits that they offer, what works for one, may not work for you. You also need to select where you would like to work first of all, not all agencies have work in every state.

Do you want to fly to your new job? Do you need a rental car?Do you have a pet? Do you need a two bedroom apt? Are you keeping a legal residence in another state? These are things that need to be answered first.

eastcoastgirl · Apr 16, 2006

I have been traveling for a year and a half now - loving it!!!! YOu just need to really spend some time researching companies - a bad company can really sour you - (I say this from experience!!!) A great opportunity to see the country and get paid to do it!!!!

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Apr 20, 2006

I've been traveleing for 14 mos and I agree with what everyone here has said.

What you get paid depends on how bad the need is for what you do in a particular area.

Also, if you make a good impression w/ the hospital and your recruiter, they will want you over other nurses for assignments.

There is usually a little wiggle room for negotiating pay and bennies, but not much.

You can usually get better pay in undesirable areas, such as going some place very cold that gets a ton of snow, to work in the winter.

Some of the places I travel to, the facilities and the way they do things are a bit outdated, and even though I may know better, faster ways of doing some things, "when in Rome..."

oliviacunolo · Apr 22, 2006

I appreciate all of the input I have received. Thank you for your advice. I have narrowed my search to 3-4 companies and will see what they offer and go from there. Thanks for the information. :thankya:

desanobsn · Apr 23, 2006

I will second Cirrus. When I was a traveler, I used them for several assignments. Very friendly, and will listen to you.
Is this arrogance? It sure sounds like it. I hope the arrogance wears off before you start traveling. The key to being a good traveler is being very competent, yet not coming off as arrogant. If you go in planning to teach them a thing or two, you will last about a week. The key is to quickly adapt to their way of doing things, not try to bend everyone to your way.
As was said earlier, you only get what the going rate is for the area you are in. You may make 36 dollars/hr in CA, with an aprtment and travel each way. In Fla, the pay may only be 29 dollars/hr for the same.
If you are looking at traveling as a way to make money, go to CA and work a large regional hospital for an assignment. Then become an independent and attempt to sell yourself. I have known several people who fly to CA once a month, work for 50dollars/hr, and then go home. If you want to make the big bucks, find one that pays 1.5 over 8 and then double over 12. Go work a seven day stretch and make the first shift a 16 and the last shift a 16. At 50/hr it adds up fairly quickly. But, you will be responsible for your own lodging, travel, etc. As you can figure it out, you can make some very good money doing that. The key is to find a place you can fit in and try to talk the manager into that type of sched. It would be a 16, 12, 12, 12, 12, 12, 16 type of schedule.
CT

ct, i don't think that evadetigre sounds arrogant. she has a good education, and a good edu is suppose to benefit you. you go girl!!! some great info. to anyone who can work that kind of a schedule......you deserve all the money you get plus more.

desanobsn · Apr 23, 2006

I've been traveleing for 14 mos and I agree with what everyone here has said.
What you get paid depends on how bad the need is for what you do in a particular area.
Also, if you make a good impression w/ the hospital and your recruiter, they will want you over other nurses for assignments.
There is usually a little wiggle room for negotiating pay and bennies, but not much.
You can usually get better pay in undesirable areas, such as going some place very cold that gets a ton of snow, to work in the winter.
Some of the places I travel to, the facilities and the way they do things are a bit outdated, and even though I may know better, faster ways of doing some things, "when in Rome..."

great advise about ROME, i love to learn new ways or better ways of doing anything from anyone who can show me, but not everyone likes that especially if your new. even if your just trying to help someone, remember Rome. i learned that the hard way.

desanobsn · Apr 23, 2006

i thought that i would try traveling for the first time this summer. so many agency's to choose from. not sure which way to turn. i,ve heard such horror stories. how can you prevent it. i'm not sure what questions i should be asking the agency when they contact me. i know there must be some specifics. it sounds as though everything is mostly set as far as wages and benefits. so basically, all you do is tell them your experience, and where you want to work? can anyone help. also, keep the agency recommendations coming in. all i did was a google search on travel nursing. many of the names (cirrus) i didn't see. thanks

oliviacunolo · Apr 26, 2006

Thank you, desanobsn!

When I first read the "arrogant" comment, I was angry, but I decided to let it go. What is so wrong with valuing yourself and your education and skills and expecting (and receiving) wages that reward your education and skills?

Overall, I have found the responses on this site to be friendly and helpful. I am very appreciative of the advice that experienced travelers have offered. I am soon to be setting out on my first travel assignment this summer as well, desanobsn and would be happy to share the info I have gathered so far.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Apr 26, 2006

Thank you, desanobsn!
When I first read the "arrogant" comment, I was angry, but I decided to let it go. What is so wrong with valuing yourself and your education and skills and expecting (and receiving) wages that reward your education and skills?

Please forgive me, but I too thought that your initial post sound a bit boastful. And that frequently, can pose serious problems with traveling.

I care about my fellow travelers, and really get disheartened when sometimes small things get in the way of talented people succeeding.

One can be the most accomplished, most ideal nurse that G-d has created...let that shine through your work. You will find some nurse managers/recruiters that you interview with will be seriously alienated if you focus on the "I am a great hire and deserve the best" attitude. Because by experience, many of these travelers are difficult to train quickly into the facilities needs and manners of doing things. That sort of behavior also tends to alienate: the regular staff, unit management, recruiters, preceptors, coworkers. And these individuals can make one's life a misery, even if only for 13 weeks. Managers want talented nurses, but they also want ones that mesh well with staff, take instruction without contradiction, do things the facility's way (not the "better way" that they do it at "x" hospital. It may be unfair, but just how things work.

In traveling, after one or two assignments, your reputation (personality as well as skill) preceeds you and is your most valuable asset. It will be what gets you jobs/good pay, more than a bunch of initials after your name.

I say this only because I know several awesome traveler nurses who incredibly proficient, talented nurses - that cannot get a decent pleasant assignment because of displaying attitudes of, " I have all these talents, and I deserve...yada yada". That is not say that they are wrong in feeling that way, just that few employers want to hear/deal with that - unfair but true. Invariably they shoot themselves in the foot, one or two weeks into an assignment, by alienating other staff. It may be worng and unfair but it happens.

Again, I say this not to upset you, but just to let you know what I have seen. I want you and all travelers to succeed and do well, and get all that they deserve.