Interested in traveling, but need some advice.

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Hello all!

My dilemma is I live in Florida and have recently decided with my sig. other to move to California, specifically San Francisco and its surrounding areas. I was told traveling is the best way to get to the other side of the country, but I still want to keep my options open. I only have a year experience in working in a cardiac step-down floor and I'm assuming may be not enough experience to even travel. Also, I'm only looking into traveling just to explore what hospital would be right for me knowing nothing about California hospitals, to eventually settle in one I'm comfortable with... is that wrong? Should I let the recruiter know that? On top of all that the owners of the house I'm living at are having to short sale the place, leaving us with one, three, seven, who knows how many months to live there, and from reading other posts finding that first assignment can take a while.

This may be more of a venting, but I would appreciate any advice. Thanks so much! :confused:

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Specializes in ER.

Yes tell your recruiter, h/she may be able to have some advice for you.There is no given that your travel job will turn into a staff job. I extended at a hospital for the last 10 months because my recruiter knew I was looking to stay put for a while, and told me that the hospital I am at extended alot. Good luck I hope it turns into a staff position for you. You will love CA.

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Specializes in Ortho/Uro/Peds/Research/PH/Insur/Travel.

I have five weeks left in my first contract (extension). First off, I think you will LOVE travel nursing. While it can be challenging in the beginning to learn a new charting system, etc., I love floating to other units and seeing something every time I come to work. My understanding is that California, particularly the Bay Area, is a challenging assignment to secure. In addition, many facilities in California will not hire first-time travels (they would like to know that you can handle working with very little orientation). Nonetheless, good luck with your situation!

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California is very beutiful and working as a tele nurse over there is a great experience, But it's very expensive...so I decided to go back to florida to stay, but the experience was amazing! I did not make much money there because everything is more expensive and the pay was just ok...considering rent and all...to get a travel assignment usually you need at least 2 yrs exp, and for some facilities travel experience is also required.

Traveling is also a great way to find a good facility to work as a staff. Sometimes, they want you to stay. I was never inclined to stay as a staff because the pay is much lower.

North california is great, but not too easy to get assignments, and rent and parking super expensive. I liked LA area, or Orange county, there is a lot of hospitals.

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Specializes in Paramedic,ER, House Supervisor, OR, CVOR.

My suggestion is if you are sure you are moving there, don't take a travel assignment. The companies will talk you into a low pay situation and a lot of "tax free money" then you will stay for over a year and will be required to pay taxes on that money all on your own.

The Bay area is a very nice place to visit but I couln't live there all the time. No parking (in San Francisco) depending on where you live or work, Bridge Tolls every day (twice) traffic tie ups if you leave just a little late for somewhere. Good Luck.

Rod

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