Is anyone having trouble finding a good assignment out west?

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I have been looking for a decent ICU assignment since the beginning of Decemeber. Mostly the areas I am interested in are AZ, CO, NM, and CA. I am working with Trinity and Cirrus, and, so far, they don't have any good assignments to offer. I was told that the economy has hurt the travel nursing industry and that it should pick back up. However, I want to be traveling by Feb. and wondering if I should find a larger agency. Does any one have any comments, thoughts, or advice? Much appreciated!

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Neuro, Ortho, Med/Surg, Travele.

I know that there are assignments in CA, CO and AZ posted. It may be your company or if you are looking for a specific area out west. AZ always needs nurses this time of year. I know of 2 different companies that have postings. PM if you want details.

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I was having the same problem, started looking c three smaller companies in nov. Wasn't having any luck so one of my recruiters reccomended another recruiter who was a friend of hers c a large company. Had a job within 24hrs of signing on and am on assignment in CO now. Try a few more companies, I think that, plus flexibility is what it takes in these tough times. My job now isn't ideally what I wanted but its a start. Goodluck.

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Specializes in ICU/PACU.

Yes, I'm having trouble finding a good assignment. I just won't settle for another crappy assignment like the one I'm currently at. I'm hoping I'm not unemployed though:(

My recruiter said it's always slow this time of the year with the holidays and it being the beginning of the year....the hospitals will start posting soon.

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Specializes in Physical Rehabilitation.

I was beginning to think I was the only one who doesn't have a contract... Since my primary recruiter is a smaller company, I signed up with 3 others. Two of the companies had lots listed, but guess what...they had none that were actually open! I have been put in for 8 jobs, haven't heard zip from any facilities. I do med/surg which limits me. I'v.e told all the recruiters to put me in for any med/surg in a compact state. One of recruiters told me that for one of the positions she applied me to there were 100 applicants (states this was reported by the interviewing facilities). My recruiters have told me that business is picking up this week, but they anticipate it to remain slower than normal for this time of year. It's scarey out there.

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I have had a difficult time also. Im an ICU/PACU rn for 8 years and I traveled for 5 of those years. I'm working with 4 different company's and being submitted to anything that I remotely qualify for. My agencys have let me know also that they put me in for jobs that have had 17, 40 and up to 107 submittals . I finally was called yesterday for sunrise hospital in Las Vegas for er overflow but the job sounds sketchy 2 nurses for 8 pts with mixed acuity if beds open up required to go with pts to unit and care for them there leaving a nurse behind on there owen with 6 pts. Doesnt sound safe to me. The agency tells me that 107 people bid for this posting. Needless to say I hope for something better but all agencys state the same poor economy, staff nurses are now doing ot because spouses are laid off, hospitals site its cheaper to pay double time than hire us...

God I hope it gets better.

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I would have to agree with all of you.

I am at the last 4 weeks of an assignment in Phoenix. This area is normally a HOT SPOT particularly this time of year. It is lean right now.

I was hoping to pick up some per diem days through an alternative company while I was out here, 8 weeks and not a single assignment.

Best of luck to all,

C

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I'm currently on assignment out west (3-4 weeks left to go) and struggling with whether to resign with my current contract (low pay) or wait for something to open up mid-febuary when I am done. If I wait, I risk not having a contract or a potential worse one! However, my current one isn't the best either....ARGH! Hopefully it opens up soon. If anyone knows of any good day ICU positions out west (CA, AZ, NM) that would be wonderful!

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Specializes in ED, ICU, PACU.

Some agencies that have more options in the areas you are looking are Sagent, CCTC, Nursefinders and Valley.

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Specializes in critical Care/ICU-traveler.

Looks like we are all in the same unfortunate boat. Travel nursing is just not what it used to be...I currently work with 4 different agencies and am having the same troubles as everyone else. To add stress to the situation, I only have 1 week left on my contract. The manager said I could extend, but it is against my better judgement. (pay is ok but I am not fond of this assignment.)

I guess my real complaint is that I am not looking for anything extrodinary. Just want the same pay rate that I have been getting for the last several years. Seems like that is nearly impossible. Maybe it is time to consider staying in one place for awhile.....this is taking all of the fun out of being a traveler.

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Specializes in Circulating OR.

hmmm ... I was hoping to get to Phoenix, AZ March 1st but it's not looking good. Perhaps I should see if I can re-up again here (Vancouver, WA) since I actually like this assignment a lot. I'll keep checking back to see what's what. Chin up, y'all ... Obama's in the house and things WILL get better! :cheers:

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Specializes in M/S, Travel Nursing, Pulmonary.

I'm working in Seattle right now. Started on the 19th. Had this job contract signed mid Dec. Its the best compensation I've ever received. Hope things pick up by the time its done (april).

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