Is it worth it still?

I am sorry that you have burn out so quickly. I have been traveling for two years now and have enjoyed it with the exception of one assignment. It sounds like you need a new agency. Are you signed up with more than one agency because if you have several agencies working to look for an assignment for you, your chances of getting something you like increases. I have worked in Fla, New Orleans and Las Vegas. Ca does seem to offer better pay and pt ratios, but alot of assignments in Fla also pay well. Check out Clinical One and HRMC because both of them will take care of a nice apartment assignment and utilites, you only pay phone and cable without a roomate. Also New York has some nice rates. Good luck. :)

I agree with the poster, this travel nsg isn't all roses. I was very lucky and got a great first assignment and extended three times. I have decided that you must pick your assignments very carefully.

Had the same experience when my first contract was about to expire. Profiles sent out and no callbacks. Was given the number and name to one facility I was interested in and called the person everyday for almost two weeks with no luck. Recruiter didn't seem very concerned. I contacted another company and recruiter and within three days had a contract lined up. I've been doing business with the same recruiter ever since. He's one of the good ones.

After 6 years of traveling, I've decided that it isn't worth it anymore. Once upon a time, it was a positive experience, a win-win situation for all, but over the years the industry has become cut throat and competitive, saturated with companies, and hospitals have become more desperate. All of this seems to mean that ultimately, the nurse takes a hit in a varitey of ways.

For example, my mother-in-law had a heart attack, and she was not doing well. We obviously had to go temporarily, to the hospital. The result? The company left harrassing, screaming voicemails on our cell, and they were mad that we had used our money from our pay, and there was nothing in our account to take back!

Unfortunately, inferior treatment seems to be cropping up more and more, lately. IMHO.

Oh I love this travel nursing gig...Second time on this contract that NC has shut down because of snow and the dialysis clinic is closed... And I get paid ...Yahoooooooooooooooo

ESRD...

Hello Traveling Nurses :)

I used to be a traveling nurse during the late 80's and early 90's. I absolutely LOVED every minute of it!

In reading your comments, it seems as if some of you still enjoy traveling as a nurse, and some do not.

I'm looking into quite a few companies to sign on with, but would like your opinions on a few of them if you heard of them before.

Have you ever had any experience with Sagent HealthStaff on the East Coast, Aureus Medical out west, InteliStaf, and/or Just Medical Staffing?

Thanks for any information you can share with me about the above companies. Are there any you would recommend?

You might want to go to DelphiForums Travel Nurse and Therapists and read the poop on Aureus .. Intellistaff doesn't have a great rep either.... Go to this site http://www.geocities.com/hobonurse to see a list of most of the companies and some reviews of them'

Good Luck...

ESRD.

I do only hemodialysis chronic outpatient..So I don't have a lot of info on hospitals any more ...And the companies that staff them

I would avoid Aureus and Intelistaff. The only company I would consider traveling with is Travel Nurse Solutions. Talk to Niki or Amber 888-300-5132. Good luck!

So tell us are you traveling or not??? Inquiring minds wanna know.... :)

I have been for 18 months.. CT,CA,NV and now NC..

I personally love it.. Yeah it's not perfect but when it gets old at one place and the personalities and politics start to get to me I know I can move on....

Of course I am not in a highly competitive area of nursing..Yet.

And I don't have to deal with all that hospital crap.

Have you ever considered changing your specility?

ESRD

LOL

No, I am currently not traveling. I actually have a broken leg!

But even after I'm healed, I will be looking for a permanent position. I have actually been offered a good possibility in Canada, and I'm considering going for it.

I used to love traveling, before it became more cut throat. I was always welcomed at new facilities and learned new things....it was great! But after six years of traveling, being treated pretty badly by some companies and hospitals, I've decided it's time to buy a house and a dog! lol

I hope you do very well in your travels, and always be safe. :)

Are you Canadian....Don't take offense just plain nosey me..

I have thought about it...Because I think Canadian nurses are paid better....Am I wrong?????

ESRD:kiss

Yes, I am Canadian! lol I don't mind you being nosey! lol

I was offered $30/hour plus differential. I'm not really sure about pay in Canada because I've been in the US for so long. I do know that rates have increased over the last few years.

I may be a little biased, but I think Canada is a beautiful country. Clean, quiet and serene. :)