Launching into traveling

[lightwalker]

I would like to transition into travel nursing sometime this fall. I've worked for 3 years on a busy general surgery floor, with floats to medical, ortho, cardiac, oncology, and neuro. This was my first job out of school, and I feel fairly confident now as an RN, and will get good references. Does anyone have tips about how to find a good agency, what to look for in assignments, what to expect, filling out the applications, etc. I have lots of life experience traveling, and chose nursing as a second career in part because it would allow me to travel. I want a good first experience so that I will want to keep at it. Also, I am taking a 4 month hiatus to hike the Pacific Crest Trail this summer and would like to get as much of the paperwork and bureaucratic issues out of the way before I take off in June. How realistic is this? I've looked at some forums ranking agencies, and am confused. Any advice, stories, encouragement, etc. would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

[2makemore]

I ,too, am planning to take my first assignment at the end of July for 13 weeks. I am interested in high pay rates to pay off bills @ home in S.FL , I will need housing, utilities and cable, car allowance,no insurance, round trip air to my location (Santa Fe NM is where I want to be) and would like to know per diem rates in the area.....I haven't signed a contract with anyone because it is too soon I guess. I have ACLS, BSN, and 8.5 years as RN 5 as LPN in Icu. Currently working in a LTAC with vents and tele some drips what pay rate should I get? I make $30 + benefits now...I do not know which travel company would work the best and how do I find out...I made a mistake by going to RNVIP and got slammed with 25 calls and emails with in 2 days OMG! help