LOOKing for assignment in LOS ANGELES!!!

Spiderella · Dec 25, 2009

I haven't worked specifically in LA so I can't answer your questions that well. I did do a contract in SD and one in Santa Barbara, and I enjoyed both. So-Cal is a great place to do a travel contract. My experiences for the most part have been great as a traveler and I think it's mostly because of this forum. I know what to ask for, and what to make sure is stipulated in the contract. I prefer to look for my own housing (just a personal preference) and usually find an apartment/roomie situation on CL far cheaper than what the agency offers. For instance, the agency at my SD job was going to charge me $1200/month for the apartment. I ended up finding a studio apartment right by the hospital that was $600/month, furnished and a short term contract. You just have to use the internet as your best asset to research the hospitals, units and locations.

Regarding hours, my contracts are always 3-12s with the option of 1 extra shift a week. This way, I'm not mandated into a 48hr schedule, and if I want to pick up an extra shift, I can by calling the staffing office and putting myself on the availability list.

Good luck and enjoy your travel assignment!

afa22 · Dec 25, 2009

hi there.

I have been doing agency work in Los Angeles for the past 4 months and have really enjoyed it.

The agency I work for is ProCare One. The truth is that it doesn't really matter what agency you work for as long as you have a good recruiter. My recruiter is Christian Fairing. She is amazing. I would be more than willing to give you her contact info. if you want.

I have also worked for several hospitals in the area, mostly downtown. I work ER, so it may be a little bit different for med-surg. I have worked at White Memorial, Beverly Hospital, Little Company of Mary in Torrance and San Pedro. I have friends that have done work at Cedar's Sinai, St Vincents, California Hospital, UCLA and Santa Monica-UCLA and they have all had good things to say.

As far as housing in concerned, it really all depends on the agency. you should discuss with your recruiter what the housing arrangements are. Make sure that you can change apartments if you are unsatisfied with the place you are assigned.

As far as pay and hours are concerned that is up to your individual contract. You need to make sure that it is stated in writing that you want 3 shifts per week. Also, pay is often dependent on years of experience and I would recommend contacting a few agencies and up front ask them what they pay for a typical 13-week assignment.

I hope this info helps. Please feel free to contact me with any other questions.

lilmeg1016 · Dec 29, 2009

Hi all,
I am a RN, BSN with just one year experience in Orthopedic Med-Surg.
I've been browsing through the forums here trying to get more information on traveling to Los Angeles. A lot of people are saying that they've had great experiences, and their pay / apartments were great, but they did not state what agency, or what location they were housed in. So, if you've had a good or bad experience living and working specifically in Los Angeles, please help me out here by answering the following questions:
1) What agency did you work for? Was your experience with them positive or negative? What was your hourly wage?
2) Where were you housed? Directly in LA or outside of LA? What was the name of the apartment complex? Was your experience positive or negative? What areas would you suggest I push for in my contract? (Housing is most important to me.)
3) What hospital in LA did you work in? What unit? Was your experience positive or negative.
4) How many hours per week did your contract demand? (I want to work only 3 days a week)
Sorry if I am asking too many questions, this will be my first time traveling and I want to do it right! Thanks everyone!!
Orthoman

1 & 3) Currently at Kaiser West LA ICU with Travel Max. Experience not been the best with the company, but there were a lot of situational circumstances that made this experience meeehhh. Hospital a little on the slow pace, but this was my first travel experience, so it was good for that. Hourly wage okay- seems to be competitive with other travel companies. Next contract with Cross Country at USC University Hospital CVICU/ICU float. We'll see how that goes! So far, so good.

2) Housing was a BIG deal. They wanted to put me in Koreatown. I'm 5'0", petite and blonde. Did NOT feel safe walking my dog there at night. I went looking on my own and suggested several other complexes, but they did not follow through. Ended up taking the meager stipend (Cheap studio/one bedroom apartments in LA run $1400-$1600/mo. Good luck finding short term, pet friendly, and affordable), and having to put down $1000 deposit, not to mention the $1600 "first month rent" out of my own pocket before I could get any stipend included in my pay. I'm still catching up on bills.... Also, I had to rent my own furniture ($300/mo), but I decided to pocket that money and sleep on an air mattress for 12 weeks. I am at Park West apartments by LAX. Like the neighborhood. Feel really safe there. Lots of college kids though.

Cross Country found me an Essex property apartment at Miracle Mile behind Park La Brea apartments. SWEET location. Didn't have to worry about deposits and stuff. Pet friendly. Ideal location if you like being in me middle of it all. I looked here on my original apartment search, but I couldn't afford it on what I was given. 'Nough said?

3) Both contracts are for minimum 36 hours a week. With the contract I'm in now, I can work OT, but I won't get compensated for my meals/housing for anything over 40 hours worked (So it's really not worth slaving that extra day).

I really hope this helps you out! I know what it feels like being a first time traveler and people trying to take advantage of you- just beware and question EVERYTHING! Cheers and good luck!