New to Travel Nursing, questions

[kadie226]

Hi,

I have been a nurse for about 9 months now on a medical unit in NH. I love my job but i am interested in travel nursing after about one year of experience. I just had some questions about the job.

I'm sure travel nursing takes time to adjust to the job like any other new experience, but is travel nursing as good as it sounds on these companie's websites i've visited? What are the pro's and con's of the job?

Im sure each hospital is different, but for the most part does the hospital staff treat you with respect and not overload you with impossible patient assignments?

Also,what companies do you recommend to go through for travel nursing?

Thanks so much, any feedback would be greatly appreciated!!:nuke:

Katie

[URanurse]

My daughter (Staci Kish) has traveled with Club Staffing for two years as an echocardiographer and has had no complaints. Unfortunately, the traveler does get a heavier work load. She has worked in several hospitals and most (not all) staff fill that because you are making the "big bucks" you should do more. With a correct frame of mind, good attitude and goal in site (debt free in one more year) she has no regrets. Also, you will need to consider it does get lonely at times. She enjoys seeing America and experiencing different lifestyles. Please mention her name if you decide on Club Staffing as she will get a bonus. Thanks, Glenda

[m_chatelaine]

Do not go with American Mobile, bad reputation. Although I am with them and I am happy. Depends on what you want. I hear Travel Nursing Solutions is great from some one who did research on travel companies prior to getting into it and he has been doing this for 5 years! Do your homework.

[Jennerizer, ASN, RN]

The travel nurses & agency nurses at my hospital don't get treated any differently than staff nurses when it comes to patient assignments. There are times when I think they should be the first to get a fifth patient since they are making quite a bit more than the staff nurses, but our clinical leaders don't think like that & are pretty fair with the staffing. It's actually pretty amazing how well the entire staff gets along...perhaps because we have more travelers/agency than regular staff. :)

I wonder if it's the same at other hospitals.

[m_chatelaine]

Yup, same for me. The hospital could not run without travel nurses. HA!

[anotherneonurse]

Depends on the area and the hospital. Some treat travelers just like regular staff and some treat them noticably worse. I have found that in areas like California where nurses are valued and treated fairly, travelers are too and there isn't too much resentment from staff about pay because they are paid just as well. In areas where nurses are not as valued and staff is paid much less than travelers (or at least the staff seems to assume they are not paid as well) there may be resentment from staff and this may or may not effect how management treats you. You do tend to get less desirable assignments (whatever that may mean in your unit) because they aren't worried about running you off.

[tammyRN64]

We are considering travelling to Idaho (Boise) for an assignment this summer. I have been a nurse for many years and used to do agency in various nursing himes within Indiana. I have never gone this far from home, and will have a YEARS experience as an RN in the hospital setting in June. Was an LPN for 23 years before this. I am searching for input regarding what agency would be best to use for an assignment 2300 miles from home.....where there may be good housing in that area, etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much! :)

Tammy

[mrupp3]

Remember traveler give up alot to be at the location. So compensation should be key for them. Not all can go home to their families every night or see their friends as much as they would like to. They are there to help you in your time of need. If they weren't, you would be the one to split the remaining patients between you.