new to travel

flnursemichelle · Dec 9, 2010

While I understand your trepidation, it isn't uncommon for them to not give you the info. If I were in your situation though, I would ask them if they have secured the housing because if they haven't, that is a flag. have they had trouble getting it? do they expect the contract to get canceled? knowing that they have more than 2 weeks, they have plenty of time to get housing so if they say they can't find it, ask them why? keep in mind, your major asset as a traveler will be your flexability so try to not worry about it! They will put you someplace or don't go. My current assignment I accepted on wednesday at 4pm and I started on monday so they couldn't get my housing in time but they got me an extended stay hotel so I am ok. my car is full but I have a bed, bathroom & kitchenette so I am all set! :) Best of luck, let us know how it goes!!! :)

dia.1720 · Dec 11, 2010

Thanks, housing has been finalized. I start next week will keep u posted.

LadyTiger44 · Dec 21, 2010

I went with American Mobile which is part of that company, so keep us posted! I start in January in Naples, FL

nursinadream · Dec 22, 2010

LadyTiger, guess you got your FL license? How long did it take? I'd like to work in FL, too. They have all my documents, wondering how long it will take.

Deb, just home from St Thomas travel assignment.

LadyTiger44 · Dec 23, 2010

LadyTiger, guess you got your FL license? How long did it take? I'd like to work in FL, too. They have all my documents, wondering how long it will take.
Deb, just home from St Thomas travel assignment.

Yep, I got my FL license. Umm, they sent me a letter saying they had all my documents, then about maybe a week later if that they sent me a temporary letter saying I did get my license. My license came in the mail a couple days after that. So from the time I applied to when I got my license was maybe a month, or a week less. I really thought it would take longer but they were really quick about it. Good luck! :)

Runman1914, MSN, RN · Dec 25, 2010

Yep, I got my FL license. Umm, they sent me a letter saying they had all my documents, then about maybe a week later if that they sent me a temporary letter saying I did get my license. My license came in the mail a couple days after that. So from the time I applied to when I got my license was maybe a month, or a week less. I really thought it would take longer but they were really quick about it. Good luck! :)

Just FYI. I did 10 years of travel nursing. Most of my contracts were in south florida. Be prepared for the worse, most demanding complaining spoiled patients and families you have ever dealt with. Especially if you go to palm beach county florida. South florida hospitals are totally hotel like and very butt kiss customer service.

oahugirl · Dec 25, 2010

Glad to hear you got your housing figured out. That had to be nerve racking! Remember, those companies don't make money unless you work. True, South FL has some pretty hotel like policies. They also have some rough ERs that can't keep nurses b/c of those policies, well, and the endless line on gun shot wounds. lol.

This one rich lady didn't want to be discharged b/c she didn't have cereal and milk at home for breakfast. Would you believe they made me go to the kitchen and pack her a breakfast?? Good grief. And yes, it was a Palm Beach hosp.

Make sure you protect yourself in your contract. I always wrote in that I could terminate the contract if I ever felt the patient environment or work environment was unsafe. Learned that the hard way.

Those companies make a LOT of money off you. Don't be afraid to bargain or say no. Don't let them divide up your hours with different wages. There should be your base rate and an overtime rate. Anything else ends up being a way for them to rip you off.

Fl does not pay well, so, don't be discouraged. Pay changes with region. Also, look at the agencies in the area you want to go. Some pay WAY more than travel companies. For example, I worked as a travel RN in Hawaii making $27/hr, then I discovered Agency work and made $52/hr. That's a huge difference.

A good site to do research on your next assignment is:

http://forums.delphiforums.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=index&webtag=delphimbz&query=travel+nursing select the first forum "Travel nurses and therapist". I used this site quite a bit.

Oh, and last but not least, make sure you get a tax guy that specializes in travel nurses. You can deduct so much, cell phone bills, internet bills, uniforms, cab fares, rental cars etc. It adds up!

I have been an ER nurse for 8.5 years, 4 of which I traveled with a cat. It rocks.

Good Luck!

dia.1720 · Dec 28, 2010

I'm two weeks into my assignment and its all well for now. My apartment is great, nicely furnished and located near the hospital. My recruiter have also made several calls to address any concerns. Hospital staff are being friendly as well. This is my first assignment and I'm liking this. Wish u Luck on your new assignment. AMN has not disappointed yet :)

oahugirl · Dec 28, 2010

Dia-

Awesome news! Good to hear you are enjoying your new assignment. Make sure you get out and enjoy your surroundings! I hope you continue to have wonderful assigments!

EmergencyNrse · Dec 28, 2010

Your first 2 mistakes as a newbie:

1) You're working for AMN which means you're getting hosed on wages

2) You took a contract with Kaiser. Not the friendliest place for travelers.

They take care of their own and stick it to travelers.

LadyTiger44 · Dec 29, 2010

Your first 2 mistakes as a newbie:
1) You're working for AMN which means you're getting hosed on wages
2) You took a contract with Kaiser. Not the friendliest place for travelers.
They take care of their own and stick it to travelers.

Have you traveled for AMN before? I went with them because I really like my recruiter. Who are you with? You sound like a seasoned traveler, and I'm new to traveling so any advice would be great!