new traveler update

[8-ball, BSN]

Hey guys, just wanted to pop in and say hi. I am still a new traveler, July will be my 6 month mark and I am on my second assignment. 1st was in Louisville KY, second at John Hopkins in Baltimore. I have learned a few things along the way and have a lot more to learn. Each place has asked me to extend but I am thinking not right now just so I can see as much of the country as possible. The hardest part so far has been finding housing that helps me save money as well, currently spending 1700/month on apartment with a $2000/month stipend so not saving much. finding a 3 month lease that allows dogs is expensive. Oh well they are my family. My wife is now retired and actually this ended up helping us since she is basically now unemployed we are saving on our health insurance through the healthcare exchange. She gets a $215/month tax break due to this. Its not much and doesn't offset the loss of her pay but she was a school teacher making less than $15 hour when all was totaled. We are loving things so far, this year we are doing the city things before we do the RV living in about a year. Hope to have enough by then to buy an RV. CA license in the works and BSN will be finished in August. Just wanted to say thanks to all the people who offered support and encouragement and experience.

[Argo]

Nice, glad its working out!

start looking for crisis rates now and shopping agencies for each assignment you want prior to any of them submitting you.

[8-ball, BSN]

Yep, so far I have 4 companies. each of my 2 assignments have been with different companies. I am ICU so I don't see crisis as much as some other specialties do but some.

[guest769224]

Would you mind describing the acuity level of the ICU patients you've had? Do they tend to give traveler's higher or lower acuity pts.? Have you had to run CRRT, ECMO, or other extremes?

How is your relationship with your recruiter(s)? Do you find that relationship as valuable as this forum mentions it to be?

[8-ball, BSN]

acuity varies with each hospital. Currently where I am at @Hopkins the acuity is higher than it was in Louisville. Honestly they really don't try to hurt the travelers I feel both places shared the acuity amongst all staff. However I will say that some places have rules on what they will allow travelers to do. For example Hopkins doesn't let travelers do CRRT. What have I seen? All the above that you mentioned but like I said it varies with assignments. That is a question to ask in your interview, what type of things you will see and patients you might have. I have 4 different recruiters with different companies. I would say the relationship is VERY important but remember its a professional relationship not a friendship when that line is confused issues may arise. Remember to be upfront with what you want, negotiate your pay or things you want in your contract. Utilize more than one recruiter and let them know you have more than one so that they will offer you the best they can. If you don't fit with a particular recruiter, dump them. Finally don't allow them to pressure you into something you don't want to do.