newbie to traveling..yikes!

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hey all!

so i'm a medsurg rn with about 2 years in! i'm in desperate need of a change and after ton of research i feel like traveling nursing is the most satisfying option! so i've read through a lot of the threads for beginning travling, and i'm terribly overwhelmed! i'm looking for some guidance for the basic start. there are a ton of agencies that seem very attractive yet my skepticism makes me hesitate. i have no idea about taxes anything, so that money part is a bit intimidating as well. so how did you all get started?? do i just pick an agency and go for it? i also found a site that helps you find an agency fitting for you, is that even necessary?? i'm eager to get started, but i'm trying to stay informed and not get too ahead of myself!

thanks!

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You can go to the hypodermic highway website they just released the top ten travel companies, you can start there. There are some travelers that my recommend their agencies for you. If you have a tax home then you dont have to worry about being tax. Usually what happens you either choose the housing they give you or you opt for your own and get a stipend that is tax free(if you have a tax home). I called a bunch of agencies and spoke with the recruiter, I tried to ask detailed questions and needed to know whom I felt comfortable with. I selected my top 5 with whom i felt comfortable with. I applied and told them where I wanted to go. of course, there are other details that I am missing but this is pretty much the gist of it. since you have been doing some research you already know what to look for. I was very nervous when I first started and it took me 4 months to apply after I had spoken to them. You just have to be brave and if this is something you want to do--go for it.

ps I got my questions from travelnursetoolbox.com

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Hi there. I have been trying to travel for the last 7 years and am finally ready to make a jump. I have followed a site called delphia travel nurses and therapists which really gives great advice on agencies, hospitals, housing, and has a recruiters board. You can post and the moderator helps answer questions, and they have a section for tax questions as well. There is also a great calculator at pan travelers.com, basic membership is free but they also have a paid membership that offers more...like contract advice for certain areas..I havent gotten that far yet....good luck!

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I totally understand your overwhemlness. (if thats even a word) I have been there done that. I have been traveling for 3 yrs now. I think a good place for you to start is Texas. The pay is great out there in certain cities. Do you know anyone personally that travels? It always helps to know someone in the business. Thats how I started. First off, you need to know what pay rates are good in what areas. For instance, Calfornia is a tricky one. I'm there now and the pay can be alot better but I took the housing so I'm living rent/bill free. In texas I was making $40/hr which is top pay. There is alot of good information on this forum about traveling so keep reading up.

The best agencies in my opionion are Nurse choice, American mobile, Fastaff, Intelistaf, HRN, or On assignment. If you want specific recruiter names, PM me. Your going to hear alot of opinions from people about different agencies but I feel like the best way to find out is to go with suggested recruiters. So basically, just sign up with these agencies and start negotiating. You want to sign up with more than one agency b/c alot of agencies have the same job for different pay. And of course you go with the one that offers you more money but you do want the best reputable company too.

Hope this helps. If you have more questions let me know : )

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the pay and the needs are in CA, don't waste your time anywhere else if you're serious about traveling

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