Picking a Travel Company for the First Time

[ICUrn137]

Hi all,

I am looking for some specific advice regarding travel nursing. First, perhaps some info about me to hopefully help all of you guide me through how to start traveling.

My husband and I (no kids, just two cats and a dog) currently live in the New England area. Looking to move (first choice TN/NC, but open to other possibilities). We felt traveling might be helpful in exploring the area in depth and making sure we really liked it before selling our house and buying a new one.

I have been a nurse for 6 years with my primary specialty in ICU, IR, PACU, and some OR. I have a BSN and am CCRN certified. My husband is also a nurse with 18 years ER experience (8 as an EMT and 10 in the ER). He has his ASN, TNCC, ENCP.

I don't know if any of that info is important to a travel company or managers, but here is what I would like to know.

1. What (in your opinion) are the top three companies and Why?

2. In terms of negotiation what should I be paying attention to? Specifically, I know the travel company is looking out for their best interest. How do I make sure they don't pull one over on me?

3. How easy is it to travel with pets? The two cats I'm not worried about. However, we have a Doberman and that seems to get people all worked up in name alone (which if you truly know the breed, then you would know that is ridiculous).

4. Honestly, what can I expect - from working with a recruiter to job assignments. Be specific if you can.

5. Any pearls of wisdom from an experienced traveler would be greatly appreciated!

[NedRN]

!. The three recruiters that you communicate well with and trust. You have to do the leg work, what works for one of us is not a good indicator for your communication style and needs.

2. By talking to 15 agencies and picking the best 3 for you, you will learn who is telling the truth.

3. Obviously, housing will cost more and be harder to find. Doable, but some areas may have no pet housing.

4. Huge range. Most important factor to travel success is a good recruiter.

5. Read this forum and others, and do some reading on sites such as PanTravelers, TravelTax, Highway Hypodermics, and Gypsy Nurse.

[Entravel]

1. I personally don't solicit for companies (Free advertising) on public forums. I may mention some for explanation purposes but not recommendations. My PM box is always open though. By far the best companies are going to have the most personable and honest recruiters (even if the honesty isn't what we want to hear ex: pay rate, location, etc.)

2. I always like to make sure my hourly taxable rate isn't too low (I prefer $19 and above) to avoid a tax audit, and that my overall hourly equivalent is decent.

3. Lots of people travel with pets, some with children (which I'm assuming is a lot harder), all in all your just have to be a little more diligent in planning your travels due to the pet friendly nature of companies and pet deposits.

4. Recruiters should be knowledgeable and able to walk you step by step through the hiring process. They should be easy to access and communication should be thorough and open (will save you a lot of headache in the future).

5. I always say, be flexible and have fun!