TxPsychRn

Cydney , Nightingale has given you good advice . It sounds like your skills are sufficient . As far as agencies , thats a coin toss , it all depends on your recruiter . You can specify that you want a smaller facility , but they will push any if there are no small ones available . If you have a friend who wants to travel you may be able to take assignments together (but that will usually mean larger facilities) . If you are worried about being able to make it being away from home , maybe you could try and find an assignment close to home . I love the 12 hour shifts so it gives me plenty of time to do things and travel . I am working in Alaska now and almost all the hospitals are small , winter can be tough here though (for us Texans!!) . Do as Nightingale said and take your time . I remember thinking when I started travelling that if I didn't like the job , it was just for 13 weeks . That thought is true , but I have enjoyed all of my assignments except one . good luck to you .

My travel partner had a small dog and we never had too much trouble with apartments . Usually she had to put up a deposit and in one case the apt complex held part of the deposit ( but it was justified ) . The deposit has ranged from 200.00 to 500.00 , I guess you could negotiate that into your contract .

I know this is late , but may help others now that the thread is active again . I have worked with ME for almost 4 yrs , it is just like any other company I have read about here , and that means that your recruiter will be a make or break experience for you , I have been among the highest paid at some of my accts when all things were added together , and I have been very underpaid with ME also . I have signed with 2 other companies but always have gone with ME (usually because of the choices in assignments ) My housing has always been great , but I hear they don't always have private housing .( I had a travel partner so we always made out on the housing deal). I have a good rappport with my recruiter , so that counts for alot . Since the 401k is a good deal with ME , I will probably finish out my 5 yrs for vesting then reevaluate , Hope this helps , Good luck !!

Lcraig , It can be a daunting experience leaving loved ones and what you know to take on these new adventures , you are right , keep reminding yourself why you are doing this , as baglady said , Reno is a great town with tons to do there . Whenever I start an assignment in a new city , I do tons of research on the new city with sites like virtualtourist.com or tripadvisor.com . not only do they have the usual business listings , but also info from locals . Most places I have worked are very traveller friendly , and if there are alot of travellers there ,chances are that a few will be in the same complex as you . Make a list of things that you want to do , because before you know it , it will be time to go . (Luckily I have a short list where I am at in Alaska !) . If you get lonely , You can always call home , or talk to us here !! (that is what this forum is about, helping other travel nurses !) I am lucky that I started with a travel partner , but alas I travel alone now , but I still can't imagine working a regular job right now ! Have fun , enjoy life !!

That sounds very unsafe , even without knowing the acuities , I have worked in California and the ratio is strict there as far as 6:1 , but that means all staff , if you have a med nurse , you get 12 pts , etc . There is no national standard if that's what you're asking , but you are NOT being unreasonable with that kind of request , especially if you are being asked to cover 2 units , Good luck and hopefully they will get you more staff shortly !!!

I would wonder why there was a mass exodus of nurses as you stated , probably due to the conditions you talk of , what is the nurse to pt ratio on your unit , I would definately get acquainted with your hospitals staffing model (don't be afraid to ask for a copy) , and demand that it be met if you are working that shift . Working adolescents is a whole different ball game , lol . it has it's own poblems and rewards . I believe that overall , working with adults is easier and if you feel out of place with the kiddos then you should ask for a transfer .

A good ending to a code !! I would worry also about involuntary aspiration with the tickling , and the nose holding is a technique that is commonly used , but a little innovation can be healthy .

I agree with both previous posts , lol . My fave though is acutely psychotic . no question if they need help or are just borderline !!

cenote , Lets just say - "been there , done that " , and have been travelling for 4 yrs now , and yes you will continually need to report it when you apply for a new liscense in another state , its not really a big deal as long as you haven't been in trouble recently for similar offenses , usually you just have to write a letter to the state board and tell them what happened (this is usually part of the application process as you know ) . I have never been denied a job or an assignment due to this , hope that helps .

I keep most of my stuff at friends/relatives houses when I travel .When I go home to Sherman, Tx I just stay with my friends or parents , but I am seldom home for more than 3 weeks . My goal is to save enough to pay off half a house , so I don't want alot of monthly bills . I guess it depends what your long term plans are , how much you plan on travelling , and what other options are available for storing your stuff

found this link with photos if that helps . Apartmentratings.com is a good resource also , but I have stayed at apartments that had bad rating , but that were great to me . I guess every one takes time to complain but few to post a good rating (myself included !) . Any how , good luck!! http://www.apartmentguide.com/propertyphotos.aspx?srch=lt_1_1**st_1_34**mtr_1_112**listingid_2_4258

Many hospitals use more than one travel agency , and some travel nurse companies have several agencies operating under the same umbrella (with the same pool of jobs) . As far as which agency to use , that is the $1,000,000 question . Many offer similar paxkages , you have to look at what is important to you . One thing to consider is that many agencies have conditions on their contracts that specify when you work for the contract hospital that the assignment is at (if you get to the town you want to settle in) . It's overwhelming trying to sort through all the agencies , you just have to decide what is important (pay , benefits , location , housing etc ) . The great thing is that if you don't like the agency or account , you are only tied to it for 3 months Of course , whatever the deal , get the details in writing !! Good Luck

I am on my 3rd set of assignments in Alaska , so I may be a little biased in saying I love it here (summers are best since I fish ) . I have done all my assignments in Juneau (18 months alltogether) . Bartlett hospital is where I work and it's pretty cool .The housing isn't the best ,but it's not bad either. It's like an efficiency at a hotel . The hospital sets it all up so there is not alot of choice in the housing (again this is in Juneau ). Chances are you won't be spending alot of time there anyhow if you like the outdoors .I obviously love it up here and yes the company you travel with will make a difference in your pay (it's a long story , but trust me ) . I am with Medical Express now but have talked to TheRightSolutions and their pay is better due to the way they structure their stipends etc . I could go on and on , you can PM me if you want more info !!

I too want to know whic company it is , so I can stay FAR away from them and tell my friends too . I can't believe your recruiter yelled at you , I would ask to speak to his/her boss immediately and report what is going on . Sounds like you need to get a new company . Good luck to you

Ditto what suzzane4 says , I have gotten bonuses for 500.00 and the check comes out to like 375.00 because of the bigger taxes on bonuses . you are much better taking the higher subsidy , I believe it may even be tax free (not sure on this ). But to adress your question more directly , next time I would get the housing subsidy rate THEN ask about a bonus . I work for Medical Express ,(part of AMN ) and always try and get the deal lined up THEN ask for extras ( Laundry , Parking ,Bonuses) .