LuvaBSNRN

Definitely keep shopping around since those rates sound really low...especially the per diem - good luck with everything and HAPPY TRAVELS :)

Is this measurement a thing of the past in some NICUs??? I am a travel RN currently on assignment in TX and I was wondering why there was nowhere to chart abd girths. I was told the Neos did not feel that this was an accurate indication of anything and relying on clinical presentation was more useful. Are you all seeing this any where else??

Yes I am thinking about going to grad school as well, but I may start an online program while traveling. I am with 2 of the largest - American Mobile and CrossCountry, but I was just told about Aureus Medical so I may check them out also!

Spoiled1....I contemplated for 1 whole year and talked myself out of it too for the very same reasons you are stating. I left a full-time job of 3 years as a RN (7 years total) and told myself 'it's now or never!' The companies I am working with DO offer benefits/insurance and 401K. Granted I have only been doing this since September 2011, but I have not had any problems finding a NICU job in the cities that I have wanted to work. The pay is good and it is definitely a bonus not having to pay rent and utilities each month, which has allowed me to save quite a bit of money!!! I say go for it...I am certainly happy I did :)

Hello: I just started traveling Sept 2011 and I am a NICU RN with 4 years experience now. Traveling so far has been great. I am currently in Austin, TX and it's going very well! Before this assignment, I was in DC and it was interesting, to say the least - I LOVE the DMV area, but I did not enjoy my time at the hospital - issues with floating, frequency and unit. Other than that, I am happy that I took the plunge :)

Thanks for this info!!!! I haven't registered, but I think I will now LOL

Hello: DC licensing takes forever unless you go there physically - I hear that process is much quicker. I actually just completed my 2nd assignment in DC and it went well :) I did work with other travelers who did work at other area hospitals, so I almost positive it is possible to travel within a local area as long as there are jobs available! I thought all companies provided private housing, although some may put you up in an extended-stay type of arrangement, but I have been told this is generally with smaller companies and/or shorter length assignments. In regards to traveling with your BF, just make sure your recruiter knows this information up front - that should not present a problem though I don't think - people are able to travel with family and pets. I have taken housing for all of my assignments to avoid the hassle of finding a place and setting up amenities, not sure if taking the housing vs. receiving a stipend makes a difference, but I think it would. Again your recruiter would be able to give you all the details regarding that.

Thanks everyone for your responses...I think I'm going to take the plunge next year :)

I love in-line suctioning, esp. since its a closed-system process!! I have been in the NICU at my facility for 2 years and that's all that I have used.

LOL...ok thanks!!!

So I have 2 years experience in a Level III NICU and I would like to try something new possibly next year. I'm a Floridian who experienced the NE area (specifically Washington, DC) when I went away for college to obtain my first Bachelor's degree. I decided to come back to Florida once I completed my studies due to personal reasons. At this point I would love to return to that area (DMV), but I am having a difficult time deciding whether to take a travel assignment up that way or to just permanently relocate! I have read several threads here and elsewhere about the travel market not being so great right now, but I am thinking things may be different next year. I guess what I am having difficulty with is say I decide to travel and there's an assignment available in DC for a specified amount of time. If I take the contract, fall in love with the facility and at the end there aren't any permanent positions available I will be devastated, but this is a risk I am taking correct? On the otherhand, if I relocate permanently and find a great hospital then it's all good!!! With that in mind, I would have an advantage with traveling if I am stuck at a not so great facility I know that I only have to be there for the length of my contract!! UUggghhhhh...I feel so confused about which path to take!! Has anyone ever been in this situation before?? Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!!!! Thanks in advance :)

From what I understand RN I would be like an entry level nurse. A RN I becomes an RN 2 after having demonstrated an acceptable level of competency after a year's experience. RN 3's typically are experienced and are involved in more on the unit. For example, when I first started in the NICU, I was an RN I and then after my 1- year evaluation I became an RN 2. Most RN 3's on my unit are charge nurses, PICC team members, on the Stork team, etc. - they are seasoned and experienced nurses! Does this make sense???? I agree it would help if job descripts. explained this a little better

All Children's NICU is a higher acuity center...so it depends on what type of experiences you would like to have as a RN!

I absolutely heart KOI scrubs...they are pricey, but worth it in my opinion

We generally mark with a sharpie and secure with Hypafix - one piece to chevron along with a piece on top if its an OG or a piece on the side of the face if it's an NG.

Hello BettyPaige: I did my preceptorship for nursing school in a Level 3 NICU I currently work in and I passed the NCLEX. I just graduated this past May, started orientation in early July and passed the NCLEX at the end of July. I think it was an excellent idea in that it gave me a chance to see what the NICU was all about. Your entire nursing school program I am sure is essentially based on adult care, so I am sure the last quarter of your education dedicated to NICU will do no harm, but be of great benefit; especially coupled with the fact that you are in love that population which will make your preceptorship very enjoyable :) Hope this helps...please feel free to ask anymore questions!! Take care :wink2:

Hi Rossin83: I took my exam on 7/23 and found out I passed on PV (PearsonVue) 7/25 - it was exactly 48 hours. However, there are several individuals in my nursing residency program that found out they passed on the FL BON website 24 hours after they tested. I am not sure if this will be the case for weekend results, but I heard of people retrieving results from PV on the weekend! Take care and best wishes to you!!!:)

Congrats to all NEW NICU RNs!!! I started orientation 7/7, took my boards 7/23 and find out I passed exactly 48 hours later!! I am excited that I can finally focus on my new job and not worry about studying/preparing for boards !!! It is such a great feeling and I wish everyone the best with starting their new career as a NICU RN:yeah:!!! Take care!

IMO I feel that Kaplan really helped me pass the exam (which I took 7/23 and found out I PASSED 7/25 )!!! As I was told from other RNs, you don't really need to focus on content (unless it is absolutely an area that you are really really WEAK in), but rather how to answer the questions and this is what Kaplan focuses on!!! If you can identify the topic of the question and then sort through the rest of the strategies that apply, you will get the question right!!!! I feel that on the test, as a nursing student, you have seen the content before (with the exception of meds) and you know the material. I was really surprised that there were so many conditions that I was somewhat familar with and could use the strategies and feel comfortable with my choice being the best answer. Everyone has their own preference and you really have to find what works for you....Kaplan is not for everyone, but it really worked for me!!! GL to you and I wish you all the best :)

Hello: If it helps any....my test questions sound A LOT like yours and I passed!!!! Best wishes to you and I am sure you will have GREAT RESULTS!!!!

Congratulations to you!!!!!!!

Yes, I would definitely suggest a prayer before checking. I tested 7/23 @ 2 pm and I was checking the computer from that night up until this afternoon. My results were not available until 3 pm this afternoon (Friday). So after I left work I came to my mom's house and I told her that my results were up, but I needed her support!!! We prayed and I logged on to Pearson Vue and ther it was...GRADE: PASS!!! :redbeathe:yeah: I started sobbing....I was just that happy! Of course after taking that darn test you know without a doubt that you FAILED, but clearly that is not the case UNTIL YOU CHECK! You may want to have somebody there with you for support either way, but I am sure you will see PASS as well. GO FOR IT...Good Luck to you & much success to you in your career!!!!

IT'S OFFICIAL....I PASSED!!!! I just checked and read the words for myself :) Thanks so much for your encouragement and kind words!! Take care

AND AFTER ALL THE WAITING....I PASSED!!!!!! :heartbeat:D:redbeathe:D:yeah: THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR ALL THE SUPPORT AND WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GOD IS GOOD

Hi CanemjaRN: Ok, I am in FL too and I took my test 7/23 @ 2pm and I still have no results!!!!! Did you look ur results up on the FL Dept of Health Website? Anywho, CONGRATULATIONS to you and best of luck!!!! Take care...