LadyTiger44

I have been a floor nurse for 7.5 years, my background is cardiac medsurg and surgical, cardiac PCU, ortho, small bit of oncology, charge nursed, and traveled for about 3-3.5 years. For those of you who used to be on the floor how did you change your thinking? Were you overwhelmed at first? It's also been hard for me to change my thinking from learning so quickly on travel assignments. I've only just started but just looking for any advice! Right now it's a level 2 trauma center, but they just got reviewed to become a level 1. I just feel like I have SO much to learn and I want it to happen now LOL! Also, any tips on report sheets? I'm used to writing stuff down! Thanks!

Glad you're having a blast! Haven't been to Hawaii.

I had my travel company I'm with submit me for a job at Methodist Main in San Antonio. Then I spoke with Parallon and they submitted me for some jobs but not the same one. My recruiter was very upset about this, and said I have to be withdrawn from the job they submitted me for. I had no idea this wld be an issue, just thought you couldn't be submitted for the same job by 2 companies. Anyone ever experience something similar?

Yes, but they are actually withdrawing me bc I told them that Parallon submitted me to some jobs. My recruiter was actually upset about it. I never knew it wld be a problem, I just thought you cldnt be submitted to the same job with different companies.

Travel Nurse Across America provides free insurance for the traveler. I pay a deductable for my boyfriend to have insurance. I would look into the and also Trinity. I have never taken a contract with Trinity, but it seems like an awesome company. I am really enjoying traveling with TNAA. I would talk to a couple more agencies. There are also some good Facebook groups for travelers where you can ask questions and get great replys of nurses who have traveled with different companies. Looking into gypsynurse.com and she also has a couple of Facebook pages.

I am not sure how to advise you about this. Does the company not offer insurance? The OT rate sounds very low to me. That alone would make me skeptical. Have you tried talking to any other companies. I have a few that I use and keep in touch with. The assignment I am on is currently with Travel Nurse Across America, but I also speak with Trinity Healthcare (which is ran by an ex-travel RN), Trustaff (who I am thinking about taking a contract with), Medical Solutions, RN Network, and Cross Country. I would shop around before you jump into something.

Try Rise Medical Staffing. They do a lot of work on the West coast. I've never had a contract with them, but the recruiter seems nice enough. I have traveled with AMN and they are not my first choice, only because I know I could get paid better and better benefits with other companies. Loved my recruiter though, very up front. Good luck!

Ok, cool. I was trying to get into Pan Travelers but waiting for a confirmation email.

It's Tele. And that housing quote is weekly. Travel allowance of $688 at .50/mile.

I got an estimate for a job in San Antonio. Wondered how it sounded: Hourly: $18 OT: $36 M&I: $35 Housing: $406 Combined hourly: $36.03 Net take home bi-weekly: $2274 Extra shift incentive $125 It's at Methodist Health Systems. Anyone been here?

You just contact agencies. Lots of applications to fill out. Assignments average 13 weeks, some longer or some shorter. Yes, most companies offer benefits. I am currently with Travel Nurse Across America. I also speak with Trinity Healthcare, RN Network, RTG Medical, Medical Solutions, and Cross Country. Don't go with AMN or any of their subsidies. Not the best paying.

Anyone ever hear about contracts at Vanderbilt University in Nashville? I want to get back to working with VADs.

Ned, I did mean that the shift bonus is in addition to overtime rates. The points are also separate from your contract, because you may choose to hold on to them until you have more in your bank. I still communicate with other agencies, and I'm not considering TNAA my only agency. I've just really enjoyed working with them, since I just recently switched. They are up front about everything, which is not something I had with my last agency.

I just switched from AMN to Travel Nurse Across America. Great company and pay. $1000 moving expenses one way, extra shift bonus, my current contact is $100, I've seen as high as $150. They also start insurance on day 1 a and it's free. For every hour worked you earn points you can also cash in

I travel with my little shih tzu. I have a boyfriend now, but when I first started I didn't. She was fine with a puppy pad. I agree though, maybe consider something smaller. Plus, look at rescue dogs. A lot of times they come potty trained if they are a little older.