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 My recruiter was very upset about this, and said I have to be withdrawn from the job they submitted me for.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.

I travel with a little shih tzu and it's never been a problem. As long as it's not a breed restricted dog u shld b fine.

I just switched from AMN (which I wld not recommend) to Travel Nurse Across America. I also travel with my boyfriend. They offer free insurance benefits, $1000 travel reimbursement, great pay, earn points for every hour you work and cash them in for rewards, and OT bonuses. Great company. I'm having a hard time finding my own housing in Flagstaff, and my recruiter even stayed up on her own time til midnight the other night helping. Talk about dedication! Also enjoyed talking to Trinity, which is run by an ex travel nurse. My recruiter there left AMN actually bc she didn't agree with how they were doing things. PM me for info on recruiters!

I am on a day shift assignment now on tele in Flagstaff. I am not sure about less than 3 12's. My assignment was supposed to be for 13 weeks, but I guess I'm filling in for someone on medical leave so they shortened it to 8 weeks. They said I cld do the 13 but wld be on nights after that, which I can't do. They are out there!

Ned--I do have an ad posted. I am speaking to one person, but the rent is a little pricey. Gonna try and negotiate with her. Figured when we got there we cld drive around looking for rent signs. A lot of times those are just outside the property. Have out some other emails asking about corporate housing also.

I accepted a position in Flagstaff for 13 weeks. I am having a hard time finding housing. I need something furnished, accepting short term leases, and that accepts small dogs. Any suggestions??? I've tried craigslist, google, searching, you name it.

I just accepted an assignment in Flagstaff. I chose to take the stipend, and now I am having a hard time finding housing. I've tried craigslist, google searches, Facebook, everything. Any suggestions????

1. I don't think 56 is too old to start traveling!! 2. Jobs just depend. They have both available. 3. I hear that rent space runs about $400 but I can't be sure of that. 4. You will be full time. You take one assignment at a time. Just make sure guaranteed hours are in your contract and you will be guaranteed to work full time. 5. I still pay some rent at my tax home. I am not sure how this would work if you didn't have a home base somewhere.

I would def talk to multiple companies. That's how you will make the most money. I am currently working with Travel Nurse Across America, and Trinity. I have also worked with AMN, but since they are such a large company they don't have the most pay.

I agree! I grew up there, and after living there for 27 years I couldn't take it anymore. Now I wonder how I do it, because it gets to be about 65 degrees and I'm cold!

Every unit I have been on has been very helpful. Some places will require you to float first, but I never minded floating. When I do get floated I make sure to ask for a little tour, and usually everyone is super helpful. The increased pay is definitely worth it. I am currently doing this to get out of debt and see the country. I am making more money this time by taking the stipend. Being away from family has been super hard for me, but when I stopped traveling I was still away from them living in FL. I just can't take IN winters anymore! I have made some best friends out of it, who I am still friends with today, despite being miles and miles away. Hope this helps!