knitter523

Graduated in TX, moved to TN immediately and was hired in ER at a large Heart/Neuro facility. Spent 6 months there before a transfer to WA. Took a 6 month travel contact in Postpartum at a hospital in CA where I was an OB tech before nursing school. Returned to WA and worked agency in Postpartum. Hired at a hospital for a labor/delivery residency. I am now a labor/delivery nurse. Been here for 8 years and love it!

About 3 years ago, when the Seattle area was expecting a major snowstorm, our DOT decided to be proactive and puts down de-ice prior to the storm...problem was, it was too early and when it got real cold, everything froze and the freeway became a skating rink. I was on my way to work...45 minute drive turned into a 9 hour commute. I was stuck on the freeway, all exits blocked by spin outs, freeway blocked by jack knifed trucks and buses. When I finally arrived, the staff was so surprised that I even showed up. DUH! Where was I supposed to go after sitting on the freeway for 9 hours...I couldn't get home!

I did shop around. I found the better pay and subsidy with Parallon. Just like any sub contracting, each gets some and the lowest person gets the least. Cutting out the middle man works in my favor. And I don't care about the referral bonus. I am just trying to help someone out by telling them what I found worked for me. They may not agree...so be it.

I disagree. I was looking for a contract in Denton, TX. I contacted my past recruiter with MSN. I learned that they were paying less than Parallon. I negotiated a good contract directly with Parallon at the hospital I wanted. The pay per hour was better and the housing subsidy was higher also.

Parallon is the exclusive agency for most of Texas Health hospitals (HCA). I am starting a contract in Denton, TX in 2 weeks. I have a great recruiter. Sending you a PM with her info.

I start a contract with Parallon in TX starting July 22. My recruiter is great. I sent you a PM with her info.

I hold 5 licenses: WA, CA, TX, TN, IA. TX was my initial license, WA is my home state, CA and IA for family, TN was my previous residence. I keep them all current.

I'm with Parallon now too. I'm looking for a new contract in Denton, Lewisville area for July-Oct. My recruiter will contact me when the assignments start coming in. Glad to hear of a positive experience with them.

Did a travel to Baylor Irving last year. I was with Intelistaf travel. Labor/delivery on day shift. 36 hours/week with all shifts except 1per month guaranteed. $15.00/hour, $502.00/ week housing stipend, $211.00/ week meals and incidentals. No state income tax. I declined all insurance, etc. Not exactly the best pay but the opportunity to spend time with my daughter was worth it. And I lived with a friend who would not take any rent, so I bought groceries, etc...

AWHONN is only a professional organization. They are not a licensing body and therefore cannot dictate what is within the scope of practice. Your state Nurse Practice Act can provide information regarding management of patients receiving epidural analgesia. My state (WA) has an excellent document describing what the scope of practice is regarding epidural management. http://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/6000/Epidural.pdf

Try finding a copy of "Perinatal Nursing". It is a great reference. We keep copies on the unit.

You will not get those rates for a travel contract. Hospitals are very cheap. My last contract to Texas paid $510.00 per week for housing and $201.00 per week for meals. And that was based on working 36 hours a week. If I was on call or called off, my per diem was reduced. I worked CA last year and the rates were just a little more...$20-30.00 each

There are many sites if you google it. I usually prefer to take a class through a hospital. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

I have my work phone number tagged by a special ring. I always let it go to voicemail. That way I can decide if I want to call back and go in or not. I really love working in LD and I usually will work (I am per diem) whenever they call. But sometimes I have other plans.

Check out the IRS site for per diem rates. An agency can use these tables for a guideline and if they offer a lot less, they are not someone I would work with http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1542.pdf

Check out the IRS site for per diem rates. An agency can use these tables for a guideline and if they offer a lot less, they are not someone I would work with http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1542.pdf

They only way to make good money as a traveler is to NOT take the "free housing". Take the stipend and find a furnished room to rent or try to stay with family or friends. I took a travel assignment this past summer. I lived with a friend who I paid $350 a month for a furnished room and a bathroom. We shared the kitchen (I would cook for them on my days off). The agency paid me $25.00/hour that was taxed. I also received $175/week for meals and incidentals and $560/week for housing (both non-taxable). Yes, I made more than if I stayed at my present job where I make $35/hour. Make sure before you sign a contract that your recruiter spells out EVERYTHING! Ask for guaranteed shifts (you could be put on call or called off first if the census is low, you are expensive for the hospital and they will try to save money by not paying a traveler), shift differential and paid holidays and overtime. Make sure that the agency does not take away pay for sick days. Good luck.

During this difficult time, I think any job that is offered is something you should consider. Many nurses are having a hard time finding a job, period! If a hospital is needing a particular unit staffed, they may offer a residency for that unit. TAKE IT! Any experience you get will be helpful down the road. My dream job was labor and delivery. When I graduated from nursing school, I was offered a residency in ER. I took it and was so glad I did. It gave me a chance to improve all my skills (assessments, IV's, foleys, blood draw...etc.). Six months later, I had to move across the country. I found a residency in labor and delivery and I was hired based on my experience in the ER. You never know what might just lead you into something you love.

Try http://www.highwayhypodermics.com.

I am on assignment with Intelistaf now. It was a little slow getting started (trying to get all the paperwork together and some communication problems). Once I got everything worked out it was ok. This was my first "real" travel contract and I wish I had more insight into the reimbursement criteria. It was a little confusing. I did not take their housing. I have friends where I am working and am renting a furnished room. Also I thought all hours were guaranteed (only 2-12 hour shifts a week are) and they reduce your per diem stipend accordingly. So, I was not paid my full stipend for my on call shift. Just make sure you ask a lot of questions (my recruiter could not answer all my questions-had to talk to 3-4 other staff for answers). Good Luck!

Once you pass the NCLEX for LPN, you are licensed in your home state. If your state is part of the Nurse Compact, then you can work under your home state license in those states in the compact. If not then you can apply for a license in another state by endorsement. No more individual state exams.

I'm not saying one is better than the other. I've worked in both. You have to decide what is best for your situation. Just some things to consider when making your decision.

Think about taxes! In California, you pay state income tax, not so in Washington state. Also I work in the Seattle area and most hospitals are union, again not so in California. As for cost of living, it depends on where you live (both California and Washington have expensive and cheaper regions). You just have to do your homework.

This is the info you need. Get your license in NV first since that is where you are going to school-it's easier. Then you can get a CA license by endorsement. http://www.rn.ca.gov/applicants/lic-end.shtml

No! I graduated in 2006, just 10 days before my 50th birthday! I loved school and clinical. Now I am doing what I love, I am a labor nurse! I agree with the other posts to check out a community college, more flexible and usually cheaper. I attended a 4 yr university that had a ADN program. Good luck!