kdblueey

I am at Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo, Texas, and received three days. I think that might be because they have FIVE med/surg units. Since this is my second travel assignment, not sure if this is normal or not. I think it depends on who hired you, and the facility. But remember----if your a traveler, you are EXPECTED to jump right in, with little or no orientation. I NEVER hesitate to ask questions, no matter how long I've been there. And I know what you mean about not liking med/surg. It SUCKS, and is a very hard specialty. People are more ill than they used to be. Kathy (right now in the panhandle - for three more weeks )

I graduated from SCC in December, 1991. I did all of my prerequisites first because I was married and had a 3-yr old, and also because I chose to do it that way. If your planning on going full-time, it's a two year program, so it will take you two years. I don't know anything about your situation (married, kids, etc), but it's a tough program, so you might want to reconsider going full-time. I know they have done some major changes since I went there. You have to take more classes. It's a great school. They have a very high % rate of passing the NCLEX also. Hope this helps. I also heard the RETS program wasn't all that good also. Kathy (right now in the panhandle - for three more weeks )

The company that I am currently with was charging me for housing ($354 per week) + I had to pay back the monies they gave me to get from Ohio to Texas + $36 per week for medical insurance. At that time, my hourly rate was $39 (part of that was tax free). When I told them that I was going to go with another company for my next assignments, this is what they did. They stopped ALL deductions, but my hourly rate went down to $28.50. Since I no longer have a permanent residence in Ohio, part of the $28.50 is tax free (they said for meals/gas or something). So I think EVERYTHING YOU want as a traveler, in your 'package' will affect your hourly rate. (I'm STILL going with another company. If they would of given me back all of the money they took from me, I 'might' of stayed with them). Hope this helps. Kathy (now in the panhandle - but only for three more weeks )

Doesn't it depend on the institution? I worked at a rehab facility and everyone drew blood, LPN's and RN's. If a phlebotomist (sp?) can do it, why can't a LPN?

I hope that your not implying that working as a nurse on nights is quiet and boring. Maybe you just meant 'nights' in general. I have worked nights for sixteen years, and it is definately NOT quiet and boring. Naturally, it isn't as hectic as working days, but it is nonetheless almost as busy. I usually work my three 12hr shifts in a row. I will be 50 in May. I find that I can barely function on my third night. I have trouble sleeping anyway, and have to take 75mg of Elavil to just to get 'some' sleep. People who work nights are more likely to be overweight, because we don't sleep well, eat right, etc,., and it has been proven that we have a shorter life span. But I'll take nights any day. Kathy (in the panhandle - for three more weeks - )

Say what? That absolutely HAS to be a rumor:devil:. Who would suggest such a thing? LPN's are as good as a RN. LPN's have been getting a bad rap for years now. I have worked with some LPN's that were better than some RN's I know. Let me know if you find out any more info. I'm a RN, BTW. Kathy (Currently in the panhandle - for only three more weeks )

I have lived in Ohio all of my life. I do have to ask "Why in the world would you want to move from sunny CA, and move to a boring state as Ohio?" Why did you chose Ohio? I have lived in the following cities (Northern part of Ohio): Dayton and Xenia. Cincinnati is a very busy city and large. Columbus is the capital and is a nice place to live, from what I've heard. It's also a bustling city, as Cinci is. I went to Sinclair Community College. It is a two-yr school, and you get your Associates degree when your finished. Last I heard, it was only $40+ per credit. There is also Wright State University (if you want to get your BSN), and it is a 4-yr college, but I have heard negative things from nurses who have graduated from there. Their clinical experience seemed to be lacking, or wasn't sufficient. They might have changed their program though. Keep in mind that there are waiting lists here to get into nursing school, so check them out. Not sure how the list compares to CA. Are you in nursing school now? I am a new traveler and I am now currently in Texas. I am going to CA for my next travel assignment. Please PM me so that we can converse on CA and Ohio. I could use any information on CA. Thanks. Hope this helps, and I look forward to hearing from you. Kathy (in the panhandle - for three more weeks )

GREAT ADVICE, ERRNTRAVELER; It made me think too. Thanks. Kathy (in the panhandle - for now )

I LOVE YOUR COMMENT. HOW TRUE IS THAT??? Kathy (up in the panhandle - for now:bugeyes:)

You could always call the BON without telling your name, and then just ask them to see what they say. It probably WILL show up, but check with the BON and they should be able to give you advice. If you don't feel comfortable with calling the BON, try emailing them. Kathy (up in the panhandle - for now:bugeyes:)

I agree with Raindancer. It will solely depend on how comfortable/confident YOU feel with only one year. To be a traveler you are expected to just basically 'jump in' with little or no orientation. Hope this helps. Kathy (Somewhere in the panhandle - for now:bugeyes:)

Best bet would be to ask your travel company. They would probably have an answer for you. Some have 'guidelines' meaning you have to work so many assignments with them before you can take an actual position, but I don't know how they could stop you, unless it's in your contract. Kathy (High in the panhandle - for now )

There is a traveler that is working where I'm at who lives in TN, and has been traveling for five years with her husband. That's the whole advantage of living in a compact state. You don't have to go through all of the hassle, and expense to get your license in each state you plan on traveling too. I live in Ohio, and according to the OBON, they don't plan on joining the compact licensing. KY just joined this past October. Kathy

I would agree with Suzanne. Do your research before accepting an assignment. Travel companies are the one's who know the 'ins & outs' of hospitals, etc. Your company should of known how bad the hospital was, because they have a 'contract' with them. I would try my best to 'suck it up' and 'stick it out', or look into another travel company. Try your best and not let this ONE BAD assignment, stop you from wanting to travel again. And pass the word around to other travelers, so that they don't have to experience what you went through. Kathy

irst of all, where do you live? If you happen to be fortunate enough to live in one of the 'compact licensing' states, then your lucky. Some states are 'walk-thru' states, meaning all you have to do is walk-thru, apply for a temp license and then your set. But if you plan on traveling, it would be a good idea to look further into this. Check with the Washington Board of Nursing. They would be able to tell you what the process is, and how long it will take. I live in Ohio, and I had to apply for a 'temp' license in Texas. I got it within one week. My 'temp' license here in Texas expires 4/9, so before my contract ends (3/15), I plan on getting my permanent license. I am not one of the fortunate ones who live in a compact license state. Hope this helps. Kathy :typing:bugeyes::redpinkhe