lilmeg1016

No problem! Glad I can help. So Kasier... People been okay. There are not a lot of people inside my age group (late 20s-30s) that work in the ICU. Not too much in common with them, but the travelers are all pretty nice. Made a few friends! No uniform requirements. Computer charting Epic- my first time computer charting- I think it's pretty user friendly, and I like how it's integrated with all the other diciplines (MDs, pharmacy, etc). There was a HUGE packet of prereq stuff they sent with post tests. Took about one solid day of working on the stuff to complete (on and off with breaks). Orientation was 5, 6 or so hour days. P.S. You DO have to pass an EKG test first thing when you walk in Monday morning, so just be prepared. First two days orientation going over all the stuff in that packet, hospital policies, procedures. Next 2 days computer charting. Last day 8 hours on unit. I took the job at Kaiser just because this was my first travel experience, I needed a job, and I wanted to be in California. Honestly would have taken something else if it would have come along in the timeframe I needed (I've heard HORROR stories about Kaiser from fellow travelers, so I was scared.) But it really hasn't been that bad. Hope this helps a little bit!

I have a little Cavalier King Charles spaniel, and she is the world's best travel companion. When I got her, I originally wanted to get a lab or a golden, as I love them and feel very safe with them. But the more research I did on traveling with pets, the harder I felt it would be to travel with big dog. Most apartment complexes have weight restrictions, not allowing anything larger than 30-50 lbs, especially in big cities. I know it's the trend in LA to charge a pet deposit ($500+, usually refundable), as well as $50/mo pet RENT that will come out of your own pocket. (I thought that was crazy, but hey, I'm in LA- most things are). Also, don't forget how EXPENSIVE a new puppy is- vaccinations, toys, crates, yadda yadda. Plus, I couldn't imagine packing up everything I own in my little car, plus trying to squeeze a 75lb dog & all her stuff in there too. It was bad enough with a 15lb-er on my lap trekking across country! So back to the choice of breed. I chose the Cavalier because they are known as great companions and the world's best lap dog. They really don't care about the enviroment they are in (i.e. don't mind moving around), as long as their owner is closeby. I had just recently gotten out of a long term relationship, too, and wanted something that could take care of me, just as much as I could take care of it! My little Bella has done just that. Yes, it was hard intially to potty train being gone 12 hours, 3 days a week, but she eventually got it. I leave her in the bathroom with a "potty pad" while I'm gone, and she is just fine! Loves her long walks on the beach to tire her out before I go into work. Good luck finding a furry friend!

1 & 3) Currently at Kaiser West LA ICU with Travel Max. Experience not been the best with the company, but there were a lot of situational circumstances that made this experience meeehhh. Hospital a little on the slow pace, but this was my first travel experience, so it was good for that. Hourly wage okay- seems to be competitive with other travel companies. Next contract with Cross Country at USC University Hospital CVICU/ICU float. We'll see how that goes! So far, so good. 2) Housing was a BIG deal. They wanted to put me in Koreatown. I'm 5'0", petite and blonde. Did NOT feel safe walking my dog there at night. I went looking on my own and suggested several other complexes, but they did not follow through. Ended up taking the meager stipend (Cheap studio/one bedroom apartments in LA run $1400-$1600/mo. Good luck finding short term, pet friendly, and affordable), and having to put down $1000 deposit, not to mention the $1600 "first month rent" out of my own pocket before I could get any stipend included in my pay. I'm still catching up on bills.... Also, I had to rent my own furniture ($300/mo), but I decided to pocket that money and sleep on an air mattress for 12 weeks. I am at Park West apartments by LAX. Like the neighborhood. Feel really safe there. Lots of college kids though. Cross Country found me an Essex property apartment at Miracle Mile behind Park La Brea apartments. SWEET location. Didn't have to worry about deposits and stuff. Pet friendly. Ideal location if you like being in me middle of it all. I looked here on my original apartment search, but I couldn't afford it on what I was given. 'Nough said? 3) Both contracts are for minimum 36 hours a week. With the contract I'm in now, I can work OT, but I won't get compensated for my meals/housing for anything over 40 hours worked (So it's really not worth slaving that extra day). I really hope this helps you out! I know what it feels like being a first time traveler and people trying to take advantage of you- just beware and question EVERYTHING! Cheers and good luck!

Hello! I am currently traveling in LA, and I LOVE it here! I am with Kaiser West LA currently, but when my contract ends in January, I will be moving to USC University Hospital. Kasier is okay so far. I "grew up" in a CVICU/Level 1 Trauma hospital in North Carolina, so things at this Kaiser ICU are at a snail's pace of what I'm used to. I'm ready for a challenge (hence moving on to USC). This was my first travel assigment, so it was a good place to get my feet wet to traveling without being stressed by the assigment. I am with Travel Max for this current assigment. Let's just say things didn't get off to the world's best start, and I was ready to switch companies (for details, please email me). I went with Cross Country for this next assigment, and so far I have been very pleased. Los Angeles is a wonderful city! There is so much to do and see, I don't know how I'm even going to scratch the surface in 6 months! Good place if you are a busy body like myself who always needs to be preoccupied! Not to mention the fantastic weather (yeah, short sleeves in December- no complaints here!). Good luck in finding your next destination!