GirlArcher

Hilo has most needs. ER is in great demand, especially is you have a strong background. I worked the ER there and floated to ICU sometimes. I will be going back soon....it was that wonderful.

I traveled to Hilo last summer for 13 weeks and LOVED it. They (your agency) should supply you with a car as there is no public transportation on the Big Island. There are car rental agencies at both airports.

you are so right about that!!! i've worked staff, agency (per diem) and travel. when i was staff, i loved to see the travelers as this allowed me my days off and my holidays with my family. i also learned so much from them as they had been around and knew a few more "tricks". as a traveler, i have encountered staff who resent me and are threatened by me, why? i haven't figured out. they warm up after a bit (when they figure i'm not out for their job) and i've had wonderful experiences traveling. but it is true: bad nursing is bad nursing and it can happen anywhere. no matter if you're staff or agency. one big thing i've noticed is some nurses are threatened by knowledge and the person they perceive as having more than they do. instead of embracing the nurse with more knowledge and experience and saying, "show me, let me learn, i want to know more" these nurses will criticize and nit pic and make the other nurse feel unwelcomed. the day i quit learning, is the day i hang up my nursing hat. i will always seek out the one with more knowledge than i have, so that i can provide the best care for my patients.

My hubby is an Engineer. Used to run a power plant, now works for a mine. Very right brained:uhoh3: and analytical....so I guess we're well matched.

Yes, I went through a divorce while in nursing school. Had one semester left and it was more than time for it to be over. After 12 years of marriage, he decided school had changed me too much and he wasn't willing to work on the things that were wrong with our relationship; he refused to go to counseling as well and blamed everything on me and "my stupid education". He also told me that he wished I would flunk out so that I would be there for him more. Not what you want to hear from your partner, huh? After he left, I discovered that somewhere between 25-30% of marriages end during nursing school....strange, huh? But it was all for the best, as I'm happier than ever,( as are my daughters,) and I'm married to the love of my life now. Don't hesitate in seeking help. I went to marriage counseling alone for two years before the divorce so that I had the tools to deal with what was happening.

poopsie coyote brain

I moved my daughters (13 and 10) and myself to Alaska. Just us. Alone. For five months, until my husband was able to move up with us. It was a big move for us, as they had never lived anywhere but Montana and we were going without my husband, but my job started sooner than his ended, so off we went. We loved it and hated it. Loved the wildness, the slow pace, the 24 hours of light in the summer.....hated the 24 hours of dark in the winter, hated not being able to drive anywhere, as we were in the "bush" and had to fly in and out....did I mention we were above the Arctic Circle? Yep....At least Anchorage is on the road system and you can see it all. It's really a wonderful place to live and we plan on going back, just not so far north:rolleyes: . And really, who wants to live "a stones throw from Russia" anyway? Nope, not me...not again....give me some roads and a vehicle to drive, even an atv:p .....anyway, the state of alaska has a web site http://www.state.ak.us/ check it out and it has other links that are useful too. Good luck and think of it as an adventure.

I use a Littmann Master Cardiology. I love it. Can hear everything I need to with it; from babies to elderly.

It happens often to me. I walk into a facility and I'm it....either charge or house super.....I really don't mind, as staff is more than helpful and after a couple of shifts, I understand the way that particular facility runs. Working in mostly rural hospitals, it's to be expected. I'm sure you can do it, as it's mostly about delegating and directing, on top of your regular nursing duties. Good luck!!

I'm sorry to say, but I have no idea what the "Hunter Group" is.....Anyone care to enlighten me?:imbar

I believe we use this board to "vent" to each other because we understand the ins and outs and the unique circumstances involved in nursing. Its not meant to chase off new blood, we need you. I love my career:p Although there are days when I ask myself "why", I couldn't have chosen a better fit for myself. The wonderful thing about nursing is that I actually make a difference in someone's life. Whether its in the ER in the middle of a trauma, or at the bedside holding a hand, or sitting in the dining room at a LTC facility listening to an elderly lady talk about her childhood. Its the big things, as well as the little ones that make a difference in people's lives, and I play a small role in that everyday. Plus, if you get "burnt out" in one area, you move on for awhile to a new one. When ER gets "old" and I'm feeling jaded, I move to Peds, or Nursery, or even a little time spent at LTC can be rejuvenating. Please, don't take all the venting to heart, read between the lines. Nursing is a wonderfully rewarding career.

I have been using the Littmann Master Cardiology for a few years now and I LOVE IT!!! It is by far the best I've used for auscultating heart and lung sounds on adults and peds. Congrats and I understand your excitement!

Well, it's in Alaska...housing is paid, travel paid, and a car....but the numbers just don't add up to me. I prefer to be paid more hourly and still get the tax free per diem because I maintain a permanent house in Montana. I think I'll pass on this one and look for a better offer.

Recently offered a travel contract with a very low wage ($21/hr), free housing, transportation, rental car, and a $1633 monthly tax free stipend. They state it's $4148 take home after taxes and works out to be $39.11/hr. I've played with the numbers and just can't make it come out that way. Have any of you ran into this before? I've always been offered a good hourly with the other benefits too, and sometimes a tax free per diem check. This is a 13 week ER contract, 36 hours a week. What do you think?

I think all of us at one time or another have felt that way. Have you thought that some of it is the stress of school and work and everything you are taking on in your life right now? Instead of feeling so down and worthless, take pride in yourself for what you are doing with your life....you are a strong person who is doing what is best for your child and yourself. The next time you run into someone who makes you feel less than what you are, remember, it's your feelings, not theirs. They may think you are a wonderful person and be happy to see you doing so well. Walk up to them and say, "HI, how have you been, what have you been up to." Always hold your head up high and feel proud of what you are doing with your life right now.I know of what I speak: I worked two jobs while going to school to get my RN. Started out as a CNA, then LPN.....had two children, survived a divorce after 12 years of marriage during all this. I had moments of doubt, but made it through and you will too.