beachcomberrn

Yes I am sure the pay for travelers is better...it ususally is better for agency or travelers....but DEFINITELY I think Del Mar and A&M both have a good nursing program in Corpus....and I dont care what any one says, I have seen too much...four year programs DO NOT get enough clinical time...they get way too much theory and not enough skills and practical application....I have trained and seen way too many nurses come out of 4 year programs that have to go through extensive orientations and skillls training and that is such a waste of their talents, time and money ...that's why I think going through a 2 year program, working and then getting your BSN gives you a much better tool and prespective!

Two things....DONT think that pay is higher in San Antonio...With 20 years plus experience I took a $4.00/hr pay CUT to go to work there(from Corpus) I dont know how it is for students or new grads, but i doubt better....and I would not recommend San Antonio...I have done two different assignments there and hope to never go back....Corpus has some excellent doctors!!! and some tremendous healthcare professionals.. i have not been in the hospital systems for 2 years and hear they are struggling with issues, but so is every other system....healthcare management just "doesnt get it yet" and til they do that wont change...look for the best place to get as much CLINICAL time as you can and any "extra" time you can get as as a tech will help...i know that will be difficult with 2 small children....but in Corpus if you are working for one of the systems you can use their childcare and it is 24 hrs (or was) I worked with several people who graduated and taught at the schools there....they were excellent...no matter where you go there is good and bad...Victoria has an EXCELLENT 2 year program in the past....and they work with Corpus Texas A&M for a BSN if that is what you want, enabling you to get your license and work as an RN then continue on towards your BSN if that is what you want...Of course there are medical services available in Houston and San Antonio not available in Corpus, but that will not necessarily affect your basic training I would think....I doubt you will get much exposure to much "advanced" care in your nursing training....I am in the critical care field and have done very sophisticated work in small places....big is not always better....it depends on what you think you are interested in and how far you want to pursue that ....there are alot of nursing programs struggling right now with the resources they have available to them....find one that give you a good sound basis, good clinical time and since you are a single mother, an area that can be workable for you and your kids . Good Luck!!

Where will you be working?

Like I said, I STARTED with Travcorps, and there was a reason I chose them.. Cross country was like the "in-laws" that come with the deal...but like any new job, everyone involved has to get to know each other and test the waters...remember that this is like a "partnership" and you will do your part and you will expect them to do theirs too... You have the skills they need and want....I have been a nurse for over 22 years and I can NEVER see myself ever going back to work for a hospital....when I started traveling there were not anywhere near the companies there are now, and agency was a rare thing...there have been bumps in the road, up & down, but I work hard and do a good job and I expect them to do the same for me....things are changing in nursing every day as well with travelers....a good nurse is priceless to them....I do suggest that if you and your recruiter seem to clash or dont see eye to eye ABSOLUTELY request someone else to work with...a god working relationship with your recruiter is too important....and a lot will depend on what you want or need from your company...is it benefits, money, placments,etc...what are your priorities..alot of people go with whoever can give them the most money...or a certain place they want to go... CCTC has been VERY good to me all in all....GOOD LUCK

Worked ICU in Corpus Christi for over 2 years (contract) LOVED IT! Want badly to go back....hoping to find something...The dialysis nurses I knew were great. (Watch out for one or two of the Renal guys, STAND your ground and dont FLINCH! Remeber you are much better person...Several of the REnal docs are GREAT!) The dialysis nurses work some long hard hours though....(in the hospital)The Christus system has a daycare that is 24 hours, i dont know their policy on "employee" or what, being with the dialysis center may work, but all the nurses I knew who took their babies there loved it!!! There is a "chain" daycare right off SPID (my mind just went blank) that my grandson went to til he was old enough to attend a church daycare...he was very happy there...I will find the name & street. There are several good apartment complexes in town, and a lot of people live out toward the island or Flour Bluff...We lived at BayPoint and really liked it, but it was costly. There are more reasonable ones in town....just check your traffic....Everhart area can be a nightmare for traffic....as can Airline and around the malls. Depends on your shift.... Good luck....hope it is a good experience for you!

Started with Travcorps who merged with Cross Country - been with them almost nine years....have no plans to change....nothing is perfect and they have always been great to work with, in ALL departments!