sandysam

Hang in there! It's worth it, traveling was the best! I made a ton of money in NY because they have a really high cost of living which is where the money is at! I put the max in my tax-free housing stipend, found an airBNB and it was awesome...awesome! Definitely do not do a float pool position, pick where you want! Who do you work for? I worked for Cross Country and had the best recruiter who found me exactly what I wanted. She got me bonuses and reimbursed me for EVERYTHING (even old danskos that I had a receipt for)! It doesn't sound like you knew what you were getting into? I felt pressure from my first company to take the first job they offered me which was an ICU float in NYC rotating 3-12s one week and 4-12s the next....nights! AND they offered me $1250 a month LESS in housing! She made me feel bad about not wanting that job and I am SO happy I switched. Your recruiter is your lifeline, and once you find one that works FOR YOU, you will be in good shape.

I got 3 shifts of orientation but I only worked in the CTICU. I would've never recommended to do a float travel assignment to anyone! I made sure my contract said I didn't have to float to regular floors, only other ICUs. That would've been a mess!

Where do you people work that you have "visibly soiled" scrubs on? This has nothing to do with going out after work in scrubs, but why are you STILL WORKING with soiled scrubs on?! The hospital should supply you with some OR scrubs to make it through your shift, that is disgusting. Also, whoever wrote about TB and HIV on scrubs....where did you go to school? Are you aware that TB is AIRBORNE?! It doesn't live on scrubs! If your patient even has ACTIVE TB, you only have to wear a mask, not even a yellow isolation gown. So unless you have contracted TB and then coughed in everyone's face at the grocery store...then you should be OK to wear your scrubs after work. And HIV..really? Dried blood on my scrubs (which , see above..shouldn't happen) would not magically go into a random persons bloodstream at the grocery. Where do you all work that you have soiled TB, HIV infested scrubs that you are rubbing all over the fruits in the grocery store? Not one person has ever asked me for medical advice in my scrubs or said anything. I think because...surprise, surprise...no one cares.

I do not know about your subspecialty, but I would have to guess that if you did general peds it would open up more possibilites. BUT if you are in no rush, then your recruiter will find something for you in your subspecialty. I started the application process to travel in October 2015 and didn't start my first assignment until April 2016 because I was very specific with the location and I only wanted to be in my subspecialty which is CTICU. I am with Cross Country and I LOVE them. My recruiter is awesome and really worked with me to find the position I wanted and was so patient with me. I encourage EVERY nurse to travel if they can, it really is amazing and I wish I would have done it earlier. On top of having no work email, not feeling obligated to work OT and not being involved in the "hospital politics," the money is great! I am traveling right now to visit my family and I couldn't be happier :)

Thanks! I interviewed last year and was an alternate. I did the suggestions and I got in the second time around. Keep to it!

did you get in?!

did you get in?!

I got in! Anyone else??

Now we wait

I have mine this Thursday Hopefully we all get in together!!

Me too!

What do you mean travel locally? We don't own a house or anything right now, was hoping to save some money traveling and come back here in a few years. My sister is having the first baby in NY and I thought traveling there would work out for us but really have no idea! I just started researching, I really appreciate all your help :-)

I'm in Raleigh, you? I'll check out Trinity thanks! Is your husband a nurse too?

My husband and I have been nurses for about 4-5 years. He has telemetry experience and I have CVICU experience. We have never traveled and are interested in starting. Has anyone traveled with their significant other before and how does that work? What are some good companies? We are looking to go to the NY/Long Island area and I have heard that Supplemental is a good company and seems to have a lot of opportunities there. Does anyone have any advice/help for us? THANK YOU!!!

I am applying for my first position as a new graduate RN and I have to write a 250-word essay about why I am choosing this specific hospital to work at, 3 areas that I am interested in and what I will bring to the hospital's team. It is not a specific area I am applying to, I give them the areas I am interested in and if I am lucky enough to get the job (or even an interview!) I will be placed in one of those areas. I do not know how to start this essay. I know I would like to work with adults/geriatrics in some sort of stepdown unit, and I love cardiovascular surgery (currently work as a CNA on a unit like). Any ideas/help is greatly appreciated!! Thank you!!