dankat

I love this topic since I am looking to do the same. I too am from GA.. its been 2 months since I am waiting on my license so this makes me worry now that it might take 4 months. I was hoping to start late Oct. or early Nov.

thanks NedRN! Actually pay is a big part for me. I do want experiences but I am also looking to make more than I do now working overtime and PRN. I know I will be but I just don't want to be low balled. Luckily, from reading this thread, I knew some of the tricky lingo and stressed to both companies I am not to be submitted until I give the word and both were respectful. I think ink in gonna wait it out for more winter contracts to come through so I have more of a variety of hospitals to choose from.

Hello all! I have received my first offer and my research tells me this is low. UCSF - PICU first 8hours taxable is 24.50 last 4hours 28.58 245 weekly meals and incidentals 1675/month for housing The housing seems ridiculously low for San Fran. She told me it was negotiable per pan travelers this is 37.99/hr total after taxes. Any advice greatly appreciated!

So NEW Question... I am considering doing 4 week contracts. Reason being, I was suppose to go on this adventure with my boyfriend BUT he got a great permanent job so our plans have changed. I was thinking, instead of 13 week contracts.. why not do a 4 week contract, take a 2 or 3 week break in between and pick up another 4 week contract. Any thoughts on this idea in terms of Pay? I would still do contract in North Cali and fly back to GA in between. Thanks in advance!

Thanks NedRN. Just for those looking for info like myself... I spoke with 2 agencies today regarding living by the Bay. I would say both essentially told me the same thing in regards to pay and stipends; Around $1800 (Which I think is ridiculous for the area) - $2500 for the Bay Area Pay rate ranging from $35-$52/hr with an average of $35-$45/hr (if I were to take the 1bedroom/bathroom provided housing) M&I $35/day Health insurance ranging from $9/wk - $40/wk *One company said that if I took housing, I would get furniture (no pots and pans or linens which I think is very reasonable), electricity and water paid for BUT if I wanted internet and cable, it would be deducted from my check. They also said they would reimburse 0.30cents on the mile for travel from GA to CA and back or max $300 each way (the tickets range from $290-$350 if booked really in advance). The other company said that they would reimburse $150/month if I chose to get my own insurance. Again, I am just posting this for those looking for info like myself without being too specific. I knew I would not get specifics until I have my license in hand and my file is active; Just applied for my license last week and sent the fingerprint card with it. Hoping to have it by September or so :)

Thanks! One of the reasons I want to go out there is to better my quality of life; I already drive 1.5 hours back and forth now with my current job thanks to Atlanta traffic . It is true that saving costs can come in all forms and I am open to them! I did think about biking to work and keeping my car at parked but only using it for out of town trips. That's what I think is the beauty of San Fran.

NedRN Thank you!! Once i am at that stage In This process I will definitely be posting here for your advice. You are an amazing resource to us Newbies. It is greatly appreciated!

Thank you for your suggestion! I will definitely look I to that area. I have read where Sunnyvale and Santa Clara may be good?

I have another questions... I have already signed up with 3 agencies; as I wait on my CA license and do more research, how do I negotiate pay and benefits exactly? Do I let the other agency know that the first agency offered me a better deal? I have never been the best bargainer and I am just wondering how I can go about this in a direct and straight-forward manner. Thanks!

Thank you so much NedRN! I really had a hard time undertanding the breakdown on the agencies' websites.

Hello everyone! I am a Peds cardiac ICU RN (2 years of experience in a top 5 facility in the country) who is looking to make the big leap into travel nursing to California (my boyfriend will be coming with as well * :) * ). I just have a few questions (sorry if it has been repetitive) because the info I am finding is at least 2 years old. I really am in to this experience because of course I do want to travel and see the west coast (I am originally from Jamaica). My second reason for doing this is of-course, pay. I just want to make sure I am not putting myself into a hole by moving out there. I currently make $24 base pay with night shift differential (so its okay for GA standards). I really have the age old question of how much I can expect to take home. I think from reading I would end up taking the stipend (I qualify for it) and try to find my own housing on craigslist or other sites. I would love to work in the San Fran/Palo Alto area; maybe San Diego. - How much can I expect to get/negotiate for a housing stipend? - How much should I expect to get/negotiate for an hourly rate? - Do I automatically get incidentals added? I have heard in Cali I should not accept less than $50/hr. Just a new traveler trying to sift my way through the information on here. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! :)

Thank you everyone!! First let me clarify the time of orientation: We do 6 weeks on a the step down unit and then 14 weeks in the ICU. So it still is quite some time. I now will be doing 16 weeks instead of 14. my strengths have been great charting and keeping up with my "tasks". It is just that when the unexpected happens, I get thrown off a little bit. I am taking all of your advice and thank you for the encouraging words. I have made a list of topics to study by studying the previous patients' diagnoses. So if I had an ASD that day, I will read about the surgery and diagnosis the next day. I figure that's the only real way to tackle so many of these cardiac diagnoses. I think the problem I had (after coming down from my initial shock) was that my preceptor would tell me I was doing a great job every day and then have such an evaluation; Basically my boss did not think I was independent enough to be on night shift and I have been working on that! I have asked my preceptor to step back and not jump unless she sees something grossly wrong and allow me to talk to the doctors myself. I realize to work in such a unit I have to really use my critical thinking skills so it was hard to not compare myself to my friends on med/surg floors who are already off orientation. I am happy to announce that as long as I keep on track, I start nights this upcoming Sunday. I will keep everyone updated.

Hey everyone, I have been working in a pediatric Cardiac ICU for the past 8 weeks as a new grad. I love my job and the fact that I am learning new things everyday! I just had my first evaluation today and it was not the best. They are extending my orientation by 2 weeks so I am on orientation for 8 more weeks. While I do understand why they did it (I need to read more and get better with handling 2 patients AND just to be extra safe), at the same time I can't help but feel defeated and not smart enough to work there. I was never the straight A student so I am not very smart and having this makes me feel like I don't deserve to work in such a great unit. Any pick me ups/advice? Thanks!

1 math maybe 8-10 SATA 10 drugs maybe But as everyone else has said, every test is different have confidence in yourself and trust your instincts :)

Thanks! It was just like Kaplan! It wasn't hard surprisingly. I didn't have that many sata. I knew all the drugs. A lot of priority!!!