wanderlustRN24

I circulated in an outpatient plastic surgery OR and wore long sleeve warm up jacket all the time, because it was always FREEZING. So did the other circulators. They were more concerned about hair being pulled back under the OR cap, mask, and shoe covers. It probably depends on the facility whether they allow long sleeve shirts underneath or jackets (unless we were out of compliance which I would hope not).

What about working in a flu shot clinic if you're helping look for something "easy" for your mom? I did that one season & thought it was cake (the clinic maybe had 4-5 patients walk in per hour & there were 2 RNs working). You won't find anything easy as far as bedside nursing in a hospital, ICU or not. Even with healthy babies or adults you're running your tail off busy. I also know several RN's who began their career after age 45 (my dad included) in a hospital setting who have done just fine in the hectic environment- but none of them expect stress free. Good luck to your mom!

I felt the same way when I started traveling! I made a list of the cities I wanted to go to, then researched the hospitals in those cities & picked out the ones I like, then call those hospitals HR departments and ask them what company they use for travelers, and sign up with that company. Easy, breezy :)

Sinus brady with 1st degree AV block, maybe? Not a rhythm queen, but that's what I see at first glance!

I would suggest a very low heel for the shoes. Something about clicking around in 6 inch pumps doesn't seem professional & even comes off as if you're trying to appear sexy (maybe ok if you're super short and need a lil boost, but even then, I would question it).

Sure, I don't mind you messaging me at all. I'll tell you whatever info you need:)

Hi travelers! I'm interested in taking a travel assignment to NYC (from Florida). For those of you who have taken an assignment there, I am wondering: 1. What did you do with your car while you were on assignment?, and 2. How did you transport all of your belongings there without a car (I want to avoid shipping items as much as possible since it's expensive)? So far, the only thing I can come up with is either placing my car in a storage unit for 3 months or leaving it at my parent's house to crank up and drive every now and then. As far as getting all my things there, I was thinking about taking the Amtrak train from Florida to Penn Station with a few pieces of luggage and doing it that way, and living off very minimal clothes/shoes/etc (this will be difficult since I love fashion, haha). My fellow, brilliant and resourceful peers, do you know of a better way of making this jump? How did you or anyone you know make the move as painless as possible? Thanks for any input or tips you can throw out there! :)

PPR is based out of my hometown in Jacksonville Beach, FL. Although they are not the travel company I am with (I'm interested in getting out of the Southeast since I've been here my whole life), I have never heard anything but great things about them. My mom actually knows one of the founders of the company and has nothing but good things to say as far as his ethics/character/the way the business is run, etc. From other travelers that have worked directly with their recruiters, I have never heard anything bad as far as pay, housing, benefits, etc. Hope this helps!

Seasonal nursing in South Florida hospitals typically runs September-May. This is the general timeframe when all the "snowbirds" from up North are here for the mild winters. I think most of the hospitals typically hire travelers or agency nurses during this time due to the influx of mostly geriatric patients. What area in Florida are you looking to go? I would research the hospitals in each city that you are interested in, and then call the hospital HR department directly and ask them which companies they use for seasonal nurses, etc.

I am literally in the same exact situation as you. I have about 2 1/2 years of experience as a tele nurse, would like to transition to ICU and then travel as an ICU nurse, but right now is a great time in my life to travel (26y.o., no kids, no husband). I don't want to wait 2 more years to get ICU experience because who knows where I'll be in my life then and I really want to see the country before I settle down. On the other hand, you usually know what you're getting into patient load-wise as an ICU nurse (1-2 patients max at most hospitals), and in telemetry, I've heard of RNs getting as many as 8! (ahhhh, the horror!) Nevertheless, I signed on with my first travel contract in Ft. Lauderdale working on a tele floor and it has been great so far. It's been about 6 weeks & I've been able to pick right up and hit the ground running, no problem at all (besides simple logistics, like finding things, but that resolves itself pretty quickly). I still wish I was traveling as an ICU nurse, but this isn't bad either. :) I say go out and see the world if that's what you really want. The ICU jobs will be there when you get back. :)

Also, want to add to my comment above, that that was from the perspective of when I was a student and only a few days at clinicals. I have no idea what goes on in L&D on a daily basis & maybe those nurses reading & crocheting was a fluke thing during that time. Many times outsiders' perspective is totally wrong- like how some patients think im surfing the internet all day when im actually computer charting! I dont want to offend any L&D nurses out there, nursing is a tough job no matter what field you are in!

When I was in nursing school a few years ago & did clinicals in L&D, there were no mothers/babies for a few days & the nurses were literally sitting around reading the latest Twilight novel at the time & crocheting socks, including the charge! They had to be there in case an emergency delivery walked through the door but, man, it was laid back and nice. Since working telemetry for 3 years now, I have never had one single day where we had a break like that. Not to say it's a bad thing, I like knowing I will get full time hours each week plus overtime if I want. Nurses in specialties like that get called off all the time when census is low. I like using my PTO and extra $$ for actual vacation, not for getting called off work. But you can be assured there are some crazy days in L&D, too, just maybe not like floor nursing.

Hi everyone! I am super excited to say I will be starting my first travel assignment at the Cleveland Clinic in Ft. Lauderdale on a telemetry unit in a couple weeks. Has anyone else traveled there or will be traveling there and can offer any insight? Since it's my first assignment, I've decided to stay in my home state of FL but I am definitely interested in going to Cali and NYC too (already have CA license). Also, how do all of you amazing, experienced travelers meet others on the road? Are there any social healthcare networks you guys use? I'm 26 and want to have fun while I'm down there too:):)

Hey everyone! I'm starting my first assignment in Ft. Lauderdale April 2nd and would LOVE to go to Cali (San Diego, Palo Alto, SF) or NYC next. I already have my CA license but want to get in touch with other travelers as well bc that would make it so much more fun!! Btw, I'm 26 with no kids, just throwin it out there. :)

Hey Everyone! I really, really want to be a travel nurse (this has been my dream for years now), and I feel like I am finally in a place where I can begin my journey. I have been a tele nurse for about 2 years now in Florida and have already obtained my California license. My question to all you experienced travelers is how much money did you save before you began your travels and did you feel like it was adequate for a comfortable lifestyle? A little more about me: I am 25, single, with no kids, and very little debt ($5000 left toward car payment), and am a generally low maintenance person although I have 1 expensive hobby: snow skiing. I have saved $25,000 but am nervous because all I hear is how expensive Cali is and how people drain their savings when going out there. I will try to find my own housing with roommates if possible, and take the stipend. My goal is to start traveling in April 2012 and save another $5-10,000 by then (I work a lot of overtime!) :). Also, good to know is the cities I am interested in are also the most expensive (San Francisco and San Diego, obvious choices huh?!). I appreciate any feedback I can get! I know ya'll aren't financial planners but I am interested in hearing about your real world experience. Thanks and have a great day!