kellygurl64

I have worked at a few places where we have used upper and lower (spine), as well as under and lower (breast) with NO issues. In fact, the anesthesiologists mandated it!!! I am at a different facility today and the anesthesiologist went crazy on the team for the under and the lower (breast/TRAM). He said that manufacturer recommendations clearly state that more than one unit should never be used on a patient simultaneously. I may call the Co. tomorrow. Gotta love it!!!

Can you use an under body bair hugger and either and upper or lower as well over the patient?

I PM'd you.

I applied for my OR license tonight. I may come up there in March. PM me pls.

I attended the Travelers' Conference in Vegas. The smart people who crunch numbers said Obamacare will be great for travel nursing: everyone will have insurance and use it. Hospitals would also rather have a temporary fix (eg, traveler), until they are sure what their financial situations will be, etc. All in all, it seemed very positive and promising, regardless of what you may hear from doctors and administators, or what your political affiliation is...

I drove from Ft Laud to LA 4 months ago. I had an extravagant trip planned, then realized the immensity(is that a word?) of a cross country drive. I did I-10 to I-8. I think you can do I-10 all the way. My stops were Pensacola, Houston, Tucson and San Diego. I drove about 12 hrs/day. It is beautiful, but don't stop to sightsee- it's a long trip as it is. Get there, then sightsee when you are settled. I am proud of how well I did on bringing the minimums-not easy when you have had a house full of stuff for 30 years. Love the Dollar store! It's my best place to shop now! Remember, less is more. You realize how free you are when you start traveling with the minimums! And Cali is so casual..other than work shoes, all you need is flip flops and sneakers. Toasters are $5 at Walmart. My agency gave me a vacuum. Gas is expensive, the more you load the car, the more you will spend. PM me if you have any other questions. You are going to LOVE it here!!!! And I am so happy that your Grandma is coming with. The drive will be unforgettable quality time. Good Luck!

I had so wanted to spring for the ARIA! It is really is a good deal through the travelers conference website- $169, I think. However, I decided to stay and hit Lake Mead Fri night and stay there Sat and Sun, so I found a room at Flamingo for $58 Wed and Thurs nights.

There is an old post (somewhere here) that gives alot of info on VA Nurse Travel Corps. I read quite a bit about it, went to the site, started the paperwork, then basically gave up and went the conventional agency route. It was EXTENSIVE! It seemed interesting enough and the appeal is that you do not need individual state licensing. Also, they staff in many interesting places. Drawbacks besides the paperwork: the wait for approval can be over 6 months and they offer no health insurance. I absolutely could not go that route. If you really want to do it, you can find a way, though. Keep us updated...I am interested to see if anyone has gone this route of late...

I am going to register, too!

Planning HI in Dec-Jan. Do the "local" agencies in Oahu arrange housing ? (Does anyone know?) Has anyone traveled there with any of the "larger" agencies?

I just got my perm ca lic, but I had sent prints in and they sent to FBI. I am not positive, but I am pretty sure if you want livescans, you must do it in thestate of CA. Their board is very helpful and friendly. Give them a call. Good Luck!

I vote YES! Things happen for a reason and it sounds as if you are long overdue for an adventure. Decide where you want to go first and apply for the state license. If you want to try for a first assignment in your home state, go for it, but apply for the next place you want to go now. It takes time. Sign up with 3 agencies at least. Do LOTS of research on travel nursing. This site is the best to learn from. Realize that flexibility is the name of the game and that may not be so easy being that you have been at the same place for 30 years. Just open your mind to it. Money is really not any more(in fact probably less)than what you make now with so many years experience.It's not about the money, as you said, it's about happiness, new places, new people, and the adventure. YOU CAN DO IT! Just prepare well and don't make rash decisions. I wish you the best!

Nurseinadream:Considering Dartmouth OR offer. I see you liked it there! Will probably wait till fall. Thoughts on housing ???

I live in and grew up in Ft. Lauderdale. I have never worked at Cleveland Clinic, but know a few ppl who have and it has a good reputation. Do you know where you will be living yet? Where are you from in FL? It is a fairly young crowd out west- there is lots to do and lots of people your age. I am leaving to travel in May. I love south FL- so many cultures and so much to do from Palm Beach to Key West and even jaunts to the West Coast are fun. The hospitals are not so much fun, but it is really all I have ever known, until I moved to JAX for a short time and worked in normal conditions, LOL. Like any big cities, here are dangers to be aware of, but for the most part, it is a safe place. You can contact me if you need any more info and WELCOME!

March 24-29, 2012. Cannot get website to post, so Google AORN Congress for info. It takes many years to become very proficient in OR. Even after many years, every case and patient is different. We are always learning and adjusting-that's what makes it exciting and challenging. Do not give up. If you attend, contact me and we can meet up!

Anyone going? I am- first time! Excited; plus, never been to NO. If anyone has ever been to Congress, what to expect, hints, etc. appreciated...

YAY. Glad you reposted. I would love to travel to NYC and need info as well.

I went to the hunting section at Walmart and got a cute pair of pink "shooting" glasses. They were about $7 and work great!

NEVER! Once case gets going, there is still so much to do! Charting, yes, but there is so much more: re-review card to be sure everything is there-and update it if needed; get dressings ready. Help scrub as needed. Think about next case-mentally prepare and or make a few written notes if necessary. Re-review chart-be sure you didn't miss anything to give report. Plan for end of case..do I need a bed, or anything special? Clean up room. Stock or get a list to stock together (if your facility allows/does this). Assist/anticipate anesthetic needs. Most important: PAY ATTENTION TO THE FIELD AND THE CASE! So many circulators forget that this is their job. I am probably forgetting some things, too. When I was a kid, I told my mom I was "bored". Cleaned windows and screens the rest of that summer...

I am so happy to see that there are many "over-40s" traveling. I am 47 and just got the "baby" off to college. I am planning to start travel nursing in May. I have waited so long for this, and this travel forum has been very helpful . Thanks to all the travelers who share!

Thanks, Deb. I do have ACLS. I may try to recertify..we will see. I may try an assignment and see if I like it rather than stress. Thanks so much for your input, though!

I was VERY shy when I started in nursing. Want a sure-fire cure for your anxiety and low self-esteem? STAY IN NURSING!!! You will become a strong, assertive, self-confident person. Keep trying! Practice reports at home in the mirror or with friends and family. Have someone videotape you and you can improve upon what you see. I wish you all the best-I know you will do very well. PS: None of us are perfect. Things take time. Maybe you are expecting too much from yourself. Take it easier on yourself. Good luck!

I am planning to travel in 2012. I unfortunately let my CNOR certification lapse a few years ago. Do I need to have this to travel? I have 23 years experience.