Reva_DIVA

I just finished an assignment in HI. The staff was friendly to me and the other travelers there. They were really appreciative to just have help finally. I was in the NICU at Kapiolani so I can only speak for that unit and hospital.

Does anyone have any recommendations on housing in Fresno/Madera area? I will be working in the NICU at Children's Central CA in Madera and their satellite unit at St. Agnes in Fresno. If anyone has traveled in that area can you tell me where you stayed and the cost?

I travel all over. I go where ever the opportunity presents itself.

I'm in Los Angeles now and I love it! Minneapois would come in a close second but I'd only recommend you visit during the Spring/Summer months.

Look into accelerated or second degree BSN programs in your area. A lot of hospitals only hire BSN nurses now so you will have a greater chance of securing a position after nursing school with a BSN. If you haven't graduated more than 7 years ago you should be able to use some of your credits from you BA as prereqs for nursing school. HRSA has a nursing scholarship program in which you can apply. They will pay for your tutition and give you a monthly stipend in exchange for 2 years of practice in an underserved community.

Go to the travel nure specialty section, there are several threads in that part of the site that will answer your questions. Travel nursing is what you make of it. If you are looking to experience new places then it is a great opportunity to get out there and see the world. If you are looking for pay however it might not be what you expect if you are from one of the already high paying states such as CA. There are several travel companies...TONS. You really just have to go out there and research and see which one is the best fit for you. You will see mixed reviews for a lot of companies but you really have to focus on what YOU want and need from a company. I have been traveling for 2 years now and there are things I love about it like traveling to different cities, meeting new people, and experiencing a different aspects of nursing; but, there are also some things I don't enjoy such as being away from family and having to up root my life every few months but the good outweight the bad for me so I am continuing on this journey for now.

I took the same route you did. I initally started off in Med-Surg after nursing school since everyone told me I needed to in order to perfect my time management and skills but I transferred to the NICU after a year of Med-Surg. Best decision ever! I am currently traveling as an NICU nurse after a year working in the NICU! Just be yourself in the interview and let them kow how passionate you are about working in the NICU. Basically, sell yourself as being open to learn. They know you are new to the NICU so they will have to train you because the NICU is totally different from Med-Surg. Good Luck and let us know if you get a job offer!

I saw your PM but unfortunately I cannot respond right now since I haven't reached the minimum required posts. The way staff treats travelers differ with each facility but I haven't ever had an issue in the 2 years that I have traveled. There are some nurses that are just rude but they are usually rude to everyone and not just the travelers.

I am currently in LA working at Kaiser LAMC! What part of LA do you live? I'm in Los Feliz.

The outdoors activities are what I am looking forward to doing the most! I can't send pms yet but it would be great if we could meet up at some point. I wont be in AZ until the 23rd so hopefully Ill be able to send pms by then and I'll send you my contact info.

Hi I am new to the site and traveling. I just accepted my first assignment, scheduled to start April 23rd, in Phoenix, AZ at John Lincoln North Mountain hospital and was wondering if any other travelers will be in the area! I am 26 years old from Jackson, MS and will be traveling alone so it would be nice to meet up with fellow travelers to expore a new city with. I will be doing med/surg on this assignment although I also have nicu experience. I'm looking forward to a new city and meeting new people! If you will be in the area just let me know.