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For what it's worth, I have just finished two travel contracts with Parallon, and did not have any problems whatsoever with the company. On the contrary, pay is timely and accurate, and if a problem arises, they have my back. HCA hospitals' business model does not promote the best working conditions, though. But anyone working for Parallon already knows that.

Please read the cdc's page on dengue fever. Even though it is a typically tropical disease, the environmental disaster Sandy left behind could be the culprit.

I have seen it and used it plenty, already placed by EMS in route.I have never seen it drilled on the ER. We always mention it butSomehow find a way to avoid it. Largely because nobody knows where the drill went :)

"ER can be like that as well from what I know of it. Teaching hospitals versus community, inner city trauma, peds, fast track, ICU holds, etc. It really takes a super nurse to be good at all of it, or years of experience" So true about the ER...I have worked it for the past two years and have had to learn all the above-mentioned, while keeping up with the stroke, pediatric and cardiac certifications. Thank you NedRN for the observation: next time I feel I don't measure up, I'll read your post :)

Thank you, missnurse01. Information is power!

Thank you, NedRN, for the information. That COBRA option would make it all possible for us. No wonder insurance companies hate it!

Thank you, NedRN, for another insightful reply. It always helps to look at each opportunity with a grateful spirit!

Loved your insightful replies! I am also about to start traveling and have 2 kids and a supportive hubby to do this with...the girls are homeschooled, so no problem there. My biggest issue is the health insurance. You mentioned COBRA. Is this provided by your agency? Pardon my ignorance...thanks!

Hello fellow nurses, I am new to travel nursing and need to keep our family of four insured...any suggestions? We are all healthy (no preexisting conditions or meds, no tobacco) and rarely go to the doctor (surprised?).I If we go solo, which insurance companies offer the best affordable basic coverage? Do travel companies offer continuous coverage? If so, how long in between assignments do they let you "rest" before unplugging your coverage? Thank you!

I started as an ER nurse right after my preceptorship as a nursing student over two years ago. I had clinical experience as a medical assistant but none as a nurse. What helped me the most was that I am a natural "prioritizer" because I have four children of my own...Time management is of essence and you must develop that skill quickly if you do not already have it. Otherwise you will be frowned upon by all your ER team. Keep in mind that patients will frown at you regardless: their opinion does not count: in their mind their runny nose is the ONLY priority you should have. Some tips that worked for me: use note pads if you are a visual learner, when you take report, write it down, there is no shame in being thorough, as some jaded oder nurses might want you to believe. As the other responses indicate, do not hesitate to ask for help, but do so in an organized fashion: after your 1-2-3 priorities are clear in your mind. This will show whoever you ask for help, that you can critically think. Develop a thick skin: you will need it in that highly demanding environment: people and families will test your boundaries and you will be running around getting every visitor coffee if you do not make those boundaries clear! Good luck, emergency medicine is such an awesome field!

What's your experience with Fastaff? Any particularly pet-friendly company?

Dear Pdrgeez, I did not mention we also have 12 chickens...any suggestions? LOL Awesome that you get to travel with your bird!

Thank you, pdrgeez, for your good advice!

To avoid heartache, put it in writing, down to the times. Give yourself generous time to accommodate overtime delays at work. It will not break your friendship to do a contract, but it will surely wreck it if you don't have one. Good luck!

Yes, life is too short, and we all know and see that...thumbs up on prioritizing your marriage over your assignment!