Jess.RN87

AH! Monique! I tried to PM you, but I haven't posted 15 times, so, anyway... Here is my reply... Hey Monique, I'm currently on my second assignment w/ Soliant. I really have nothing to compare Soliant to, as they're my first company. My recruiter is OK, usually pleasant. He was very involved at the beginning, calling every few days to make sure that I was doing ok and now he has backed way, way off (which is nice). I was under the impression that they would be providing housing, but like two weeks before I was supposed to move my recruiter just asked me if I had my housing sorted out. So, I was thrown off by that. I ended up finding a corporate apartment on my own about one mile from my hospital, which was really really nice. I've had some money issues with them. Apparently I was overpaid on Christmas Eve (holiday pay + overtime) and I didn't realize it. Well, when the company finally realized what was going on they just started taking money out of my checks (actually they took out basically all of the money I made from an overtime shift) without telling me. When I brought it up to my recruiter he didn't know why they had taken it out either and had to go digging for an answer. So, apparently their accounting department & recruiting department do not keep in touch very well. I had to have some taken out of three checks to pay back the company. And, just two weeks ago, I had some money taken out of my account for no reason. Recruiter is still working on that. He says he's never had an issue with money and now I've had all of these problems...idk...just seems a little weird and unnecessary to me. I'm not sure if they do 8 week contracts. That's how I wanted to start out, too... but honestly the 13 weeks goes by so fast. I'm working at Northside Hospital Atlanta now and literally 90% of the people have been SO amazing there. I think the other nurses who aren't friendly toward me just don't have friendly personalities to begin with. The ancillary departments kind of suck too, which I'm not used to at all. I float anywhere from 1-3 shifts/month, and didn't float at all on my first assignment until the last week of it. I'm working on the Blood & Marrow Transplant unit (4 North) and float to Medical Oncology & GYN Surgery (3 North). Everyone is very nice and helpful when I'm pulled to 3N. I had a hard time getting in touch with Soliant, too. After a few emails and info requests, I finally called and had to trust fate to give me a good recruiter! It worked out pretty well and I'd be happy to give you his info if you're interested! What did I leave out?! Jess

Hey RNWhit07! I'm considering taking an Oncology job at an Inova hospital, not sure which one, starting in May. Are Inova hospitals teaching hospitals? I'm working on my second assignment in Atlanta at a private hospital and really REALLY miss the teaching environment. What do you dislike about your floor? Did you take the stipend or are you using company housing? And speaking of company, which did you use to get yourself up there? I have one in mind, but I'd like to have another on the line for bargaining purposes. Thanks in advance!

Have yet to sign this contract and I'm happy I haven't. My fool of a recruiter told me that he would be finding housing for me from the get go has all of the sudden sprung it on me that I am now responsible for finding my own housing and furnishing it. ***. He is ruining me on traveling...

Thanks Ned. I was hoping you'd respond!

Alright, so I have verbally accepted my first assignment in Atlanta at Northside Hospital on their BMT unit. I am really excited!! Except for the working nights part :-/ Has anyone ever been to Northside? Is anyone currently there? Let's meet up! Is it too late to try and negotiate my hourly rate? I am perusing my contract and hourly is 22.68. Which comes out to be approximately what I was making at my perm position. Housing is 400/week, meals are 160/week. So, I think that makes my blended rate approx 37.00/hr? Anyway, it's not a huge deal if it's too late to get more $$. I'll just assume it's my stupid tax and know for the next assignment. Thanks for your input!

Trachs are terrible, seriously. All of the secretions! And the smell in their rooms. Like you're camped out inside their lungs. Post-op Whipples are the worst. Just shoot me. Every complication can and will happen with these patients. It's heartbreaking and very frustrating. I hate it when you've barely introduced yourself to the patient and family member and they drop some big wig's name "Do you know Mr. So-and-so?" ...I know that he's the CEO of the hospital...let me guess, you're best friends? Give me a break!

Has anyone worked with them? Are they a good choice for 1st time travelers? If not, do you have any suggestions? I'm Med-Surg Onc, 2.5 years under my belt. Thanks!

Hello all! I have been an Med/Surg Onc nurse for 2 years now and am ready to travel. I've heard from one agency about a few Onc jobs, but they're few and far between when compared to Med/Surg. I love Hem/Onc as well as GYN Onc. Any suggestions on how to find these specific types of jobs or is traveling more about Med/Surg? I haven't decided on where to go yet, but I'm leaning toward southern California. What are some traveler-friendly hospitals there? Oh, and if anyone is looking for a travel buddy, PM me. I'm kind of nervous about the prospect of traveling across the country by myself, but if it comes down to that I will do it! Thanks for the input!