jtrn0509

Hello Minstral--I too work in ortho and am interested in the SW FL seasonal opportunities. I'm glad things worked out well for you and that you will be returning; that says a lot. A few questions, if I may: Were you hired to work the ortho unit? You say you got "pulled" once in 3 months; you were floated to another unit? That's about par for my experiences. Was that because of low census, usual practice between units..? Does the hospital use CNAs? If so, what is their patient load ratio? In other words, how available is support? As you know 10-15 post-op patients can be a demanding load. Especially post-op day 2! I'm aware of the seasonal opps at Lee Memorial and you mentioned another, Physician's Regional. Could you steer me to any others? as I would like to explore as many options as possible. And the housing situation worked out for you? I will be traveling with my wife and we have modest needs. Thnx for any assistance. By the way, did I see you post another piece about work on the west coast? I am at a regional med center in SW WA. Be happy to be of any help. Jeff

I'm sorry, I wasn't very clear. I'm leaning towards seasonal RN jobs vs. traditional travel. I've done a G search for "seasonal RN jobs" and am aware of some opportunities in SW Florida, Northern Arizona, and a seasonal gig in Yellowstone. And, no, I'm not interested in becoming a school nurse. So, my question is: short of contacting each prospective hospital/HR asking about seasonal work, is there a better way/resource? Or, for those who have had seasonal work experiences, I'd like to hear from you. Thnx.

After contemplating the Travel Nurse industry for the past many years, I've come to the conclusion what I'm really seeking is an employment opportunity that would allow me to take extended time off. I'm at a point in my career where I want to work full time. However, I'm at a point in my life where I'd rather not do that year-round. So, I'm seeking suggestions/resources on employment opportunities (as RN) to work seasonally(?) 6-8 month assignments(?) Or, maybe these opportunities are too coveted to reveal!? LOL!

Thnx for the responses imunurse2 and NedRN...I returned to the forum to check on updates to this query and found/read the posting of Feb. 18,'12 by RNx352008 which discussed the essence of my concern. As many others stated hers was a terrible set of circumstances none of us wish to face. So it is, through her experience, I was able to glean some valuable insight. Since this is one of my greater concerns in becoming a Travel RN, as I am learning, I'll need to make sure there is proper wording in the contract to address cancellations. That and have a financial safety net.

As I continue to consider moving from the (relative) safety of my staff position into the travel world, one of my larger concerns is the cancelled contract. While I understand this happens, my questions are How do you manage this occurrence and How frequently does this happen?

Thank you, NedRN. As always, good advice. But, it was worth a shot. JT

My mistake--the name of the company is Integrated Healthcare Solutions, in Portland, OR. Now that I've set that straight, I trust the feedback will come flooding in :) JT

If anyone has had any experience with Integrated Health Systems (a per-diem and travel RN company in Portland, OR) I'd like to hear back from you. Thnx

Given that a major attractant to the Travel RN lifestyle is, well, traveling to new locations and enjoying all that these new places have to offer, my question is What is your modus operandi? Do you: Take an assignment then hang around, be casual, take a little break before you move on to the next gig? Go from assignment to assignment with minimal down time? Shoot for the shortest assignments possible to increase your turn-around time and, therefore, maximize your income potential? Request longer (6 months, 1 yr.) assignments to maximize time in one location? I realize there are many variables to the answer/approach any individual takes to this scenario so I'm seeking all inputs. I have to wonder if the best approach is to take assignments when they are offered and try to plan vacations into the year, much like a home-bound RN. Can you develop enough of a relationship with an agency, or two or three, to allow a regular cycle of (say) 13 weeks on-2 weeks off; or even 6 months on-6 months off? Are the bonuses for completing assignments still available or have they gone to the wayside in our new reality? If still available, do longer gigs pay better than shorter? I look forward hearing of your best laid plans. JT