jenksmith

If your goal is to take a travel assignment, the Medical Center hospitals generally don't use travelers. I did some travel in Houston, and found that the suburban hospitals used travelers. Memorial Hermann has their own internal agency- Premier Staffing. Even though MO and TX are compact states, you will still need to hold your license in the state you reside. You have 30 days after you move to get your license switched over. Usually doesn't take that long.

I did a travel assignment in Texas City, TX (just outside of Houston). It was ok. I worked on a Step-down unit, hard work, but know that you will work hard as a traveler/agency RN. I did not live in Texas City (no way). I found a lovely apartment in the South Shore area (Kemah, League City, Seabrook). Had a 25 min commute, and loved the area. I was about 45 min to Galveston or 45 min to downtown Houston. Comparing beaches, Gulf beaches in Florida are nicer than TX Gulf beaches. Houston offered a great deal of things to do. Very HOT, HOT, HOT. Would do it again. I am actually considering relocating to Houston in the next few years.

I am not sure about the L&D areas of those hospitals, but both are not bad hospitals. You will definitely get some great experience. I hear good things from coworkers about both.

You can get through anything for 13 weeks. What I have learned in travel nursing is to get everything in writing. When I interview, I ask for the RN to patient ratio. I have it stated in my contract. If they try to alter it on the job, they are in violation of my contract, and I can cancel. If it's not written down, it never happened. If you are traveling, be smart, and keep an open mind. There is a reason hospitals need travelers, no one wants that job. You will work hard and have the crappy assignments, but you will have 4 days off a week to explore a cool place. I am in Houston right now. I work at an HCA facility. It's very hard work, but I have not felt like my license was on the line. I work my 3 days, and then enjoy the beach on my 4 days off. What I have encountered at HCA is they are very unorganized. Most people are nice. The ones that are not, are unhappy people in general, and usually have an attitude that they should get paid to sit around. I have worked harder at other facilities not owned by HCA. Hospitals in general are always looking to cut costs. Don't expect to travel and have the facility roll out a red carpet for you. They have a need, and expect to hit the ground running. Take initiative to learn the routines, you will not be given a lengthy orientation. Don't expect to change their ways. Focus on delivering good patient care within your scope of practice. If you are put in an unsafe situation, speak up for yourself. Most people do not, and that's where they get into trouble. Your license and your life are not worth losing over cutting corner's. Traveling is a great way to make good money and stay out of politics. It's 13 weeks, broken down, that is 39 shifts.....easy.

I am a traveler. I have an ADN, and work for HCA in Texas City. My degree was not an issue. I do have 8 yrs of experience. My degree has never been an issue though.

I am currently a traveler at an HCA facility in Houston. It's not horrible, but not the best either. I can see where staff get frustrated, but I also can see a pattern of people who hate their jobs, are just unhappy people in general. I have to say I overall have enjoyed my assignment w/ HCA. Management has been helpful, my coworkers are great too. I do have to say though, the majority of my coworkers are travelers or agency as well. HCA is not very organized, which can be frustrating. My orientation was pretty slim, but I was motivated enough to figure my routines out on my own. I can see the culture of a sink or swim atmosphere. I do get frustrated at my job when I am working with those that are unhappy. They focus so much on how unhappy they are, and pt care gets neglected, as well as the whole "team" effort. For those of you who are that unhappy, go get another job. I can't say that HCA is the worst. I have worked in facilities that are not affiliated w/ HCA, that were way worse. I think your job is what you make of it. Nursing is constantly changing, busy, and chaotic. People are sick. We are there to care for them. If you are too tired to give your best, you should probably not be in nursing. Working hard and being in an unsafe situation is completely different. Do I work hard, yes-very hard. Has my situation been unsafe, no. If you are put in an unsafe situation, then you should protect yourself. It is your license that is on the line. NEVER be afraid to stick up for yourself, and if it is that bad, then do not work for that facility. You can always get another job.