Sage1111

UCSF just doubled their Pediatric Cardio-Thoracic ICU beds from 8 to 16. They are building a brand new facility new the current campus. They are very short staffed right now after hiring two new surgeons. Just a tip for you Pediatric ICU travel nurses. Check it out!

Maybe an example will be more clear. Most cataract surgeries are elderly patients on Medicare. We lose money on every single case. We make up revenue on say the private insurance ortho case in the OR next door. This is the point I was trying to convey.

You couldn't be more wrong.

Percentage of the total having complications? Where are you from?? We have always focused on preventing post-op complications. You seemed to have missed my main point. The private insurance companies will no longer pay for the deficits in Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement. The entire payment system is going to change and nursing may get the short end of the stick, as well as patients in the long run. You and I are now going to help pay for those 30 million patients coming into the system. Those are tax dollars, not money off the money tree. No point in continuing as this topic can be discussed for days. Bottom line -- travel nursing will flourish, at least in the short term. Just my opinion. See you all on the road.

Do we really have any control over adhesions in a post surgical patient? The answer is NO!!!

Time will tell I guess. I am hoping you are right Ned! After almost 40 years of patient care, I have a bad feeling about ObamaCare. Do we really want to head towards socialized medical care?? I appreciate any and all discussion regarding this level of government control.

I think I know what you are feeling. Not unusual at all! I think we expect to much of ourselves particularly with our first travel assignment. You know how to give good patient care...focus on that for now. The p and p's will unfold shortly. Patient safety is number one for now. In a couple of weeks you will chuckle at your current feelings. I am rooting for you!! Chin UP!!! :)

With the current Medicaid/ Medicare reimbursement surgery, which is usually a money maker for hospitals, loses money in most cases. This money is made up on private insurance procedures. I have strong concerns regarding what effect this will have on our healthcare system. I am hoping for the best possible outcome for all.

I just finished an assignment in California. The Director of Surgery mentioned at a staff meeting that with ObamaCare, each surgical procedure will have a set fee payed by the government health plan. All people involved will take their portion of this fee, surgeon,anesth.., nursing, etc.. This should be interesting...

Please let us know how you like this assignment. I would like to consider the Phoenix area soon. I would appreciate your observations and opinions!Thanks and good luck!! :)

It is always best to have the job offer financial numbers BEFORE you interview. One time for me the financial numbers were not available yet so I did interview without them. Once the manager knew she wanted me, I told the agency "oh, I can't do the job for that!". Guess who got a much higher offer!!

Send an e-mail to your recruiter ASAP stating you will be paid the two weeks and may remain in their housing (if you took the 'free' apartment) during that time. Do not trust phone messages at this point. Everything must be in writing. I am sure this will work out for your greater good in the long run....very stressful now though,I know.

Thanks guys! I learned something new today!! I am on assignment in California right now. No one has ever quoted me a "blended"rate. Good to know for the future. :)

Blended rate =m&I plus hourly wage?? I took this post to mean her hourly "blended" pay is $24.00 per hour plus housing. Am I wrong? Sorry for the confusion.

Great advice Jannmarie!!