redladybird

Goodness! I am not the only one having this problem? I may have a solution that may save you from a lot of stress. I have now found THREE boxes where the syringes had a malfunctioning lure locks! Meaning that if you actually twist the needle it turns but does not actually "lock" as a lure lock is supposed to. Sometimes it acts as though it gets a little tight but it does not actually stop. Sometime it just turns and turns and never locks at all! What this means is that when you push the plunger the medication will not inject because it's not a closed system. You can change the needle, it won't inject. You must change the actual syringe! This totally stressed me out the first time because I was afraid the medication would solidify but it did not. It stayed viscous. Through quick problem solving I was able to fix it. Now always have back up syringes and double and triple check my syringes.

I love my pups and have thought about going to HI for a travel assignment but I do think it is cruel to put them through all of that for a 3 month assignment. Do you have family they could stay with? I used to travel with one of my dogs (8 plane rides!) and he did fine but its really a lot of stress. Especially for that long of a flight and for a short trip. I know its sad to leave your pup but 3 months will fly by!

I had a game plan and it worked. Before I first started traveling I called a bunch of travel agencies if they had a decent reputation. I asked to ONLY speak to a senior recruiter (skip the need to teach a newbee geography of the US). I had them tell me what they had to offer in what areas, felt out the recruiters and ONLY then did I give them my reference. I learned this via a mistake of giving another company my reference info and told them to not call until we were further along in the process and they called anyway. Bad bad. After I weeded out the idiots and bad pushy travel companies like ACCESS (really bad first impression) I sorted through job offers and only then told them they could submit my name. If a company sumbits you without your permission X them off your list. That is unprofessional. This way I got what I wanted and it has turned out really well.

I almost took jobs with both of these hospitals (both Kaiser's). Wow, I am glad I did not. There is something wrong when you HAVE TO commit to a contract and drag your butt across the country only to have someone else back out. I would not take anything less than what I was offered in my contract and find myself a new company and recruiter asap. I really feel safe with my recruiter if you want her info and this makes me glad I did not go with Kaiser! -andy

I was going to go with RN Network and I really liked them but my recruiter with Preferred health care (a sister company of American Mobile) got me a good job with fab pay. They were offering as much as the other companies though I had heard that traditionally AM offers less. I think you would be ok with either but it all depends on your recruiter really. There is more money to be made in Northern Cali. it seems. If you want my recruiters name just let me know. I like preferred because they use the same resources as american mobile and really you are an american mobile employee but the office with recruiters seems smaller -- more individual attention.

I started my bay area job and just love it. Good pay, easy job. I am extending. Turned out great for a first travel job. I was considering looking a a job in the city though. Can you tell me what hospital you are at and what area? Do you like the hospital? thx

I started with PHC and I have renewed with them. I really think it all depends on your recruiter and what you are willing to ask for. She got me everything I wanted and more. If you email me privately i will give you her name. Nice housing, free washer/dryer, tv, lots of travel money, gas incentive and a good rate in a nice hosptial. I never get the feeling that she is just a sales person though I know she is

Wow, people seem to have vastly different expereinces with American Mobile and their subsidaries. I work with Preferred Healthcare a part of American Mobile and I like them, my place is nice, things were easy, money is good and my recruiter is right on top of everything. I just started with them this summer but I am staying with them for at least one assignment. Laorrn: Who was your recruiter (email me privately). Bones RN: Did you get to NC? I want to go there soon. Please tell me what it is like. I have heard good things about travel jobs at Duke.

Google traveltax and sign up for one of their free phone seminars. It explains a lot. Tax advantage can be ok I think -- but it is tricky and you must abide by the rules. I also think you may be more likely to be audited so be careful.

oh, I like this thread. I just started traveling this summer. I 'interviewed' about 10-15 companies before I narrowed by search down to 2-4. I did not approach it like they were interviewing me -- after all getting 10 calls a day from agencies makes you think you are pretty needed. If you go into with that approach I think you get more. Here was my experience with different agencies: 1) RN network. Liked the recruiter, flexible, good pay, did know know the bay area well, got me an interview fast, did not have many contacts outside of kaiser in California. Did not choose them. 2) Trustaff -- Loved the recruiter but talked to her after I had already interviewed for a position I liked. She was a senior recruiter BUT then next week I got a notice that she was not longer with them. Bad sign. 3) Fast staff - all about the money -- want to make it simple, want 48 hour committment, want to put you in an extended stay. Kind of fast and dirty money. Not that this is not bad 4) Access nurses - ewwwe. Was reccomended from a friend but was SOOOO pushy I almost hung up. The guy INSISTED he know how much I was making now. I said -- that is really irrelevent I know what I need to make at my next assignment to take it". Insisted he talk to all my references before he told me about any jobs he had. Whatever! When you have others salivating at you feet you dont need this. My refs were great but I did not want 10 companies calling them. I wanted to decide who intersted me first and then pass that info on. Totally pushy, will never work with them. 5) Preffered Health Care -- part of american mobile. This is who I went with. Known for giving average money but my assignment offered a lot. Let me travel with my dogs. my recruiter never said no -- she said "Ill try" and she got it everytime I asked for something. Got me an interview and offer quick. Was totally up on any problems/concerns. Had tons of assignments that others did not have. Gave me lots of travel money (2700 miles is a lot of gas). They are a big company and seem to know what they are doing (most of the time).

So, somehow I actually quit my job, drove 2700 miles and started a life as a traveler. I wanted to share some of my experience since it is a big change. I am from Georiga and this July i packed up my dogs and everything I thought I would need into my little hatchback and traveled to California for my first travel assignment. With the right planning and the right state of mind -- this can be such an adventure. If you are not the independent/adventure type this might be a hard transition. I got lucky in the my assignment. The people nice, the job it easier than my last job (much easier), the money is fabulous and they are respectful of travelers. I am renewing for another 13 weeks. It will be hard to one day go back to less money and more work when I get back to the South. California may call me its own for a little while. Tips to make it as a traveler 1) Keep copies of everything -- time cards, certification, everything, paychecks 2) A laptop is pretty essential and useful 3) YES you can travel with dogs, even TWO dogs 4) Everything is negotiable. don't be pressured into any job. dont sign anything till you feel comfortable. Also when you are negotiating PAUSING in mid-sentence or having a long pause before you answer a question about what you require goes a long way 5) Get a recruiter you feel you can trust (though you never know). 6) check your ime cards and checks to make sure they balence. 7) Pack lightly. Use goodwill for kitchen items. Dont pack glass -- get plastic plates, etc. 8) request a TV. Say you have to have to have one. There is really no need to carry a heavy tv across the country. 9) Say you NEED a washer and dryer. If they say you will have to pay for it -- tell them most travel agencies do not make you pay. 10) Your going to feel stupid the first week of any new assignment, this seems to pass. 11) Be prepared to not take sick time. You dont get paid for it and it looks really bad to the agency and the hospital. Travelers are kind of considered work horses (but we get paid for that) and it is totally worth it. You can afford days off between assignments with most travel jobs because they pay so well. 12) When you are offered a job -- sleep on it -- take time to consider what else you might request/need. Make sure its the right job. 13) buy travel books for where you are going 14) Consult Yelp.com to check out local eateries and services. 15) Consult a travel tax cpa who understands what you are going to do and can deal with the complexity of your new situation (and probably new tax bracket). There are places that offer free seminars that are very helpful. Ask me privately for that info if interested. 16) beware of Tax Advantage. Sometimes it can be used to just help the company and can hurt you in the end. 17) Preserve you tax home (saves lots of money) if you plan to return. 18) Have a postive attitude and enjoy! 19) Once you put your name out there looking for an agency you will get 10 calls a day -- many of these places are not totally professional. Really drill the people calling, research the companies, dont let them have control. THEY NEED YOU MUCH MORE THAN YOU NEED THEM. Remember your recruiter is NOT your friend. They are a sales person and you can have a very good symbiotic relationship -- but remember it is business. 20) Stay connected with your friends back home by buying a nice blow up bed and offering them a place to vacation for free 21) Dont think you have to take the first housing placement they offer. Is it close to your job? What is traffic like? Are utilites paid (my company pays ALL utilities, some only pay the first $100). Do you need a 2 bedroom? If you have a child I have heard of companies offering a 2 bedroom at no cost. 22) Remember that bonuses are taxed as bonues you will only see like 60% of that money. Instead, companies sometiems offer more for travel expenses or other expenses which is not taxable. 23) You can deducted an amazing amount of things from your taxes (if you are not with tax advantage). I am not expert, but hire one! You will need that come tax time to bring your net income down. 24) Some of your best resources are other travelers. they can tell you what hospitals, recruiters, cities to stay away from or to accept from. But remember not everyones path is the same == make a decision that is right for YOU. 25) research, research, research -- google the facility, ask others, etc. I hope this helps. If you have questions I may be able to help. I am still enw to this and learning but boy have I learned alot!

Thanks! I will add the all important CHECKS!! Travel books for the area you will be in Atlas (does anyone even use them anymore) GPS system (best money you will spend) copies of: Your vaccinations Of course BLS, ACLS, PALS, Rn License Etc. But what things for the house/apartment am I missing that I will have to buy again if I do not bring it? oh here come more.... Skillet Pan cookie sheet

I have seen many "Essentials" listed here and there that should be taken with you when you take a travel assignment. I have a small list going.... can others add to it. I eventually want to add it to a blog I would like to start on the travel experience. This is just a start.... please help me fill in the blanks 2 bowls 4 plates 2 coffee cups 4 regular cups *note plastic is more portable and less breakable can opener 2 sets of sheets (most housing has queen beds right?) 1 blanket Shower curtain (do most places come with this?) 4 sets of silverware or plasticware TV (do most places come with a tv) Hangers (do most places come with this) Pillows (do most places come with this?) Corkscrew Electronic: phone charger cords for cameras laptop charger laptop ethernet laptop wireless if needed First aid: Band-aids peroxide alchol swabs neosporin Pets: medical records rabies tags food bowls toys Clothes: coat jacket sandles work shoes hiking shoes scrubs 1 nice dress at least socks socks socks undies undies undies How do you fit this all in your car?

Hello, I am planning on traveling to Northern California starting in July or August. I am talking to many agencies (not decided who to go with yet) and deciding exactly where to go. Are there any other soon-to-be-travelers out there who want to trade notes on agencies and areas? Also if there are any other NoCal travelers that want to offer advice on hopsitals/agencies/areas pls let me know. -a

Where did you get your training in Atlanta?