ICUrn137

Hi all, I am looking for some specific advice regarding travel nursing. First, perhaps some info about me to hopefully help all of you guide me through how to start traveling. My husband and I (no kids, just two cats and a dog) currently live in the New England area. Looking to move (first choice TN/NC, but open to other possibilities). We felt traveling might be helpful in exploring the area in depth and making sure we really liked it before selling our house and buying a new one. I have been a nurse for 6 years with my primary specialty in ICU, IR, PACU, and some OR. I have a BSN and am CCRN certified. My husband is also a nurse with 18 years ER experience (8 as an EMT and 10 in the ER). He has his ASN, TNCC, ENCP. I don't know if any of that info is important to a travel company or managers, but here is what I would like to know. 1. What (in your opinion) are the top three companies and Why? 2. In terms of negotiation what should I be paying attention to? Specifically, I know the travel company is looking out for their best interest. How do I make sure they don't pull one over on me? 3. How easy is it to travel with pets? The two cats I'm not worried about. However, we have a Doberman and that seems to get people all worked up in name alone (which if you truly know the breed, then you would know that is ridiculous). 4. Honestly, what can I expect - from working with a recruiter to job assignments. Be specific if you can. 5. Any pearls of wisdom from an experienced traveler would be greatly appreciated!

I am an experienced ICU nurse and my husband is an experienced ER nurse. We are thinking of relocating and are interested in TX and TN. We have never been to either state. Any suggestions on locations and hospitals we should consider?

I'm an icu rn with a BSN and 3 yrs experience and my husband is an ER rn with an ASN with 7 yrs experience. We currently work in the Boston area and are looking into moving to a warmer climate. We are thinking NC,SC,TN, or TX. We have never been to any of these states before (planning on taking some trips in the near future). I'm looking for specific info to help us narrow down our search. 1. Out of the 4 states I listed please way in on which ones you like/don't like and why? 2. Can anyone recommend cities to check out? 3. In relation to recommended cities what are good hospitals to apply to and why? 4. Pay rate vs cost of living 5. Do hospitals in these states have unions? 6. how good are the benefits? 7. How are the rn to rn and md/rn dynamics (ie. Respect, autonomy, team work) Also, I am considering going back to school for CRNA, PA, or NP. Can anyone way in on their thoughts about how well these specialties do in the south? With the future of healthcare going in the direction it is would either of these specialties be worth accruing a serious amt Of debt?