SteamboatRN

I worked at Swedish two summers ago in Women's Surgery/MedSurg. I loved it there! I have heard that recently they've been making some changes though, increasing nurse to patient ratios and taking away a tech. Not sure if that's happening at all HealthOne, HCAs or not. Grand Junction is about 4-5 hours away from the Denver area. So it might just depend on what else you're looking for while on assignment. I'm born and raised in Colorado, so let me know if you have any questions.

I'm currently in Lakewood Ranch, FL, near Sarasota. This is my second winter assignment here and I love it. I do 5-6 month contracts since it's so seasonal here. I've become great friends with my co-workers. On days you typically have 5-6pts...but I've seen lots of Colorado hospitals doing the same. I've been begged to stay on permanently but don't think I could ever tolerate the summers. The doctors have incredibly friendly but of course everywhere you go there will be a few bad apples. It's just like the permanent staff too, and once you prove to them that you're competent, they're more willing to help out. You have to remember that they've had to deal with some not so great travelers at times and sometimes poor working conditions. When they realize that you're great at what you do and you're there to help them out, usually their attitudes change.

I've been a travel nurse for 3 years now and have always carried my own individual health insurance. Unfortunately, my plan is being cancelled at the end of the year. I'm a single, non smoker, healthy, 30 year old female. My permanent home is Colorado, but I want a PPO for traveling purposes. Any suggestions besides Cobra? I've been comparing plans online and of course don't want to pay too much, hopefully less than $300/month. Tell me what's been working for some of you.

Thinking about possibly taking a Medsurg, MS/Ortho travel assignment in the Bradenton/Sarasota area. Anyone been to that area? I've heard the usual about South Florida not being great as far as working conditions, pay, and staff accepting travelers. Any thoughts?

Cross Country has a couple helpful pages regarding what to bring for housing and also prepping for an interview. Here's the link https://apply.cctc.com/appPortal/registration/applybymail_forms.jsp

I'm also curious about your experience. I have 2 years of per diem experience in LTC and M/S, working full time between the two.

AWanderingMinstral, have you found any other companies that will reimburse or give a stipend for health insurance?

kc87t-I'm interested in the same information, could you forward me a message also?