KyRNBSN

I have a history of Tele, Cardiac Stepdown, ER, and Travel.. I got tired of commuting to work at decent hospitals and took a position as a unit manager at a local Nursing home.. From there, I moved into an MDS position in the same building and am now the Case manager.. It's a lot of responsibility in the long term care setting and for someone who comes from an almost acute care history.. however it has been a wonderful learning experience and something I can see myself doing until I retire. Don't think I could have made it working with the high stress postions much longer.. This position was a God send for me.. I had 2 heart attacks and ended up having open heart to repair an aneurysm so I'm not as able when it comes to the high demands of hospital nursing. So for me.. it is perfect.. plus the benefits on M-F and holidays off.. GL in your search!

I need an assignment pretty quickly I need Housing with Utilities paid Travel to and from And Rental car allowance or provided transportation to and from work I also would like 48+ hours Which companies out there offer this? anyone?

Many posts here can tell you the basics. But here are a few tips 1: register with more than one travel company but investigate all companies on forums for feedback before registering. 2.: don't quit your currert job until you are ready to travel.. sometimes it can take several weeks to get the ball rolling. 3: It is to your advantage to sign up on several nursing forums for feedback on everything from pay, housing, companies, locations, hospitals et al. 4: Brush up on Tax laws for travelers and find out what is, and is not tax deductable. Better yet, hire an accountant. 5: Watch our for Blended rates, or "untaxed" pay. Also watch out for questionable practices. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 6: Get a good laptop with WiFi card, Cellphone which are essential in traveling. 7:Take out and have fun!!!

Also depends on Which specialty. I've seen offers for Dialysis or NICU nurses in upwards of $75 an hour when there is a high demand. If your looking for what to expect in pay somewhere.. As a rule, I can stay at home, sleep in my own bed, and make $35-$38 as an Agency nurse.(step down) If travel can't beat that, I don't do it. Plain and simple.

Most companies will require you to have 1-2 years minimum under your belt in practice as an RN before they will even consider letting you travel.. CNA and LVN experience is not included in this. (some might consider the LVN practice but very few) I must say LadyNASDAQ is right when she says get the experience under your belt.. As a new grad, you will soon learn you have much more to learn that nursing school did not cover. Basically, nursing school teaches you basics and what you need to pass the board. None of that can compensate for good ol hands on experience and learning. Now, for that 2 years you are getting experience.. I recommend getting it in at least one year as a float nurse to various floors to get a good feel and get you on your feet. Then for the next year, specialize in one of the ICU's, ER, Dialysis, L&D, NICU, PICU etc. These are the positions that will land you the top pay and top choices in assignments. Everyone is a M/S Nurse, but not everyone can work in an ICU,et al.. Me included. I've done years of Stepdown but I am still not capable of working ICU simply because I lack the experience.. Hindsite is 20/20.. your lucky that you are just starting out and have many ppl here to guide you along your way. I shoulda.. and I coulda.. are things you can' avoid by asking now while in school.. Good luck to you in your career!

I was screwed in a contract by one in the evil empire back in 2002.. read LOTS of forums, and get a good feel for the general vibes of the company. One persons bad contract doesn't mean its a bad company.. may be a bad recruiter.. but when majority speaks bad about a company.. don't ignore the red flags! search for other forums.. not all nurses come here and there are others out there.. this one by far is the most active.. but others also have good info as well. good luck to you.. aim high.. As a nurse, your worth it.

Agree, Look into the high demand areas in traveling, Any of the ICU'S, CCU's, CVICU, Dialysis, Oncology, PICU, NICU. These all get better pay, more offers and are always in high demand. Also ER. I wish I had known all that 14 years ago when I first got into nursing and it would have saved a lot of time for me! Also, keep things like your CEN or ICU specialty ceritifcations current.. ACLS, BSLS, NALs, PALS et al. Its all to your benefit.

priceline.com and do the bid.. where you can get 25% off average prices. Might have to turn it in and rerent every couple of weeks but I know several ppl who did this while they were in Hawaii on assignment and it worked out really well. good luck to you

you didn't say who your current company was.. I know a few months back this company was needing something in Nevada Western Staffing at 1-888-764-0067 No idea if they are good or bad, never spoken with them. Also Try Fastaff.. The last email they sent me with listings (01/08/2007) has ICU, SICU, Trauma ICU, Medical ICU, ER, Tele, MS, and more http://www.fastaff.com I have traveled with them before and have never had and issues. Don't know if they are at the hospitals you listed but worth a shot. Maybe you can at least get one in Vegas. good luck to you

before settling for that, check out Trinity staffing, They have some offices down there and could probably get you a contract there with better pay.. I promise you local staff makes at least that much. Don't get robbed.. Just because its considered a southern location doesn't mean you should settle for less pay. Check out MORE companies.. the more you are signed with, the more options yuo have.. I often have several companies trying to get me contracts at the same place.. I of course accept the best offer! Play smart! Make them want you.. and don't settle for less. We as nurses are the Hot commodity..

My mother Graduated RN school at 52.. so no.. its never too late. Depending on your physical fitness, where you work could be an issue depending on how busy the unit it. (Ive seen an 82 year old ER nurse.. so its possible) Just be cautious where you work and what you expect.. so many get disgruntled because you are "thrown to the wolves" so to speak. Start out Smart.. and work your way to where you want to be! Welcome aboard!

I didn't work in the cath lab but i worked 4 north cardaic stepdown, and everyone on that floor is very close and work very well together(on nights anyway) House supervisors were great and very helpful.. some of the unit coodinators should be teaching kindergarden instead of managing units but for the most part, CB is not a bad place to work.. Night shift... can't say the same about days because I never worked them.

Try World Wide medical Staffing, I saw on another board that they has some positions in Alaska.. might have been PICU, but im sure if they staff PICU there is chance for other openings. World Wide Medical Staffing of Michigan

First of all, don't rely on just one company to be looking for you an assignment. Sign up with several. Many offer assignments where others do not. also, some companies such as Fastaff and Trinity have shorter or rapid response type assignments.. Trinity for example, will sign you up for like 4 weeks of Per diem in Phoenix or Tuscon.. they fly you there, give you an extended stay, all yuo have to do is get back and forth to work. If you live in a compact state, this is a great thing for in between assignments because it keeps you busy while looking for yet another assignment. Other companies you might look into are Agnosti, ACES, Western Staffing or Northwest Nurse Staffing. Just to name a few.. the only one of these I have traveled with Repeatedly has been fastaff.. They have always come through for me. Again, apply at many places and have a current file.. Opens more doors and keeps you busy. kyrnbsn