Travel company you are happy with...

[I'mAnRN2]

Hi all... I'm finally beginning the process to start travel nursing but I, like most other new travelers, am terrified! Obviously, it's unnerving leaving my full time position but shopping for a great travel company may drive me insane. I read blogs, articles, top ten lists, etc but still am nervous to take the plunge. Does anyone absolutely love their company and have been with them for at least a few assignments? I have talked to a large company and have felt mislead and have spoken to a smaller company but they do not arrange housing for you so that doesn't sound good either. Considering I am traveling alone, I should probably only stick with a company that provides housing, right? It seems extremely stressful to find reliable housing in a city I have never been too? I realize everyone's opinion and experience is different but I'm looking for a company I can trust and provides housing and need advice. Is travel nursing still worth it with the economy the way it is?? (I realize these questions have been asked but it seems a lot of threads are from years ago..)

Thanks for your time!

[adzam08]

Thanks for your great questions! I am in the same boat as you, and could benefit from the answers also! Looking to travel within the next few months and have talked to a few agencies but have not fallen in love with any. I feel flooded with information from all the research I have done but still feel confused at the same time!

[NedRN]

Travel nursing is not primarily a financial choice. "Worth it" is a multifactorial personal decision. It doesn't matter what year it is.

Finding your own housing can substantially increase how much money you can put in the bank. But it is a personal choice you have to balance against the hassle and stress.

Keep looking for a travel company (preferably three to five agencies) that you are comfortable with. You will find them with exactly the combination of size, benefits, and service you want. What you want may change dramatically after your first assignment. Some travelers manage to stick with one agency - again, it is personal.

Spotting a trend here? Pretty hard to tell from our shoes what is right for you personally.

[BARNgirl]

I Hi I'mAnRN, I am relatively new to travel also, and realize that three months won't kill you, no mater where you go. My first assignment was horrible, but I stuck to it and I am a better nurse because of it, in part thanks to our fellow nurses here, who encouraged me to keep going. I appreciate my current assignment so much more...it is all a matter of perspective and an exercise in positive thinking!

Do not burn any bridges either, and leave your current staff position graciously in case travel

is not right for you and you decide to plug back into your local community. That is the best safety net to have, I call it job insurance.

As far as the first choice in assignments, set yourself for success by choosing a hospital that uses a charting system that you can do in your sleep. Staff appreciates it when a traveler can show them a shortcut or two.

[dance4life]

I think that there are just too many out there to name. One I may have had a hard time with someone else might love or vice versa. Plus, what you are looking for in an assignment I might not want.

There is a great website I stumbled across when Googling. The Gypsy Nurse.

I thought it was pretty on point, without getting too personal.