Travel dialysis nursing

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I have almost 2 years of acute and chronic dialysis experience. I am looking to relocate to another state, but I just haven't decided yet. I am interested in traveling dialysis and thinking of traveling to different places I may want to move to. Any travel dialysis nurses who would like to offer any info or experiences? Such as a good travel agency and how to get started.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Dialysis, Plasmapheresis.
I have almost 2 years of acute and chronic dialysis experience. I am looking to relocate to another state but I just haven't decided yet. I am interested in traveling dialysis and thinking of traveling to different places I may want to move to. Any travel dialysis nurses who would like to offer any info or experiences? Such as a good travel agency and how to get started.[/quote']

I had a very good experience starting out with foundation medical staffing. I think for a first time traveler, they were great. They were honest, fair, and there were no hidden secrets. Of course other agencies that offer a lot of dialysis are Quik travel staffing, American mobile, new directions, the fortus group, trustaff, aureus, aya, cirrus, renal reserve, fresenius, etc etc. I did not the vibes I got from some of the bigger companies. My choices for personal use would be foundation, Quik travel, new directions, or fortus. I am looking into my 4th assignment now, so no expert but I have done quite a bit of research on the topic and if be happy to help if I can!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Dialysis, Plasmapheresis.

Oh also, how to get started. Well start by doing research about how travel nursing pay works, what does tax-free vs taxable income mean, research licensing processes in different states, start thinking about what you may need to do to get your life settled at the "home base".

Then you can start calling different agencies and ask questions or see how you feel with the recruiter. Are you comfortable or are they rushing you? Do they have time to talk to you? You def don't want a pushy recruiter. I wouldn't call too many agencies because they will have your number forever and call you every few weeks to "check in". So do some research on dialysis travel nursing jobs and agencies and see which ones appeal to you. Talk to about 4 agencies if you can. Don't go with the first person you talk to. Talk to a few and see who you trust the most or which company feels right. Your first assignment may not be the best paying since you're new. Agencies take a risk on first time travelers so they can't land you in the best hospital right away. But you get started, get the feel from it, and each assignment seems to get a little easier. Good luck!

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I am also looking into traveling... I want to have a bit more experience under my belt first though. I would feel safer (for myself AND my patients). I think I've always been a traveler at heart... just had to wait for the little ones to grow wings...

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Yes I was always interested, when I was an Lpn, now I am ready. Probably am going with Fresenius travel since I work for them already

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Specializes in Nephrology, Dialysis, Plasmapheresis.
Yes I was always interested when I was an Lpn, now I am ready. Probably am going with Fresenius travel since I work for them already[/quote']

How are their benefits package for travel nurses? Do you still get to choose where you want? Can you take time off between assignments? Do you get housing and meal reimbursements tax-free? Is their pay comparable? I know the davita travel nurses got put up in hotels, which is something I cannot do long term.

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Yes Fresenius gives u a 1 bedroom apartment and the benefits seem comparable to what I get now. But they don't participate in the 401k and life insurance. Yes you choose your own assignments, and you can take assignments as you want.

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I do too.... So that's what I was thinking... Keep working for Fresenius, just in a different capacity...

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Specializes in Nephrology, Dialysis, Plasmapheresis.
Yes Fresenius gives u a 1 bedroom apartment and the benefits seem comparable to what I get now. But they don't participate in the 401k and life insurance. Yes you choose your own assignments and you can take assignments as you want.[/quote']

I thought about signing up with them, but they were hard to reach. I sent in application and never heard back. Maybe because I don't work directly for them. I don't know their policies and procedures so they may not want to train. But I'm happy with my agency now, fresenius just seems to have a lot more options. Are you primarily chronic or acute?

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Acutes but with chronic exp too. I just found a number and called

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Specializes in Nephrology, Dialysis, Plasmapheresis.
Acutes but with chronic exp too. I just found a number and called

Hmm me too! Well should I continue to do this for a long time I may look into it. I've sort of built a rapport with a couple recruiters and I think they would have my back at this point, so as long as I'm happy, I don't see a need to start fresh again. But I will def look for that number! Options Are always good.

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Specializes in Dialysis.

Fresenius is hard to reach even if you work for them and is trying to travel or transfer. They pay biweekly compared to weekly with some outside agencies.

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