Travel Nursing Advice

[Da Monk]

I've had a difficult time finding a suitable permanent position near my home and it seems the only option left to me is to travel. I've looked at several travel companies and some of the packages are confusing. Plus, I've found that some companies sound OK at first, but they become less than accomodating when it comes down to the contract. I'm asking for any and all advice any of you can offer me. What do you all see as positive and negative about traveling? Do any of you have any specific traveling companies to recommend? How long does it take to become licensed in California? Is it best to work with a company that provides paid housing or one that pays tax-free money? To give you all an example of the problems I've had, I was just offered a state job paying $52,000 per annum. That's with me having an MSN in Adult Psych/MH Nursing and 29 years of experience. I cannot live on such a paltry sum. Any info is greatly appreciated. I'm near the end of my rope. Thanks.