Travel Nursing

almost20yrnurse · Feb 21, 2012

I'm curious about it, too. My kids are almost in college and I would like to travel but I know that I can't afford to do that with making money along the way. If you find out anything, will you post it? Thanks!

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Feb 21, 2012

If you can hit the floor running with minimal orientation, and can deal with proving yourself over and over again..

traveling can be worthwhile.

Columnist · Feb 21, 2012

Moved to Travel Nursing for more response.

shlay51 · Feb 21, 2012

I've had 3 agencies call me (while I'm working of course) and I will be returing their calls today. I will let you know if I find out anything worth while.

RN_travlr · Feb 24, 2012

I just finished a contract in Greenville SC. I am now looking for another contract. I love doing what I do. I started as local per dium work and then moved into travel. The above post is correct, you have to be able to hit the ground runnning. You have to be able to adapt quickly. You also have to have thick skin. You are not liked by many when you show up. I have heard all too often" you make all the money." My answer is always" you have the same opportunities as I do, dont hate, appreciate that I am here to cover the shifts that would have you working harder than you already do."

I never take the housing offered by the company. I arrange my own. It will give you a lot more pay. When you do it that way, half your pay will show as taxed, the other half is untaxed. Look for an agency that gives you first day FREE benefits and a completion bonus. Ask EVERYTHING up front and get it in writing. If they say its 12 hour shifts 7a-7p..make sure your contract states that or half way thru you will find yourself working other shifts. If they tell you there will be no floating to other units, make sure it says that or you will be floated to other areas, a lot. Get your pay, your bonuses etc all in writing.

Show up the day before your assignment and have a map of the area or a GPS. If half way thru the contract your agency isnt already trying to find you another contract, contact another agency on your own and do the looking yourself or you will find yourself with nowhere to go when its over.

Do not take a LTC assignment unless you are a first time traveler. They are the easiest to get but the worst to work. The first time you travel you will have to pretty much take whatever you can get. After that, you can afford to be more picky. Travel with a buddy if at all possible. It makes life so much easier and you wont feel so alone.

And a last and very important thing..make sure that the agency gives you money up front, travel expenses, housing expenses etc or you will have to pay everything out of pocket until you get paid.

Best of luck to you, its a fun and often rewarding path to take. No matter how bad the situation is, remember its only 8,10,13 weeks etc..then you get to move on.

The site hypodermic highway gives you a breakdown of what agencies pay for what.

shlay51 · Feb 24, 2012

Thanks for the information!! I'm currently talking with an agency, at the assignment is LTC. It would be my first assignment if I choose to do it, and essentially all of my experience is in LTC. It's not what I really want to do, but I'm hoping like you said it will lead to other different opportunites.

Once again thanks for the advice.

RN_travlr · Feb 24, 2012

There is a LTC in Greenville SC....once again only my 2 cents...but everyone out there ....stay away from them!

shlay51 · Feb 24, 2012

This LTC assignment is in Pierre, SD. But I will make sure to avoid the on is Greenville, SC lol.

Cougar1113 · Feb 27, 2012

What agency would you recommend to a new traveler looking to work in SC/NC? I have done per diem for agency but they do not cover those states. I have been an RN for almost 8 years now and since divorcing have decided I would like to travel. Thanks.

shlay51 · Feb 27, 2012

Like RN_travlr stated above, check out hyperdermic highway's website. They have the top 10 agencies for 2012 listed. Check out any of their sites and I'm sure you will find a good one that can help you find opportunites in NC/SC. Good Luck!