Traveling to St Thomas, VI

sc0811 · Jan 29, 2014

I am also a travel nurse looking to go to the Virgin Islands. How was the process on getting your license for there? Any tips?

NedRN · Jan 29, 2014

Nothing on the ground there has changed! Old tips work fine.

It can be difficult to get a license there. They no longer have a walkthrough process, and they don't even have a website. Phone requests for applications often fail (be sure to say "Good Morning"). Your agency should be able to provide advise and assistance. PanTravelers board resource has more information, and a license application you can download and use.

tsmithrn27 · Jan 31, 2014

sc0811... The licensure process was not that bad! you just go on their website, print the packet and follow the instructions very carefully! It is tedious! I also had to renew my license already because their renewal is on the odd years. The renewal process was even more tedious. I had to send a copy of my 1040 tax form to them because I hadn't worked in the VI yet. Not to mention all the CEU's I had to list etc etc. So its not tough. I would just allow yourself plenty of time to get it because when you hear the term "Island time" they are not kidding! lol

NedRN · Jan 31, 2014

Wow, they do have their website up! It has been years since it has worked to my knowledge. It is a new domain, they lost the old one.

BluntForceTrauma · Feb 1, 2014

What agency did you use? Let us know how it goes!

sc0811 · Feb 4, 2014

Thanks tsmithrn27. Please keep me update on your trip. What department are you working in and how long is your contract? Thanks for the info!

maluakua · Feb 13, 2014

Which agencies are known for having assignments in the VI?

wylie-coyote · Apr 10, 2014

Any updates on your assignment? I'm working on getting my VI license right now, just about to mail it in today. I'm planning on tele / MS / PCU. Also what travel agency did you use?

stefm13 · Jun 5, 2014

tsmithrn27 - How was your assignment??!! What department do you work in? Please share info, I am considering a travel RN assignment hopefully this year. Suggestions? I have heard it is dangerous there, TruStaf recruiter said they don't send many nurses there because of safety issues but I'm skeptical of this. Do you plan on doing another travel assignment there?

wylie-coyote - Have you accepted an assignment to VI??

NedRN · Jun 5, 2014

The hospital is notoriously late on paying bills. Trustaff actually had the vendor manager contract for St Thomas which meant every traveler at St Thomas was working directly for Trustaff or indirectly via one of their subcontracting agencies. While I don't know why Trustaff lost the contract, I could make a good guess that they could not make a profit on carrying 200 to 300 travelers pay for perhaps a full year before being paid. That requires deep pockets or huge margins. I was surprised when they won the contract and managed not to go bankrupt.

So yes, while St Thomas (or St Croix) is as dangerous as working in a lot of cities, Trustaff is being less than honest about the real reason, which is likely that they cannot afford it.

If that doesn't give you enough of a hint about Trustaff, my recommendation is to stay away from them. If you really want to go to the Virgin Islands, try Worldwide. They certainly have a better reputation. But if you are the nervous sort, or might have trouble away from first world hospitals, or have never worked a travel assignment before, I would not recommend going to the Virgin Islands. That said, I think the vast majority of travelers like it (I was OK for three months, but it wasn't my scene really), but a reputable agency will tell you the truth. If you are young, sociable, and enjoy drinking, or like diving or sailing, you will love it no matter your opinion of local healthcare. Most locals that can afford it have insurance to go off island if they need serious healthcare if that tells you anything.

stefm13 · Jun 5, 2014

Thank you NedRN, I have noticed how helpful you are to respond to questions and sure do seem to have a wealth of information! Much appreciated! I am not the nervous type I wouldn't say, I'm nervous about a new place and job but I like the thought of it. As far as crime goes, I figure it is dangerous anywhere and I am pretty smart about safety and places to avoid! I am the social type for sure so I am sure I would love the island life for an assignment. As far as the TruStaff goes, my gut was telling me that there was some dishonesty in why they are not sending nurses there as much, because the recruiter did say "If you are serious about going there we can send you", and my thought was why would she say that after just telling my how dangerous it is there and until they do something about safety for the nurses TruStaff will not subject their nurses to that environment. Hmm....