What is your modus operandi?

[jtrn0509]

Given that a major attractant to the Travel RN lifestyle is, well, traveling to new locations and enjoying all that these new places have to offer, my question is What is your modus operandi?

Do you:

• Take an assignment then hang around, be casual, take a little break before you move on to the next gig?
  
• Go from assignment to assignment with minimal down time?
  
• Shoot for the shortest assignments possible to increase your turn-around time and, therefore, maximize your income potential?
  
• Request longer (6 months, 1 yr.) assignments to maximize time in one location?
  

I realize there are many variables to the answer/approach any individual takes to this scenario so I'm seeking all inputs.

I have to wonder if the best approach is to take assignments when they are offered and try to plan vacations into the year, much like a home-bound RN.

Can you develop enough of a relationship with an agency, or two or three, to allow a regular cycle of (say) 13 weeks on-2 weeks off; or even 6 months on-6 months off?

Are the bonuses for completing assignments still available or have they gone to the wayside in our new reality? If still available, do longer gigs pay better than shorter?

I look forward hearing of your best laid plans.

JT

[missnurse01, MSN, RN]

I liked staying in one place for 6 months, although you never knew ahead of time if they were going to extend you or if another local hosp would have a need at the same time you were done. I traveled with my family though, so trying to see the area took a little more planning than if I had been single.

you can take however much time off between assignments as you like, but some companies have stipulations that if you wanted a yearly bonus you could not take more than 'x' amount of time off, etc.

many areas are seasonal based on what their needs are, but any experienced recruiter would be able to give you the low down on the areas you are looking at. also it depends on your specialty-some are in more high demand then others (like OR vs mother-baby). if you are able to work in more than one area, then that would open up a lot more positions. you can check out diff travel companies-I know mine lists current openings on their website ( cirrus medical staffing).

in 4 years of traveling I never received a sign on or completion bonus. So I think it really depends on the hospitals and the area. you also have to be careful-if you miss a day they may withhold the bonus. or they may decrease the rest of your compensation in order to give you the bonus, so money wise it is the same as another company.

most assignments are 13 weeks, there are some companies that do temporary positions which may be longer. I have also seen 8 week positions, but more rare.

good luck!