Highway Hypodermics ^®

Travel Nurses Make A Difference, One Hospital At A Time

Stories From Other Travel Nurses

For those contemplating the travel nurse field: The best way to learn about the travel nursing field is from those who are actually in the travel nursing trenches.  This form was created to give travel nurses a venue to post their experiences.

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For experienced travelers: Do you have a travel nursing experience?   Share it by answering the travel nurse questionnaire!

Name: SUSAN
ResidentState: TENNESSEE
Specialty: ER
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 2
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 3
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany: RTG
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: NO
NonFriendlyHospital: NO
Favoritecity: JUNEAU ALASKA
LeastFavoriteCity: NONE YET
Date: 16 Dec 2009
Time: 07:59:58

FirstTravelNurseExperience

MY FIRST TRAVEL EXPERIENCE WAS WONDERFUL!! SMALL TOWN,SMALL ED, BUT VERY WELCOMING TO TRAVELERS. THEY OFFERED A WEEK OF ORIENTATION WHICH IS NOT THE NORM. THE MANAGER MADE SURE AND CALL OR KEEP IN TOUCH TO MAKE SURE WE DIDNT NEED ANYTHING OR JUST HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.

TellAFirstTimer

DONT JUST SETTLE YOUR FIRST TIMEOUT. DO YOUR RESEARCH,MAKE SURE YOU STATE CLEARLY IN YOUR CONTRACT THINGS LIKE: WILL/WILL NOT FLOAT,ETC.

Name: Cindy
ResidentState: Fl
Specialty: Dialysis
MoneyImportance: 2
BenefitsImportance: 2
LocationImportance: 3
RecuirterImportance: 1
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany: Was with Foundation. No longer traveling.
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: No
NonFriendlyHospital: No
Favoritecity: Two assignments in Middle TN, both great!
LeastFavoriteCity:
Date: 21 Jan 2010
Time: 18:02:54

FirstTravelNurseExperience

I was made to feel very welcome at both clinics. It was wonderful meeting new people and learning about new areas. Different states can have very different practices but that does not mean bad. I had some great learning experiences.

TellAFirstTimer

Be very flexible and willing to work. Remember, the company would not be paying the price of a Traveler if they didn't really need help. If you jump in, you will be greatly appreciated. It's nice to bring your own experiences but don't try to shove them down your new co-worker's throats.

Name: Cindy
ResidentState: Fl
Specialty: Dialysis
MoneyImportance: 2
BenefitsImportance: 2
LocationImportance: 3
RecuirterImportance: 1
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany: Was with Foundation. No longer traveling.
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: No
NonFriendlyHospital: No
Favoritecity: Two assignments in Middle TN, both great!
LeastFavoriteCity:
Date: 21 Jan 2010
Time: 18:03:34

FirstTravelNurseExperience

I was made to feel very welcome at both clinics. It was wonderful meeting new people and learning about new areas. Different states can have very different practices but that does not mean bad. I had some great learning experiences.

TellAFirstTimer

Be very flexible and willing to work. Remember, the company would not be paying the price of a Traveler if they didn't really need help. If you jump in, you will be greatly appreciated. It's nice to bring your own experiences but don't try to shove them down your new co-worker's throats.

Name: Erin
ResidentState: California/Minnesota
Specialty: Telemetry
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 2
RecuirterImportance: 3
Housing: Give Me The $$MONEY$$
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany: Valley Health Care Systems
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: MSN/Intelistaf, felt hung out to dry after recruited.
NonFriendlyHospital: Yes. Kaiser Oakland's nurses are nice, ok. But managers are powerless, idiotic bufoons.
Favoritecity: Santa Rosa, CA
LeastFavoriteCity: Sonoma, CA
Date: 19 Feb 2010
Time: 03:06:38

FirstTravelNurseExperience

Sonoma Valley Hospital with MSN/Intelistaf sucked. Nurse Supervisor took 30 mins to meet me, I couldn't go to the floor because no one knew which floor to send me. Then I'd get 13 SNF patients, the other nurse 11. Expected to run, no training, I know it was Per Diem, but never had any orientation even to the hospital layout. I told my recruiter/scheduler my issues and didn't get any advice, sympathy. I hate MSN. When I moved, a MSN called me, and they had gone ahead and spoken with my old manager (who I never stated as my reference), and they didn't glow for me. So MSN got a bad first impression. I

TellAFirstTimer

Traveling takes guts. Don't be shy about stating what you will and won't do. Be firm about your expectations and requirements with the recruiter. Demand to be treated well! They forget that we are their bread and butter, if we work, they earn too. Also, realize if the situation sucks, GET OUT. There're plenty of traveling companies out there, you're not stuck in a hopeless situation. Have your nurse co-workers vouch as references for you. Finally, traveling can be fun, be a tourist, meet new nice people!

Name: Erin
ResidentState: California/Minnesota
Specialty: Telemetry
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 2
RecuirterImportance: 3
Housing: Give Me The $$MONEY$$
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany: Valley Health Care Systems
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: MSN/Intelistaf, felt hung out to dry after recruited.
NonFriendlyHospital: Yes. Kaiser Oakland's nurses are nice, ok. But managers are powerless, idiotic bufoons.
Favoritecity: Santa Rosa, CA
LeastFavoriteCity: Sonoma, CA
Date: 19 Feb 2010
Time: 03:06:55

FirstTravelNurseExperience

Sonoma Valley Hospital with MSN/Intelistaf sucked. Nurse Supervisor took 30 mins to meet me, I couldn't go to the floor because no one knew which floor to send me. Then I'd get 13 SNF patients, the other nurse 11. Expected to run, no training, I know it was Per Diem, but never had any orientation even to the hospital layout. I told my recruiter/scheduler my issues and didn't get any advice, sympathy. I hate MSN. When I moved, a MSN called me, and they had gone ahead and spoken with my old manager (who I never stated as my reference), and they didn't glow for me. So MSN got a bad first impression. I

TellAFirstTimer

Traveling takes guts. Don't be shy about stating what you will and won't do. Be firm about your expectations and requirements with the recruiter. Demand to be treated well! They forget that we are their bread and butter, if we work, they earn too. Also, realize if the situation sucks, GET OUT. There're plenty of traveling companies out there, you're not stuck in a hopeless situation. Have your nurse co-workers vouch as references for you. Finally, traveling can be fun, be a tourist, meet new nice people!

Name: Tina
ResidentState: GA
Specialty: ER
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 3
RecuirterImportance: 2
Housing: Give Me The $$MONEY$$
TravelingYears: 1-2 years
NOWTravelCompany: Nightingale
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: Nightingale
NonFriendlyHospital: Florida Hospital Waterman
Favoritecity: Kings Mountain, NC
LeastFavoriteCity: Bakersfield, CA
Date: 24 Feb 2010
Time: 14:03:24

FirstTravelNurseExperience

My first travel experience was the best experience at a hospital I have ever had. The nurse manager in the ER and all of the staff in the ER were the best group of people I have ever had the pleasure to work with. If I had to place a picture next to the definition of a traveler friendly staff, it would be the group in the ER at Kings Mountain hospital in NC. I love you guys!!!

TellAFirstTimer

Please research not only the travel companies that you are considering, but also the hospitals where you are considering an assignment. Also remember, sometimes recruiters equate " traveler friendly" with a hospital that has a large number of travelers and agency nurses in their departments. The ONLY thing a large number of nonstaff personnel definitely means is, for whatever reason, that particular hospital/department cannot recruit and maintain their own staff. Read the travel nurse forums, ask your travel nurse friends, interview other nurses who have worked at a particular facility as a traveler. DO YOUR HOMEWORK! As a sidenote, I would like to say that although I listed Florida Hospital Waterman as my own personal disaster hospital, the staff I work with are a great bunch of people. It is the hospital in general I think are less than an optimal assignment.

Name: Fania
ResidentState: Canada
Specialty: Operating Room
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: Two Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 10+ years...
NOWTravelCompany: AMN
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: Travcorps
NonFriendlyHospital: Tacoma General,Tacoma Wa: Mercy hospital,Redding Ca: St Luke's Hospital,Phoenix AZ
Favoritecity: Seattle,Wa: Salem,OR
LeastFavoriteCity: Tacoma,WA, Redding CA
Date: 08 Jun 2010
Time: 10:38:06

FirstTravelNurseExperience

My First travel assignment was in St Luke's Hospital, Phopenix AZ.It is located at the wrong end of the city.There were hookers hanging out in the streets close to the hospital. The OR staff were friendly and awesome but the OR did not have enough Sterile instruments to work with. you have to flash 95% of your instruments including all total joint instruments and open hearts instruments before doing a case. My housing was a one bedroom and travcorps made me pay $250.00 a month. The first time it rained, the roof leaked. The second time it rained the roof caved in. It was a ghettto housing.

TellAFirstTimer

Do your research of the area where you are going. Check travellers blog in Delphi forum. Do not sign your contract until you research your housing. Make sure what you and your recruiter agreed are all in writing. If it Is not in the contract, just add them before signing. Go with your got feeling recruiter- wise. There's a lot of recruiters out there but there's only a few good ones. Good luck.

Name: Fania
ResidentState: Canada
Specialty: Operating Room
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: Two Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 10+ years...
NOWTravelCompany: AMN
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: Travcorps
NonFriendlyHospital: Tacoma General,Tacoma Wa: Mercy hospital,Redding Ca: St Luke's Hospital,Phoenix AZ
Favoritecity: Seattle,Wa: Salem,OR
LeastFavoriteCity: Tacoma,WA, Redding CA
Date: 08 Jun 2010
Time: 10:38:37

FirstTravelNurseExperience

My First travel assignment was in St Luke's Hospital, Phopenix AZ.It is located at the wrong end of the city.There were hookers hanging out in the streets close to the hospital. The OR staff were friendly and awesome but the OR did not have enough Sterile instruments to work with. you have to flash 95% of your instruments including all total joint instruments and open hearts instruments before doing a case. My housing was a one bedroom and travcorps made me pay $250.00 a month. The first time it rained, the roof leaked. The second time it rained the roof caved in. It was a ghettto housing.

TellAFirstTimer

Do your research of the area where you are going. Check travellers blog in Delphi forum. Do not sign your contract until you research your housing. Make sure what you and your recruiter agreed are all in writing. If it Is not in the contract, just add them before signing. Go with your got feeling recruiter- wise. There's a lot of recruiters out there but there's only a few good ones. Good luck.

Name: Fania
ResidentState: Canada
Specialty: Operating Room
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: Two Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 10+ years...
NOWTravelCompany: AMN
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: Travcorps
NonFriendlyHospital: Tacoma General,Tacoma Wa: Mercy hospital,Redding Ca: St Luke's Hospital,Phoenix AZ
Favoritecity: Seattle,Wa: Salem,OR
LeastFavoriteCity: Tacoma,WA, Redding CA
Date: 08 Jun 2010
Time: 10:38:40

FirstTravelNurseExperience

My First travel assignment was in St Luke's Hospital, Phopenix AZ.It is located at the wrong end of the city.There were hookers hanging out in the streets close to the hospital. The OR staff were friendly and awesome but the OR did not have enough Sterile instruments to work with. you have to flash 95% of your instruments including all total joint instruments and open hearts instruments before doing a case. My housing was a one bedroom and travcorps made me pay $250.00 a month. The first time it rained, the roof leaked. The second time it rained the roof caved in. It was a ghettto housing.

TellAFirstTimer

Do your research of the area where you are going. Check travellers blog in Delphi forum. Do not sign your contract until you research your housing. Make sure what you and your recruiter agreed are all in writing. If it Is not in the contract, just add them before signing. Go with your got feeling recruiter- wise. There's a lot of recruiters out there but there's only a few good ones. Good luck.

Name: Fania
ResidentState: Canada
Specialty: Operating Room
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: Two Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 10+ years...
NOWTravelCompany: AMN
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: Travcorps
NonFriendlyHospital: Tacoma General,Tacoma Wa: Mercy hospital,Redding Ca: St Luke's Hospital,Phoenix AZ
Favoritecity: Seattle,Wa: Salem,OR
LeastFavoriteCity: Tacoma,WA, Redding CA
Date: 08 Jun 2010
Time: 10:38:43

FirstTravelNurseExperience

My First travel assignment was in St Luke's Hospital, Phopenix AZ.It is located at the wrong end of the city.There were hookers hanging out in the streets close to the hospital. The OR staff were friendly and awesome but the OR did not have enough Sterile instruments to work with. you have to flash 95% of your instruments including all total joint instruments and open hearts instruments before doing a case. My housing was a one bedroom and travcorps made me pay $250.00 a month. The first time it rained, the roof leaked. The second time it rained the roof caved in. It was a ghettto housing.

TellAFirstTimer

Do your research of the area where you are going. Check travellers blog in Delphi forum. Do not sign your contract until you research your housing. Make sure what you and your recruiter agreed are all in writing. If it Is not in the contract, just add them before signing. Go with your got feeling recruiter- wise. There's a lot of recruiters out there but there's only a few good ones. Good luck.

Name: Fania
ResidentState: Canada
Specialty: Operating Room
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: Two Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 10+ years...
NOWTravelCompany: AMN
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: Travcorps
NonFriendlyHospital: Tacoma General,Tacoma Wa: Mercy hospital,Redding Ca: St Luke's Hospital,Phoenix AZ
Favoritecity: Seattle,Wa: Salem,OR
LeastFavoriteCity: Tacoma,WA, Redding CA
Date: 08 Jun 2010
Time: 10:38:46

FirstTravelNurseExperience

My First travel assignment was in St Luke's Hospital, Phopenix AZ.It is located at the wrong end of the city.There were hookers hanging out in the streets close to the hospital. The OR staff were friendly and awesome but the OR did not have enough Sterile instruments to work with. you have to flash 95% of your instruments including all total joint instruments and open hearts instruments before doing a case. My housing was a one bedroom and travcorps made me pay $250.00 a month. The first time it rained, the roof leaked. The second time it rained the roof caved in. It was a ghettto housing.

TellAFirstTimer

Do your research of the area where you are going. Check travellers blog in Delphi forum. Do not sign your contract until you research your housing. Make sure what you and your recruiter agreed are all in writing. If it Is not in the contract, just add them before signing. Go with your got feeling recruiter- wise. There's a lot of recruiters out there but there's only a few good ones. Good luck.

Name: Fania
ResidentState: Canada
Specialty: Operating Room
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: Two Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 10+ years...
NOWTravelCompany: AMN
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: Travcorps
NonFriendlyHospital: Tacoma General,Tacoma Wa: Mercy hospital,Redding Ca: St Luke's Hospital,Phoenix AZ
Favoritecity: Seattle,Wa: Salem,OR
LeastFavoriteCity: Tacoma,WA, Redding CA
Date: 08 Jun 2010
Time: 10:38:48

FirstTravelNurseExperience

My First travel assignment was in St Luke's Hospital, Phopenix AZ.It is located at the wrong end of the city.There were hookers hanging out in the streets close to the hospital. The OR staff were friendly and awesome but the OR did not have enough Sterile instruments to work with. you have to flash 95% of your instruments including all total joint instruments and open hearts instruments before doing a case. My housing was a one bedroom and travcorps made me pay $250.00 a month. The first time it rained, the roof leaked. The second time it rained the roof caved in. It was a ghettto housing.

TellAFirstTimer

Do your research of the area where you are going. Check travellers blog in Delphi forum. Do not sign your contract until you research your housing. Make sure what you and your recruiter agreed are all in writing. If it Is not in the contract, just add them before signing. Go with your got feeling recruiter- wise. There's a lot of recruiters out there but there's only a few good ones. Good luck.

Name: Fania
ResidentState: Canada
Specialty: Operating Room
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: Two Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 10+ years...
NOWTravelCompany: AMN
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: Travcorps
NonFriendlyHospital: Tacoma General,Tacoma Wa: Mercy hospital,Redding Ca: St Luke's Hospital,Phoenix AZ
Favoritecity: Seattle,Wa: Salem,OR
LeastFavoriteCity: Tacoma,WA, Redding CA
Date: 08 Jun 2010
Time: 10:38:52

FirstTravelNurseExperience

My First travel assignment was in St Luke's Hospital, Phopenix AZ.It is located at the wrong end of the city.There were hookers hanging out in the streets close to the hospital. The OR staff were friendly and awesome but the OR did not have enough Sterile instruments to work with. you have to flash 95% of your instruments including all total joint instruments and open hearts instruments before doing a case. My housing was a one bedroom and travcorps made me pay $250.00 a month. The first time it rained, the roof leaked. The second time it rained the roof caved in. It was a ghettto housing.

TellAFirstTimer

Do your research of the area where you are going. Check travellers blog in Delphi forum. Do not sign your contract until you research your housing. Make sure what you and your recruiter agreed are all in writing. If it Is not in the contract, just add them before signing. Go with your got feeling recruiter- wise. There's a lot of recruiters out there but there's only a few good ones. Good luck.

Name: Fania
ResidentState: Canada
Specialty: Operating Room
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: Two Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 10+ years...
NOWTravelCompany: AMN
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: Travcorps
NonFriendlyHospital: Tacoma General,Tacoma Wa: Mercy hospital,Redding Ca: St Luke's Hospital,Phoenix AZ
Favoritecity: Seattle,Wa: Salem,OR
LeastFavoriteCity: Tacoma,WA, Redding CA
Date: 08 Jun 2010
Time: 10:38:54

FirstTravelNurseExperience

My First travel assignment was in St Luke's Hospital, Phopenix AZ.It is located at the wrong end of the city.There were hookers hanging out in the streets close to the hospital. The OR staff were friendly and awesome but the OR did not have enough Sterile instruments to work with. you have to flash 95% of your instruments including all total joint instruments and open hearts instruments before doing a case. My housing was a one bedroom and travcorps made me pay $250.00 a month. The first time it rained, the roof leaked. The second time it rained the roof caved in. It was a ghettto housing.

TellAFirstTimer

Do your research of the area where you are going. Check travellers blog in Delphi forum. Do not sign your contract until you research your housing. Make sure what you and your recruiter agreed are all in writing. If it Is not in the contract, just add them before signing. Go with your got feeling recruiter- wise. There's a lot of recruiters out there but there's only a few good ones. Good luck.

Name: Fania
ResidentState: Canada
Specialty: Operating Room
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: Two Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 10+ years...
NOWTravelCompany: AMN
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: Travcorps
NonFriendlyHospital: Tacoma General,Tacoma Wa: Mercy hospital,Redding Ca: St Luke's Hospital,Phoenix AZ
Favoritecity: Seattle,Wa: Salem,OR
LeastFavoriteCity: Tacoma,WA, Redding CA
Date: 08 Jun 2010
Time: 10:38:58

FirstTravelNurseExperience

My First travel assignment was in St Luke's Hospital, Phopenix AZ.It is located at the wrong end of the city.There were hookers hanging out in the streets close to the hospital. The OR staff were friendly and awesome but the OR did not have enough Sterile instruments to work with. you have to flash 95% of your instruments including all total joint instruments and open hearts instruments before doing a case. My housing was a one bedroom and travcorps made me pay $250.00 a month. The first time it rained, the roof leaked. The second time it rained the roof caved in. It was a ghettto housing.

TellAFirstTimer

Do your research of the area where you are going. Check travellers blog in Delphi forum. Do not sign your contract until you research your housing. Make sure what you and your recruiter agreed are all in writing. If it Is not in the contract, just add them before signing. Go with your got feeling recruiter- wise. There's a lot of recruiters out there but there's only a few good ones. Good luck.

Name: Fania
ResidentState: Canada
Specialty: Operating Room
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: Two Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 10+ years...
NOWTravelCompany: AMN
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: Travcorps
NonFriendlyHospital: Tacoma General,Tacoma Wa: Mercy hospital,Redding Ca: St Luke's Hospital,Phoenix AZ
Favoritecity: Seattle,Wa: Salem,OR
LeastFavoriteCity: Tacoma,WA, Redding CA
Date: 08 Jun 2010
Time: 10:39:01

FirstTravelNurseExperience

My First travel assignment was in St Luke's Hospital, Phopenix AZ.It is located at the wrong end of the city.There were hookers hanging out in the streets close to the hospital. The OR staff were friendly and awesome but the OR did not have enough Sterile instruments to work with. you have to flash 95% of your instruments including all total joint instruments and open hearts instruments before doing a case. My housing was a one bedroom and travcorps made me pay $250.00 a month. The first time it rained, the roof leaked. The second time it rained the roof caved in. It was a ghettto housing.

TellAFirstTimer

Do your research of the area where you are going. Check travellers blog in Delphi forum. Do not sign your contract until you research your housing. Make sure what you and your recruiter agreed are all in writing. If it Is not in the contract, just add them before signing. Go with your got feeling recruiter- wise. There's a lot of recruiters out there but there's only a few good ones. Good luck.

Name: Fania
ResidentState: Canada
Specialty: Operating Room
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: Two Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 10+ years...
NOWTravelCompany: AMN
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: Travcorps
NonFriendlyHospital: Tacoma General,Tacoma Wa: Mercy hospital,Redding Ca: St Luke's Hospital,Phoenix AZ
Favoritecity: Seattle,Wa: Salem,OR
LeastFavoriteCity: Tacoma,WA, Redding CA
Date: 08 Jun 2010
Time: 10:39:04

FirstTravelNurseExperience

My First travel assignment was in St Luke's Hospital, Phopenix AZ.It is located at the wrong end of the city.There were hookers hanging out in the streets close to the hospital. The OR staff were friendly and awesome but the OR did not have enough Sterile instruments to work with. you have to flash 95% of your instruments including all total joint instruments and open hearts instruments before doing a case. My housing was a one bedroom and travcorps made me pay $250.00 a month. The first time it rained, the roof leaked. The second time it rained the roof caved in. It was a ghettto housing.

TellAFirstTimer

Do your research of the area where you are going. Check travellers blog in Delphi forum. Do not sign your contract until you research your housing. Make sure what you and your recruiter agreed are all in writing. If it Is not in the contract, just add them before signing. Go with your got feeling recruiter- wise. There's a lot of recruiters out there but there's only a few good ones. Good luck.

Name: Fania
ResidentState: Canada
Specialty: Operating Room
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: Two Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 10+ years...
NOWTravelCompany: AMN
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: Travcorps
NonFriendlyHospital: Tacoma General,Tacoma Wa: Mercy hospital,Redding Ca: St Luke's Hospital,Phoenix AZ
Favoritecity: Seattle,Wa: Salem,OR
LeastFavoriteCity: Tacoma,WA, Redding CA
Date: 08 Jun 2010
Time: 10:39:07

FirstTravelNurseExperience

My First travel assignment was in St Luke's Hospital, Phopenix AZ.It is located at the wrong end of the city.There were hookers hanging out in the streets close to the hospital. The OR staff were friendly and awesome but the OR did not have enough Sterile instruments to work with. you have to flash 95% of your instruments including all total joint instruments and open hearts instruments before doing a case. My housing was a one bedroom and travcorps made me pay $250.00 a month. The first time it rained, the roof leaked. The second time it rained the roof caved in. It was a ghettto housing.

TellAFirstTimer

Do your research of the area where you are going. Check travellers blog in Delphi forum. Do not sign your contract until you research your housing. Make sure what you and your recruiter agreed are all in writing. If it Is not in the contract, just add them before signing. Go with your got feeling recruiter- wise. There's a lot of recruiters out there but there's only a few good ones. Good luck.

Name: Fania
ResidentState: Canada
Specialty: Operating Room
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: Two Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 10+ years...
NOWTravelCompany: AMN
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: Travcorps
NonFriendlyHospital: Tacoma General,Tacoma Wa: Mercy hospital,Redding Ca: St Luke's Hospital,Phoenix AZ
Favoritecity: Seattle,Wa: Salem,OR
LeastFavoriteCity: Tacoma,WA, Redding CA
Date: 08 Jun 2010
Time: 10:39:09

FirstTravelNurseExperience

My First travel assignment was in St Luke's Hospital, Phopenix AZ.It is located at the wrong end of the city.There were hookers hanging out in the streets close to the hospital. The OR staff were friendly and awesome but the OR did not have enough Sterile instruments to work with. you have to flash 95% of your instruments including all total joint instruments and open hearts instruments before doing a case. My housing was a one bedroom and travcorps made me pay $250.00 a month. The first time it rained, the roof leaked. The second time it rained the roof caved in. It was a ghettto housing.

TellAFirstTimer

Do your research of the area where you are going. Check travellers blog in Delphi forum. Do not sign your contract until you research your housing. Make sure what you and your recruiter agreed are all in writing. If it Is not in the contract, just add them before signing. Go with your got feeling recruiter- wise. There's a lot of recruiters out there but there's only a few good ones. Good luck.

Name: Fania
ResidentState: Canada
Specialty: Operating Room
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: Two Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 10+ years...
NOWTravelCompany: AMN
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: Travcorps
NonFriendlyHospital: Tacoma General,Tacoma Wa: Mercy hospital,Redding Ca: St Luke's Hospital,Phoenix AZ
Favoritecity: Seattle,Wa: Salem,OR
LeastFavoriteCity: Tacoma,WA, Redding CA
Date: 08 Jun 2010
Time: 10:39:11

FirstTravelNurseExperience

My First travel assignment was in St Luke's Hospital, Phopenix AZ.It is located at the wrong end of the city.There were hookers hanging out in the streets close to the hospital. The OR staff were friendly and awesome but the OR did not have enough Sterile instruments to work with. you have to flash 95% of your instruments including all total joint instruments and open hearts instruments before doing a case. My housing was a one bedroom and travcorps made me pay $250.00 a month. The first time it rained, the roof leaked. The second time it rained the roof caved in. It was a ghettto housing.

TellAFirstTimer

Do your research of the area where you are going. Check travellers blog in Delphi forum. Do not sign your contract until you research your housing. Make sure what you and your recruiter agreed are all in writing. If it Is not in the contract, just add them before signing. Go with your got feeling recruiter- wise. There's a lot of recruiters out there but there's only a few good ones. Good luck.

Name: Fania
ResidentState: Canada
Specialty: Operating Room
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: Two Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 10+ years...
NOWTravelCompany: AMN
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: Travcorps
NonFriendlyHospital: Tacoma General,Tacoma Wa: Mercy hospital,Redding Ca: St Luke's Hospital,Phoenix AZ
Favoritecity: Seattle,Wa: Salem,OR
LeastFavoriteCity: Tacoma,WA, Redding CA
Date: 08 Jun 2010
Time: 10:39:14

FirstTravelNurseExperience

My First travel assignment was in St Luke's Hospital, Phopenix AZ.It is located at the wrong end of the city.There were hookers hanging out in the streets close to the hospital. The OR staff were friendly and awesome but the OR did not have enough Sterile instruments to work with. you have to flash 95% of your instruments including all total joint instruments and open hearts instruments before doing a case. My housing was a one bedroom and travcorps made me pay $250.00 a month. The first time it rained, the roof leaked. The second time it rained the roof caved in. It was a ghettto housing.

TellAFirstTimer

Do your research of the area where you are going. Check travellers blog in Delphi forum. Do not sign your contract until you research your housing. Make sure what you and your recruiter agreed are all in writing. If it Is not in the contract, just add them before signing. Go with your got feeling recruiter- wise. There's a lot of recruiters out there but there's only a few good ones. Good luck.

Name: Fania
ResidentState: Canada
Specialty: Operating Room
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: Two Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 10+ years...
NOWTravelCompany: AMN
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: Travcorps
NonFriendlyHospital: Tacoma General,Tacoma Wa: Mercy hospital,Redding Ca: St Luke's Hospital,Phoenix AZ
Favoritecity: Seattle,Wa: Salem,OR
LeastFavoriteCity: Tacoma,WA, Redding CA
Date: 08 Jun 2010
Time: 10:54:15

FirstTravelNurseExperience

My First travel assignment was in St Luke's Hospital, Phopenix AZ.It is located at the wrong end of the city.There were hookers hanging out in the streets close to the hospital. The OR staff were friendly and awesome but the OR did not have enough Sterile instruments to work with. you have to flash 95% of your instruments including all total joint instruments and open hearts instruments before doing a case. My housing was a one bedroom and travcorps made me pay $250.00 a month. The first time it rained, the roof leaked. The second time it rained the roof caved in. It was a ghettto housing.

TellAFirstTimer

Do your research of the area where you are going. Check travellers blog in Delphi forum. Do not sign your contract until you research your housing. Make sure what you and your recruiter agreed are all in writing. If it Is not in the contract, just add them before signing. Go with your got feeling recruiter- wise. There's a lot of recruiters out there but there's only a few good ones. Good luck.

Name: Shunna
ResidentState: GA
Specialty: Tele
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 2
RecuirterImportance: 3
Housing: Give Me The $$MONEY$$
TravelingYears: 6-10 years
NOWTravelCompany: none
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: none
NonFriendlyHospital:
Favoritecity: california
LeastFavoriteCity:
Date: 14 Jul 2010
Time: 17:08:19

FirstTravelNurseExperience

I went to New Mexico and the job turned out to be great. A special postition was arranged for me, I was the "go where needed" or GWN nurse. I did admissions, started IVs and helped out throughout the hospital.

TellAFirstTimer

Name: Shunna
ResidentState: GA
Specialty: Tele
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 2
RecuirterImportance: 3
Housing: Give Me The $$MONEY$$
TravelingYears: 6-10 years
NOWTravelCompany: none
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: none
NonFriendlyHospital:
Favoritecity: california
LeastFavoriteCity:
Date: 14 Jul 2010
Time: 17:08:43

FirstTravelNurseExperience

I went to New Mexico and the job turned out to be great. A special postition was arranged for me, I was the "go where needed" or GWN nurse. I did admissions, started IVs and helped out throughout the hospital.

TellAFirstTimer

Name: Danielle
ResidentState: Texas
Specialty: Med/Surg/Tele/ICU/Corrections/Case Management/Triage/Psych
MoneyImportance: 4
BenefitsImportance: 3
LocationImportance: 3
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: Give Me The $$MONEY$$
TravelingYears: 6-10 years
NOWTravelCompany: American Mobile Healthcare
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany:
NonFriendlyHospital: Denton State Supported Living Center & Denton Regional Medical Center & Memorial Hermann (Orange, TX)
Favoritecity: Galveston, TX; Palo Alto, CA; Durham, NC
LeastFavoriteCity: Orange, TX, Denton, TX, Dunn, NC
Date: 30 Jul 2010
Time: 03:58:42

FirstTravelNurseExperience

Scary... but then it got better when I switched to a company that really cared and helped coach me through my first travel experience. After that, I was hooked and have been traveling for the past 9 years. When I first took an assignment, I was out of my own country (originally from Canada) and a fairly new nurse of only 2 years, so it was a flood of new emotions and experiences but over the years I grew to love change and thrived on going from place to place... that's what's it all about.

TellAFirstTimer

Find a network of nurses who have common interests with you. Find a recruiter who takes good care of you and helps you find the best opportunities. Research the potential assignments and have a list of pre-made interview questions.

Name: Judi
ResidentState: Michigan
Specialty: Case Management/discharge planning
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 1
RecuirterImportance: 1
Housing: Give Me The $$MONEY$$
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany: Valley Healthcare systems
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany:
NonFriendlyHospital:
Favoritecity: Honolulu, Hi
LeastFavoriteCity:
Date: 27 Sep 2008
Time: 11:20:55

FirstTravelNurseExperience

It was an experience to say the least. Went from Michigan to Honolulu. It was really an adventure but turned into one of the best experiences of my 36 year career. I loved the hospital, the people and the state. It was a great experience although it was difficult to conceptualize "island" resources

TellAFirstTimer

Make sure you ask a lot of questions, like is there a charge for parking for you as a travel nurse. What do I do when I don't know what to do, how can I best be prepared for this assignment

Name: Kathryn
ResidentState: TN
Specialty: ICU
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 2
LocationImportance: 1
RecuirterImportance: 2
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 2-5 years
NOWTravelCompany: Travel Nurse Across America
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany:
NonFriendlyHospital: Del Webb Hospital (Sun City West, AZ) and Sharp Grossmont Hospital (San Diego, Ca) and Nashville General Hospital at Meharry (Nashville, TN)
Favoritecity: Denver, CO
LeastFavoriteCity: Richmond, VA (but only b/c the city...the hospital ROCKS)
Date: 30 Sep 2008
Time: 04:27:53

FirstTravelNurseExperience

FABULOUS!!! I was one of 5 travelers and we had a BALL! It was so exciting being in a big city, and meeting so many different people. Phoenix is a great 1st assignment, there are so many different hospitals, and I haven't heard anything bad about any of them. Great weather, and I was never bored.

TellAFirstTimer

Make sure to ask questions!! Research potential hospitals (patient, and nurse surveys; traveler websites)...most importantly be open-minded when you get there and have a good attitude!!

Name: Denise
ResidentState: California
Specialty: Tele/MS/HH
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 2
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 1
Housing: Two Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 1-2 years
NOWTravelCompany: Emerald Health
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: Emerald
NonFriendlyHospital: French Hospital Medical Center
Favoritecity: Palm Springs
LeastFavoriteCity: San Luis Obispo
Date: 07 Oct 2008
Time: 03:55:26

FirstTravelNurseExperience

My first assignment was in Palm Springs. I enjoyed 95% of my time there. Traveler friendly for the most part but they float the travelers first (which means all of the time). One unit was absolutely horrible to work on ( so I was there all of the time). I really enjoyed floating to ICU and telemetry. The housing was fantastic. Everything was top quality. There was even local travel mags, phone books and local restaurant menus so browse through which helped quite a lot.

TellAFirstTimer

Recruiters lie to you to get you to take their assignment at their hospitals!!!! Bargain with them like you are at an auction because they will always pull another $1 or $2 out of somewhere. Look at the contract. I found a $1000 penalty tagged on if you don't finish the contract for any reason. They did not point it out to me or mention it in any way. Make sure you clarify exactly what the agency is providing in the way of housewares. Aureus provided everything I needed. Emerald has provided nothing. If you are night shift make sure to ask about construction projects going on in and around the housing. No one thinks about this but you can't sleep if they are hammering on your walls and running power saws outside your apartment (like they are mine on a daily basis).

Name: Kim
ResidentState: NY
Specialty: Surg tele
MoneyImportance: 2
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 1
RecuirterImportance: 3
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 6-10 years
NOWTravelCompany: cross country
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: american travler
NonFriendlyHospital: florida hospital altamonte springs florida
Favoritecity: nyc
LeastFavoriteCity: baltimore maryland
Date: 10 Oct 2008
Time: 14:05:09

FirstTravelNurseExperience

I had been a nurse with 10 years experience, but seeking to avoid the politics and pettyness that was omnipresent so chose traveling as a chance to advance my career enrich my tech skills and meet new friends explore the country without the politics. It's a decision I have never regretted from my first travel contract in calif to my current one 32 contracts later I have found travel nursing to be a refreshing alternative to being a staff RN If I like a hosp I always have the option to extend, if not its only 30 or so shifts before its time to move on

TellAFirstTimer

Be open and friendly from day one. Nursing is nursing, but every hospital will do things in their own way. Carry a little notebook and write down codes for doors important phone #'s as lab, kitchen, unit, nursing supervisor. Talk to your coworkers and find out about local restaurants, shopping, sightsseeing opps. Try to network with other travelers to get help on a new unit, they are usually more receptive to questions and are more eager to help

Name: Monica Iemma
ResidentState: Al
Specialty: m/s
MoneyImportance: 2
BenefitsImportance: 1
LocationImportance: 3
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 2-5 years
NOWTravelCompany: TNS
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: yes
NonFriendlyHospital: no
Favoritecity: Birmingham, Alabama
LeastFavoriteCity: none
Date: 23 Oct 2008
Time: 02:50:48

FirstTravelNurseExperience

We headed from Birminham, AL, to Gallup NM. It was a long trip but my husband and I enjoyed it. We were tired when we got into Gallup to our apt. The manager asked us if everything was ok. in apt. We said yes. We didn't notice lock was broken on front door. When we did, she had left town and we were unable to get it fixed. Later that night our apt was broken into and I was attacked with my husband sleeping next to me!!!...It was my first travel assign and our first night and what a horrible nightmare. The co I was with said I couldn't break contract. My parents encouraged me to stay because I had felt this job was a ministry to the Native Americans...The police caught him, we pressed charges, I got counseling...I stayed and met the most amazing people I have ever met...The Navajo people had great faith and I learned that because "one" had acted wrongly not all were bad...You see they ended up ministering to me.!

TellAFirstTimer

Be sure to have your insurance in place and make sure you are with a reputable company. My first recruiter said they had 200 people in their co. when I found out too late there were 10....do your homework. God bless and Good LUCK. Ps. I love traveling and meeting so many different kind of people.

Name: MK
ResidentState: AZ
Specialty: RN
MoneyImportance: 4
BenefitsImportance: 3
LocationImportance: 1
RecuirterImportance: 2
Housing: I'll Take The Stipend & RV It
TravelingYears: 2-5 years
NOWTravelCompany: American Mobile Healthcare
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: American Mobile Healthcare
NonFriendlyHospital: No
Favoritecity: Rawlins, WY
LeastFavoriteCity: Rawlins, WY
Date: 24 Oct 2008
Time: 18:09:12

FirstTravelNurseExperience

O.K.

TellAFirstTimer

STAY AWAY from American Mobile Healthcare... It is a nightmare of unbelievable proportions. I am only writing today to save the next Nurse all of the grief I have experienced. I have been lied to, decieved, manipulated, ignored, jerked around, insulted, AND, the final straw, today, they failed to deposit thousands of paychecks for Nurses Nationwide, and are making excuses for when we might expect to get paid for the work we've already done, maybe next week I will eat and feed my family? Before you dismiss this as just an opinion, please know my record and references are impeccable and I've never had a complaint against me, OR, a bad travel experience until I made the poor choice of going with this company. Please, reconsider, for your own sanity. As for mine, I am soured on traveling for good, after the nightmare they have put me through. There are lots of good companies out there, but AMN is not one of them. Beware that they hide behind a dozen other names! But it is all American Mobile Nightmare!

Name: JH
ResidentState: OHIO
Specialty: LD
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 2
LocationImportance: 1
RecuirterImportance: 1
Housing: Two Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 1-2 years
NOWTravelCompany: Talemed
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: None
NonFriendlyHospital: Nope
Favoritecity: Frisco, Colorado...  hospital is awesome.
LeastFavoriteCity: NONE
Date: 02 Nov 2008
Time: 05:03:21

FirstTravelNurseExperience

We had a million dollar 5 bedroom - 3 bath house with a hot tub on at the base of Peak 9 in Breckinridge, CO....  The housing was great!  And all paid for by the company ...  and we had a dog.  The hospital was like going to a Marriot staff was great.  Of course the area was beautiful, but at an altitude, brand new, and they staff was great of course the area was beautiful, but at an altitude of over 10,000ft you need to get acclimated to the low oxygen.  It truly was God's country.

TellAFirstTimer

Like your recruiter, they are your best friend on the road.  Be positive and friendly on the job, and be open to many ways of doing one thing, and adaptable to their way of doing it.  Enjoy your time off exploring...  it is a great experience...  a wonderful life!!

Name: Deborah
ResidentState: Mississippi
Specialty: ER
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 2
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 1
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany: Advantage RN
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: no
NonFriendlyHospital: no
Favoritecity: payson, az. and houma, la.
LeastFavoriteCity: haven't had a least favorite
Date: 04 Nov 2008
Time: 02:28:38

FirstTravelNurseExperience

Well, my first travel experience was with Travel Nurse Solutions. I went to Houma, La. and worked in the ER there. It was a WONDERFUL experience. They're very traveler friendly. I'm planning on going back to Houma again. I made some great friends while I was there. Susan was my recruiter with TNS. She took wonderful care of everything. I knew well in advance where I'd be living which made it alot easier when preparing to leave. I never had a problem while I was there. Everyone that I spoke with at TNS was always very helpful. I'd recommend them to anyone. I plan on doing some more assignments with them. They're the best....

TellAFirstTimer

Make sure you and your recruiter are on the same page. Don't let them rush you. Stand up for what you want and need. You're leaving your home and you need to know that you have someone backing you up if you need help with anything.

Name: Alicia
ResidentState: Ohio
Specialty: L&D
MoneyImportance: 2
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 1
RecuirterImportance: 3
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany: Intelistaf
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: no
NonFriendlyHospital: no
Favoritecity: Presque Isle, Maine
LeastFavoriteCity: Baltimore, MD
Date: 04 Nov 2008
Time: 21:26:42

FirstTravelNurseExperience

Was working ICU in gorgeous surroundings with lots of friendly nurses from Maine and Canada. Saw my first moose in the wilds! Took the time to explore the accents/cultures/foods in much of Maine as well as parts of Canada (esp. Cape Breton, PEI, Quebec).

TellAFirstTimer

Ask co-workers to recommend their favorite places where they like to eat or take their families to visit. These are often overlooked in the tourist brochures.

Name: BJ
ResidentState: FL
Specialty: M/S,Tele,Onc
MoneyImportance: 2
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 1
RecuirterImportance: 3
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 6-10 years
NOWTravelCompany: Bridge Staffing
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: Not completely
NonFriendlyHospital: Roper Hospital, Charleston, SC-certain units
Favoritecity: Actually, loved several. Honolulu, Seattle, New Orleans, NYC
LeastFavoriteCity: Charleston, SC- thought it smelled bad and streets were dirty.
Date: 17 Nov 2008
Time: 20:19:08

FirstTravelNurseExperience

I think it was 1998, lol. I reviewed 30 different companies-comparing about 20 different things from recruiter interaction to benifits and narrowed it down to 4 companies and then Cross Country offered best final deal. It was Boca Community Hospital in Boca Raton, FL. An Orthopaedic unit. 7-8pts. Was busy, but considering the hospital I left the load could be 10 on a day shift, And I was doing some nights where I was charge nurse for 55 bed unit, secretary, and had 12 patients. Back to Boca, the staff were good to work with and treated you like part of the team, did float a few times, only unfriendly floor was 2nd-Surgial-medical unit. But, I did do another assignment there several years later and 2nd was better(different staff). I think it was still paper charting. Housing was brand new, lots of amenities. Overall, a pretty good first assignment. The recruiter I was working w/ didn't work out but was replaced w/ an awesome one.

TellAFirstTimer

Really question the managers of the hospital units you interview with. You can get them to tell you the ratios and I can tell that for the last 7 years & at least 15 states of travelling w/ the exception of most FL jobs, the ratio has been 1 to 5-6 on nights on the M/S units. And if you like what a company has to offer but have "issues" w/ your recruiter, call and ask for another one, ask other travelers for names of recruiters that they work w/ or have heard that are good. A great recruiter can make all the difference.  They will go to bat for you and get you better offers esp if you show another company is offering something you want, they can get it for you or something close. It's work but shop for the best deals. It's easier now that there are sites where you can apply to multiple companies w/ one application. Make them compete to give you the best offer.

Name: faye
ResidentState: Tenn
Specialty: ICU
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 2
LocationImportance: 1
RecuirterImportance: 2
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany: roadtripnursing.
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: no comment at this time
NonFriendlyHospital: no
Favoritecity: Tucson AZ
LeastFavoriteCity: n/a
Date: 26 Nov 2008
Time: 21:32:53

FirstTravelNurseExperience

exciting. the hospital made sure I felt comfortable and answered any questions i had. the core staff was friendly to work with. if all travel jobs are like my experience in Tucson it will be great to be a travel RN

TellAFirstTimer

dont get frustrated. it works out

Name: Kassandra Ellison
ResidentState: Michigan
Specialty: NICU
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 1
LocationImportance: 2
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 2-5 years
NOWTravelCompany: Aureus
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: no
NonFriendlyHospital: Doctors Hospital of Renaissance
Favoritecity: Milwaukee
LeastFavoriteCity: Grand Rapids
Date: 29 Nov 2008
Time: 15:44:38

FirstTravelNurseExperience

It was actually good. Didn't know what to expect but the nurses were friendly, the director was accessible and I really like the area. Lots of things to see and so.

TellAFirstTimer

Read your contract carefully. I didn't realize that the hospital could cancel my contract before the end date. Get things in writing if there are any issues regarding your job. Have specific questions written down regarding the assignment like where you will be floated to,etc.

Name: Dan
ResidentState: NC
Specialty: PCU/Tele/M/S
MoneyImportance: 4
BenefitsImportance: 3
LocationImportance: 2
RecuirterImportance: 1
Housing: Give Me The $$MONEY$$
TravelingYears: 2-5 years
NOWTravelCompany: NONE
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: Not Really
NonFriendlyHospital: LORD YES!--John Randolph, Hopewell, VA, Anne Arundel, Annapolis, MD, Raleigh, NC Duke Ortho, Rowan Regional, Salisbury, NC, PCU/PCTU side
Favoritecity: Toss Up---Greensboro, NC and Beaufort, SC
LeastFavoriteCity: Toss Up---Annapolis, MD, Hopewell, VA
Date: 18 Jan 2009
Time: 14:24:38

FirstTravelNurseExperience

Stayed almost entire year at Rowan Regional, Salisbury, NC on the Women's & Peds, M/S side, Staff/Mgrs. were great----STAY AWAY FROM PCU/PCTU Side!!!

TellAFirstTimer

Traveling is a "mine field"!!! Sorry, but it is true. You never really know what you are putting your foot into. You will be lied too in many instances just to get you there and then you will be treated like c#%p. If you do not constantly apologize for your shortcomings---some staff/mgrs. love to berate you for not knowing what they do, having been there for years---, give up your dignity, and always bow your head and accept criticism (most of it unfounded) your contract will be called and you will be left looking like it's all your fault. I love nursing, it is truly a calling in which you can achieve great satisfaction, but it still practices "cannibalism" in many places. So, look at all the other names on this board of places to avoid and don't allow anyone to talk you into going there for love, or $$$. Have the person you interview with send you an email of what they agreed to during your phone discussion. Make sure they put their name at the bottom! Down load it and take it with you. If they will not do that---YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

Name: Lane
ResidentState: NC
Specialty: ER/Med-surg/ICU/Tele
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 1
RecuirterImportance: 1
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany: Trinity
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: No
NonFriendlyHospital: No
Favoritecity: Nothing amazing...Yet!
LeastFavoriteCity: none and hopefully won't have one
Date: 07 Feb 2009
Time: 17:37:57

FirstTravelNurseExperience

First assignment was in Newberry, SC (just outside or Columbia) in the ED. Beautiful small town, very friendly staff-thankful for the help. Made many friends and still stay in contact with them. Schedule worked out so I worked 4 days off 1 worked 2, then off for 7 days. Took the housing $$ and stayed in weekly rental hotel. Was able to come home for my 7 days off and worked extra at local hospital. All in all I had a great first assignment.

TellAFirstTimer

Read, Read, Read your contact. Make sure you get EVERYTHING in writing. Interview with the dept. manager (if possible). Investigate many different travel companies. Get the opinion of other travelers. Don't make a "snap" decision. You might end up with a miserable 13 week assignment. Most of all ENJOY yourself. Make friends and explore the area you are in.

Name: Theresa
ResidentState: AL
Specialty: ER
MoneyImportance: 2
BenefitsImportance: 3
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 1
Housing: Suite Is Fine
TravelingYears: 6-10 years
NOWTravelCompany: Trustaff
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: Trustaff
NonFriendlyHospital: WARMC Bullhead City AZ
Favoritecity: North Platte NE
LeastFavoriteCity: King City CA
Date: 19 Mar 2009
Time: 15:09:47

FirstTravelNurseExperience

My first experience was in N Platte NE. The people were wonderful and the job was great. The town is small but the job makes up for the boredom.

TellAFirstTimer

Never travel to WARMC in Bullhead City AZ. The staff hates travelers. Our contracts were cancelled and the company Trustaff left us to figure out how to get home, for me it was a three day drive. I lost money during the assignment. They do not pat travel pay and I still have not received my bonus for recruiting a new nurse for them. I am sorry i was part of bringing my friend to Trustaff.

Name: Nancy
ResidentState: Texas
Specialty: M/S and Tele
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 3
LocationImportance: 2
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: Give Me The $$MONEY$$
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany: Emerald Health Services
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: Emerald Health Services
NonFriendlyHospital: NO they have all been great so far
Favoritecity: Houston
LeastFavoriteCity: Orlando
Date: 26 Mar 2009
Time: 16:18:08

FirstTravelNurseExperience

I went to work for Emerald Health Services and all went well at first. They found me a great job and if I needed anything or had a question they called back quickly. Since the slow down when I extended the last time, they stopped giving a extension bonuses without notice. My recruiter was let go and the new one never returned my calls. Even the people who he worked for never returned calls. The few times they did call they treated me like a number and stated that I was lucky I had a job. When I finished the contract they never finished paying me my stipend. They still don't return my calls. I would not recommend them to anyone. They have started treating nurses as numbers instead of their bread and butter. Stay away from Emerald Health Services. As they told me their are lots of nurses looking for a job. Well there are lots of Travel Nursing companies looking for good nurses too.

TellAFirstTimer

Enjoy the fun. Not all companies treat their nurses bad. The travel experience is great just ask around to see what companies treat their nurses good. This is a great site for that.

Name: Heidi Howard
ResidentState: Florida
Specialty: Intermediate, Telemetry Care
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 1
LocationImportance: 1
RecuirterImportance: 1
Housing: I'll Take The Stipend & RV It
TravelingYears: 6-10 years
NOWTravelCompany: In between Companies
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: Yes
NonFriendlyHospital: Yes
Favoritecity: Naples, Florida
LeastFavoriteCity: Delray Beach, Florida
Date: 12 May 2009
Time: 14:39:02

FirstTravelNurseExperience

It was a great assignment and in SC in the woods and had great southern hospitality.

TellAFirstTimer

Traveler be ware of the companies that charge for housing and do not tell you in the end about deposits and made up things and take your pay

Name: Karla
ResidentState: FL
Specialty: Tele
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 2
RecuirterImportance: 1
Housing: I'll Take The Stipend & RV It
TravelingYears: 10+ years...
NOWTravelCompany: Nurses Rx
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: Cross Country
NonFriendlyHospital: Virginia Mason, WA
Favoritecity: San Luis Obispo, CA
LeastFavoriteCity: Easton, PA
Date: 30 May 2009
Time: 01:46:17

FirstTravelNurseExperience

We worked at a tiny hospital in Lewiston, Maine. It was a wonderful summer. The people we worked with always asked us what we did on our days off because they had never done/eaten/seen some of the things that we did. It was a cultural experience because some of the elderly patients spoke French, not English. We saw whales, hot air balloons, and moose, and ate at a little lobsta shack at least once a week. We've been trying to do an assignment in Maine ever since, but I think that we let the word out because there is rarely an open assignment up there.

TellAFirstTimer

We are not there to change how things are done at that hospital. We are there to fill a need, so don't always say "I think that it should be done this way." Enjoy the area and getting to know the staff where you're working. I've made some long-term friends on the road.

Name: Christie
ResidentState: IA
Specialty: ICU
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 1
LocationImportance: 1
RecuirterImportance: 2
Housing: Give Me The $$MONEY$$
TravelingYears: 1-2 years
NOWTravelCompany: none
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: NurseChoice
NonFriendlyHospital: Providence Alaska in Anchorage
Favoritecity: Bremerton, WA
LeastFavoriteCity: Anchorage, AK
Date: 27 Aug 2009
Time: 17:31:50

FirstTravelNurseExperience

First experience was great. It was will World Health (before they became Travel Nurse Solutions). I never had a problem with them, always got paid on time and in full. The hospital Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton was a good fit. Although the director made it sound like I would be taking care of their hearts... it never happened because there was a b#@*! of a NP who felt that because I was a traveler I couldn't possible know how to take care of hearts (post-CABG) even though I had almost 6 yrs of experience at that point. But after that I got to be on the cool side (the unit is split) with some great people and enjoyed my assignment.

TellAFirstTimer

Be flexible, confident without being a know it all and respectful of those who have been there long before you. NurseChoice is good for one thing... money.. assuming you get paid for all the hours you worked. They were deceitful, manipulative and generally didnt seem to give a darn about me. And yes, I was one of those people working nights who was put up in a extended stay where there was construction going on outside my window. Needless to say I took the stipend and found my own housing. Providence Alaska ICU was an unfriendly place to work. People were just crabby, non-caring, not interested in helping you. The travelers were more friendly that the permanent staff.

Name: Bonnie
ResidentState: TN
Specialty: Tele
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 2
LocationImportance: 3
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: Two Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 6-10 years
NOWTravelCompany: Clinical One
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: No
NonFriendlyHospital: Washinton Hospital Central
Favoritecity: Tucson, AZ
LeastFavoriteCity: Washington, DC
Date: 29 Nov 2009
Time: 10:49:35

FirstTravelNurseExperience

Loved it. It is exciting to find out your new digs and what is available in the area. The hospital was traveler friendly so made the transition easy and I finally like the fact that no matter what was awful here I only had 13 weeks to deal with it.

TellAFirstTimer

PACK LIGHT...Washing machines are available.. Goodwill and other stores are available to buy that odd item to bake or cook with that you only use once..  the more you pack the more you carry in/out of apartment.. Don't forget the camera, join with other travel nurses and get out Remember you are a guest in the hospital and act accordingly...a guest does not try to rearrange things to suit his/herself, a guest accepts what is offered. Smile, Smile, Smile anyone can tolerate anything for 13 weeks...  unless you license is threatened - then get out.

Nursing Stories - Page 2