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Name: Gloria
ResidentState: Florida
Specialty: ER
MoneyImportance: 2
BenefitsImportance: 3
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 1
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 6-10 years
NOWTravelCompany: Nationwide Nurses
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: Yes
NonFriendlyHospital: Not as of yet
Favoritecity: Arizona or South Western Region
LeastFavoriteCity: Nebraska
Date: 13 Feb 2008
Time: 11:05:33
FirstTravelNurseExperience
I had my first travel experience with Nationwide Nurses and I will have my last until I retire that is. I did try two other travel companies in between assignments not because I was not happy with Nationwide but because I really wanted a state they did not have much in and OH MAN what a mistake. I wont name any names but the travel experience was horrible, both other companies actually! I went back to Nationwide Nurses and it has been smooth sailing. My recruiter is Awesome! She calls me back if I ever need her and most of the time can get right through to her. The housing is the best and I even take my dogs! TellAFirstTimerBe honest and open with what you want, ask questions and be sure to tell your agency any worries or concerns you have.
Name: Michele
ResidentState: Ok
Specialty: ICU/CCU
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 2
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 3
Housing: Two Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 2-5 years
NOWTravelCompany: Medical Express
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: Premier Healthcare Professionals (PHP)
NonFriendlyHospital: NEVER go to Hopewell, VA
Favoritecity: Tucson, AZ
LeastFavoriteCity: Oakland, CA
Date: 13 Feb 2008
Time: 23:41:46
FirstTravelNurseExperience
My recruiter was wonderful! It was a challenge for me to leave my home and live on the road. If asked to do it again, I would in a heartbeat! TellAFirstTimer
Listen to seasoned travelers...they have the experience on how to deal with companies, situations, and a lousy travel job. If you are not flexible and are not able to pick up new things quickly, it's not time yet for you. Always hook up with other travelers to hang out with when you're in a new city/town.
Name: Jesse
ResidentState: IL
Specialty: ER
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 2
LocationImportance: 3
RecuirterImportance: 3
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 1-2 years
NOWTravelCompany: Cross Country/ Providence Health Care
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: not really company's fault
NonFriendlyHospital: LOVELACE in NM
Favoritecity: Medford, OR hospital- to live in Dover, NH, Asheville, NC, Tucson, AZ, Indi
LeastFavoriteCity: There has been things to like in every city
Date: 27 Feb 2008
Time: 02:41:49
FirstTravelNurseExperience
Medford, OR was the first. It was a great place to start out. Hospital was good... Oregon was great... Medford doesn't have much going on, but it's a great location as a home base to explore. TellAFirstTimer
Do not base your decision on the pay... sometimes it's not worth the problems you run into while working there.
Name: Gay
ResidentState: Louisiana
Specialty: PACU
MoneyImportance: 2
BenefitsImportance: 3
LocationImportance: 1
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 2-5 years
NOWTravelCompany: CrossCountry Travcorps
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: no
NonFriendlyHospital: none
Favoritecity: Albuquerque NM
LeastFavoriteCity: none
Date: 29 Feb 2008
Time: 21:25:59
FirstTravelNurseExperience
My first assignment was at Memorial in Modesto,Ca. Everyone was very friendly. They were especially sweet since I had just been through Katrina. The job was easy compared to the work to my pre travel job. TellAFirstTimer
Go in with a good attitude. Be happy. It makes the staff feel good and they respond in a friendly manner. You also get good evaluations when they like you. Just don't sweat the small stuff. Although I think that this is easier said since I work PACU. You would never have more than two pts at a time in any reputable hospital. I think that other units could be much more difficult to travel to.
Name: Charlotte
ResidentState: Texas
Specialty: M/S, Pulmonary
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 1
LocationImportance: 1
RecuirterImportance: 1
Housing: Give Me The $$MONEY$$
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany: Paragon Medical Staffing
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: Independent Nurse Consultants, Inc.
NonFriendlyHospital: no
Favoritecity: winslow arizona
LeastFavoriteCity: none
Date: 02 Mar 2008
Time: 19:34:59
FirstTravelNurseExperience
My first travel experience was great. I worked with the Native American population in Arizona on a research project. TellAFirstTimer
Always have your contract 48 hrs before you are departing for your assignment. Make sure everything they said they would do and offer is in
writing. Be flexible and do not get into the politics. Always know your options if you sign for more than 13 weeks and cannot finish.
Name: Emily
ResidentState: Michigan
Specialty: Labor and Delivery
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 3
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 2
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 1-2 years
NOWTravelCompany: Novapro
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: No, only been with one company
NonFriendlyHospital: No
Favoritecity: Denver Colorado
LeastFavoriteCity: Reno Nevada
Date: 31 Mar 2008
Time: 16:24:02
FirstTravelNurseExperience
My first travel experience was in Denver at Exempla Lutheran. This was a great hospital and very friendly to travelers. My experience in Reno Nevada....well lets just say I probably would not have chosen this hospital had I interviewed with the actual unit instead of my company and was given the correct information! TellAFirstTimer
If you have found a good travel company and have started the interviewing process.
Please try to interview with the unit itself. I have found that if the travel company interviews you they may have information about the unit that is either old, wrong, or hasn't been updated. Sometimes this information can determine whether or not you choose the hospital.
Name: Jasmin
ResidentState: FL
Specialty: CCU/ICU/PACU
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 3
LocationImportance: 2
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: Give Me The $$MONEY$$
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany: HRN Services
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany:
NonFriendlyHospital: CPMC Pacific Campus San Francisco
Favoritecity: San Francisco
LeastFavoriteCity:
Date: 03 Apr 2008
Time: 06:18:55
FirstTravelNurseExperience
I enjoyed my first travel assignment. If you're flexible, if you're outgoing, and you value teamwork, you're not going to be upset with travelers always floating, having the worst patients, etc. I had a great agency and great recruiter. TellAFirstTimer
Don't always go with the bigger companies, such as American Mobile, Cross Country, etc. There are some great mid size to smaller companies. As a first time traveler, traveling to San Fran by myself, HRN provided me a great package. If I did ever get bored, I would always be able to pick up extra shift at the hospital I was assigned or they would provide other per diem at a same day surgery, school of dentistry, etc. Higher hourly wages does not always mean you're going to get the most out of your pay stub. Look at the whole PACKAGE!
Name: Sandra
ResidentState: Virginia
Specialty: Labor & Delivery
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 1
RecuirterImportance: 2
Housing: Give Me The $$MONEY$$
TravelingYears: 1-2 years
NOWTravelCompany: Medical Express
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany:
NonFriendlyHospital: Virginia Hospital Center Arlington
Favoritecity: Charlottesville, VA
LeastFavoriteCity: Arlington, VA
Date: 19 Apr 2008
Time: 11:03:47
FirstTravelNurseExperience
12 LDRs and 5 nurses scheduled on days. In 6 weeks, only got a lunch break 3 days. TellAFirstTimer
Get everything in writing!! Make your recruiter your first priority. She can make all the difference!
Name: Mary
ResidentState: AZ
Specialty: PICU
MoneyImportance: 2
BenefitsImportance: 3
LocationImportance: 1
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 2-5 years
NOWTravelCompany: RNNetwork
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: AMN
NonFriendlyHospital: UNiversity of VA Charlottesville
Favoritecity: Salt Lake City
LeastFavoriteCity: Indianapolis
Date: 30 Apr 2008
Time: 05:15:07
FirstTravelNurseExperience
First assignment was San Diego CA in 1989 - I had a great experience both at work and off work. I stayed 6 months and only experienced 1 earthquake! TellAFirstTimer
Take 1/3 of what you think you will need! Do remember to take a fw things that will help with homesickness...I don't care how old you are, a little something familiar is comforting on those odd "blue" days. Also, before you go - practice eating at
restaurants and going to movies ALONE.
Name: Margaret
ResidentState: CA
Specialty: NICU
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 3
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 2
Housing: Give Me The $$MONEY$$
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany: Procel
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: Preferred Healthcare Staffing
NonFriendlyHospital: Long Beach Memorial
Favoritecity: Irvine, CA
LeastFavoriteCity: Long Beach, CA
Date: 06 May 2008
Time: 03:21:18
FirstTravelNurseExperience
It has been wonderful! I started at Irvine Regional Hospital, a small, close-knit facility. I was welcomed by
management and staff nurses alike. They have patiently answered all of my questions and there has always been someone around to help if needed. The equipment may not be the most up-to-date, but it is well-maintained and suits the purpose. Ancillary staff and volunteers are so nice and helpful as well. There doesn't seem to be an
overwhelming amount of P&P's to worry about and I don't feel as though someone is waiting just around the corner to write me up. TellAFirstTimer
Get everything in writing! Just as the saying "If it isn't charted then it wasn't done" applies to a legal case, "If it isn't in the contract then it isn't guaranteed" applies to the assignment. Enjoy your assignment! Have fun in whatever city you're assigned in! You're only there for up to 13 weeks-go with the flow, don't try to change anything and for goodness sake, stay out of the politics! Don't worry if others don't like you or resent the fact that you make more money-if they wanted to make the same general wages then they can apply to a travel agency just like you did.
Name: Dawn
ResidentState: Kentucky
Specialty: Telemetry/ER/Psych
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 1
LocationImportance: 1
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany: Staffing Medical
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: No
NonFriendlyHospital: NWT
Favoritecity:
LeastFavoriteCity: Amarillo
Date: 09 May 2008
Time: 02:02:28
FirstTravelNurseExperience
Scarey.... clueless and unsure on my first assignment. Learned the ropes fast after the initial shock of the first week. Stay out of the politics and enjoy the area. TellAFirstTimerKnow and trust your recruiter!
Name:
Jim
ResidentState: SC
Specialty: MS - Renal/ Ortho, Oncology
MoneyImportance: 2
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 3
RecuirterImportance: 1
Housing: Two Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 1-2 years
NOWTravelCompany: Trinity Healthcare
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: None
NonFriendlyHospital: Lewisville Medical Center in Texas
Favoritecity: Greenville, NC
LeastFavoriteCity: Fayetteville, NC
Date: 20 May 2008
Time: 11:17:47
FirstTravelNurseExperience
My first experience at Roper of Charleston, SC was scary. I have to take the PBDS test and was told that if I don't make it then the contract will be canceled. My recruiter was very supportive, even had housing ready even before I took the test. The nurse manager was very hard to deal with, asking me what my dream schedule was and then giving me the exact opposite. Worked Fri, Sat and Sun for 2 months. When I talked to her, she said " You are travelers and very expensive". "My core staff is more important so they get their schedule first". On top of that she cut my contract early which was Godsend and a neurology unit hired me where I had a very nice experience. TellAFirstTimer
Be flexible. If bad things happen during your 13 wk contract, suck it in and enjoy going around. Have friends, they make your life less miserable. Research the place and hospital before asking your recruiter to submit you. Also ask your recruiter if they sent anyone to that place before. Good luck and have fun!
Name: Deb
ResidentState: IN
Specialty: CCU
MoneyImportance: 2
BenefitsImportance: 3
LocationImportance: 1
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 1-2 years
NOWTravelCompany: AMN
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: Cirrus- Horrible!!!
NonFriendlyHospital: ORMC
Favoritecity: San Diego
LeastFavoriteCity: Philadelphia
Date: 30 May 2008
Time: 09:55:35
FirstTravelNurseExperience
I had spoken to many travelers prior to entering traveling. My first assignment was listed as D/N and I had no idea what that meant and my recruiter brushed over it. Once I arrived at the hospital I was informed that it was rotating shifts. Live and learn! The assignment was fine and I especially enjoyed floating as the units I floated to were so much nicer than the one I was assigned. I renewed three times and hated to leave. TellAFirstTimer
Do not overpack. It took me a few assignments to streamline my packing. I had to throw so much away from my first two assignments that I finally got my act
together. I have a flatscreen tv, Wii, laptop, 2 pair shoes, uniforms, small suitcase and file folders with all my paperwork. If I need things I buy them when I get there. It is so much easier to buy there than it is to pack it.
Name: Karen
ResidentState: Idaho
Specialty: m/s, tele, ortho
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 1
LocationImportance: 2
RecuirterImportance: 1
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 2-5 years
NOWTravelCompany: TNS
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: not disastrous, but I got screwed by O'Grady Peyton
NonFriendlyHospital: no
Favoritecity: Columbia, Missouri
LeastFavoriteCity: Phoenix
Date: 23 Jun 2008
Time: 02:17:00
FirstTravelNurseExperience
Very Nice, back in my home state in a small town with great people who were glad to have me there.
TellAFirstTimerIf you need good insurance, try to get all the details
BEFORE you make the decision to go with the particular company. Some have really crappy insurance plans, others have excellent.
Name: June
ResidentState: NC
Specialty: L&D
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 3
LocationImportance: 2
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: Give Me The $$MONEY$$
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany: Premier Healthcare Professionals
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: No
NonFriendlyHospital: No
Favoritecity: Jacksonville, NC
LeastFavoriteCity: none
Date: 04 Jul 2008
Time: 12:20:00
FirstTravelNurseExperience
I have been at Onslow memorial in Jacksonville since 11/07 and love it. The nurses work well as a team and are friendly to travelers. Treat me like family which is why I've stayed for 3 contracts. L&D is busy but staffing is pretty good for the most part. Some of the Dr's are a pain but that's anywhere you go. Lots of Inductions and Epidurals-AWESOME anesthesia staff. Seems like we do a lot of C/sections. no computer charting, all paper but overall a very good place to work
TellAFirstTimerSTAY OUT OF HOSPITAL POLITICS! I need to keep learning that lesson myself. Maybe extend once but then move on. I've stayed so long that it will be hard to go.
Name: teresa
ResidentState: sc
Specialty: med/surg
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 2
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 1
Housing: Two Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany: medstaff
SwitchCompanies: No`
DisasterCompany: no
NonFriendlyHospital: banner thunderbird,glendale az
Favoritecity: just started travel nursing
LeastFavoriteCity: az
Date: 09 Jul 2008
Time: 15:28:28
FirstTravelNurseExperience
Was interviewed by the clinical manager on the med/surg unit that was needing help.
The painted a pretty picture, discussed floating policy and was told that 1b(m/s) would be the unit
I would work with " occasional floating" to other m/s units.
What a joke have been there 6 wks and float to a different unit every shift
I work probably 90 % of the time. Cerner comp system awful. But glendale, az and surrounding areas were beautiful. TellAFirstTimerget every thing discussed in the interview process in writing on your contract..........
Name: Kathy Warren
ResidentState: Iowa
Specialty: Labor and Delivery
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 3
LocationImportance: 2
RecuirterImportance: 2
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 1-2 years
NOWTravelCompany: Grare Tree Medical Staffing
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: no
NonFriendlyHospital: no
Favoritecity:
LeastFavoriteCity:
Date: 10 Jul 2008
Time: 05:43:09
FirstTravelNurseExperienceGreat. My agency was super supportive. they did
everything they could to help me acclimate. TellAFirstTimer
Name: Debbie
ResidentState: VA
Specialty: L&D
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 2
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 3
Housing: I'll Take The Stipend & RV It
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany: American Mobile
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: Nova Pro
NonFriendlyHospital: Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
Favoritecity: Alexandria, VA
LeastFavoriteCity: none
Date: 19 Sep 2008
Time: 22:23:34
FirstTravelNurseExperience
I worked in a fairly new hospital with a new staff, so it was difficult coming in as a traveler and the most experienced nurse most nights I worked. However, the nurses were welcoming and so happy to have me there, and worked so well together and with me. The doctors were unhappy and difficult, because they were used to working with an inexperienced staff. I enjoyed my time there but was happy to leave and move on to a place where I felt I could learn something new and not be the one teaching. TellAFirstTimer
Don't get involved in the politics, gossip, etc. Keep your mouth shut and your mind open if you hear staff complaining about the facility or each other.
Smile constantly. Insist on respect from the doctors, introduce yourself and tell them your credentials and years of experience. Be ready to hit the floor running, don't complain, but don't let anyone complain about you either! You can be a breath of fresh air for a staff that is overworked and stressed, so have fun and enjoy meeting new people and having new experiences.
Name: Rosetta
ResidentState: tennessee
Specialty: psychaitric/mental health
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 1
LocationImportance: 1
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: I'll Take The Stipend & RV It
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany: nightingale
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: no
NonFriendlyHospital: hallbrook in ct
Favoritecity: RI
LeastFavoriteCity: too early to tell
Date: 25 Sep 2008
Time: 15:46:45
FirstTravelNurseExperience
Horrible!! The managers did not smile or introduce themselves. They did not talk to you in private, if they had an issue which required discussing. All need management training. TellAFirstTimer
Get everything in writing Have lawyer look at your contract if you do not understand the terms. It is a binding piece of paper. Add things to the contract (ie a special occassion when you need off or 3 days emergency leave without penalty) which you feel are important.
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