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Name: Juanna
ResidentState: Michigan
Specialty: ICU
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 2
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany: Bridge Staffing
SwitchCompanies:
Yes
DisasterCompany: the overall experience wasn't good so far
NonFriendlyHospital: UCSF Medical center (San Francisco, CA)
Favoritecity:
None yet
LeastFavoriteCity: San Francisco
Date: 28 Jun 2006
Time: 03:12:35
FirstTravelNurseExperienceDuring the phone interview with UCSF ICU Nurse Manager, I stressed the fact that it was my FIRST travel assignment as well as my first time working in the USA, therefore I did not want an assignment where floating was involved. She confirmed both on the phone and in person that
I wouldn't float out of the unit.
I was floated 50% of the time! .
TellAFirstTimerI felt that my license and the patients i cared for were
jeopardized on a regular basis. I addressed the issue with the nurse manager. She black mailed me into keeping my mouth shut or she would discontinue the contract (with all the financial penalties of
housing for 13 weeks in SF for me to pay for- I would have basically ended up paying to work!)
I kept low profile. Fearing what was awaiting me every time I came in to work. I decided to look at it as a challenge and
I think I did a really good job at it. I worked hard and harder and had a lot of positive feedback from my colleagues. The nurse manager of my "home unit" interacted with me a total of 5 minutes over 13 weeks. I remained extremely polite and
respectful ,even though I came all the way from Canada to California based on her lies. Nonetheless,
I did my time and I gave my best while I was at it. I was "thanked" by this same Nurse manager giving a bad reference to my future prospective employers (Yes, i was gullible enough to think that she would acknowledge my good work and my tenacity.) It was overall a good experience work wise. It pushed me to my limits and i did learn a lot.
Unfortunately, this person wronged me with her lies during my assignment at UCSF and continues to wrong me by giving a bad reference to potential employers. My agency gave me the assurance they were backing me up, but actually didn't take any actions to correct the situation.
As many other wrote, everything that is said should be written in the contract. Do not make the same mistake i made by trusting your recruiter/the hospital when they tell you that the contracts are standard and "such thing" (whatever concerns you) will/will not happen.
I heard one too many times the "trust me" sentence, and i was wrong to actually trust them when i knew that i wasn't
satisfied with what was (or wasn't) written in the contract. Make sure you can get OUT of the contract without any financial penalty for you if the experience turns out to be less than satisfactory (and especially if it is
disastrous or worse yet, dangerous).
It looks like the agency your choose matters less than the recruiter you choose. Make him/ her spell out every detail and have it written down in your contract.
Many things that were told to me orally by my recruiter did not happen and he later on denied saying it. It could be highly frustrating, and in my case, costly!
It might only be 13 weeks, but it could have major repercussion in your future too, so be extra careful.
Protecting your practice and license isn't that easy when you are between the rock and the hard place: you either do your best with what you have (most of the time , without what you actually need) or you just plain refuse the
assignment and then you could be accused of endangering your patients by leaving them without a nurse. Both ways, you are stuck. So my best advice is: avoid any place that could potentially treat you this way. and if it still
happens, make sure your contract allows you a way out.
Name: Linda
ResidentState: Tennessee
Specialty: cardiac
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 2
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 3
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 2-5 years
NOWTravelCompany: National healthcare
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: medstaff inc
NonFriendlyHospital: baptist east memphis tennessee
Favoritecity: Lebanon New Hampshire
LeastFavoriteCity: Kingsport Tennessee
Date: 22 Jul 2006
Time: 00:14:47
FirstTravelNurseExperience
on average 15 pt per night in Memphis. It was just awful
couldn't get out of the assignment sucked it up and finished it. TellAFirstTimer
Dont compare one place to another. you must be adaptable and let it roll off your back.. It is only 13
weeks.
Name: Elizabeth
ResidentState: MI
Specialty: Home Health
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 2
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 3
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 6-10 years
NOWTravelCompany: Falstaff
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: Access
NonFriendlyHospital: Sutter Health System
Favoritecity:
LeastFavoriteCity:
Date: 23 Jul 2006
Time: 00:55:40
FirstTravelNurseExperience
My experience was great. That is what made me decide to keep traveling. The hospital was friendly along with the staff. I learned lots about travel from listening to other travelers.
TellAFirstTimerCheck out the companies before traveling. I got hooked up with Access Nurses. What a disaster! They were to pay for housing, utilites, etc. The hospital cancelled my contract along with 5 other travelers for 'money' reasons. The hospital then told Access nurses a different story. So the Agency believed the hospital. They left me stranded in CA and were not going to give me my paycheck because I did not complete the contract. I had to BEG to get enough money to fly back to MI. they sent me a bill for everything they had paid for--housing, housing deposit, utilities, drug screen, etc. Bill was almost $3000.00 and they immediately turned the bill over to a collection agency. They violated the contract by trying to charge me. No one at agency will take my phone calls. So, I have to get an attorney. NEVER work for Access Nurses and NEVER work for a company that is going to charge you a fee if your contract is cancelled!!
Name: Lena
ResidentState: FL
Specialty: L&D
MoneyImportance: 2
BenefitsImportance: 3
LocationImportance: 1
RecuirterImportance: 1
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany:
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany:
NonFriendlyHospital:
Favoritecity: Modesto, CA
LeastFavoriteCity:
Date: 26 Jul 2006
Time: 02:21:47
FirstTravelNurseExperience
It was great. Decided to make a total change and travel across the county. From day one I met a fellow travelers and would enjoy doing activities with them. Hospital was great, very smooth sailing ship, loved the hospital!!!!
TellAFirstTimerGet everything in
writing, even if they told you one thing on the phone if its not in your contract the
recruiter will act like it was never said. Research your companies and locations ahead of time and never go with a company if you
don't like the recruiter.
Name: Teresa Hoover
ResidentState: California
Specialty: L&D
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 3
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 2
Housing: I'll Take The Stipend & RV It
TravelingYears: 10+ years...
NOWTravelCompany: Cross Country TravCorps
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: no
NonFriendlyHospital: Community Hospital of New Port Richey, Florida
Favoritecity: Modesto (Memorial) & Miami (Mt. Sinai) - L&D
LeastFavoriteCity: New Port Richey, Florida
Date: 29 Jul 2006
Time: 23:03:33
FirstTravelNurseExperience
I went to Rugby, ND... I stayed for 1 year, then went home to finish my BSN. Great town, friendly people, great staff. TellAFirstTimer
Research, research, research. Keep your mouth shut for
the first few weeks and work your butt off. then, you can relax a little. Even though most places are friendly toward
travelers, you are still not a staff person, so be very careful about what you say and do...
Name: LORENA
ResidentState: IDAHO
Specialty: PSYCHIATRIC
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 1
LocationImportance: 1
RecuirterImportance: 1
Housing: I'll Take The Stipend & RV It
TravelingYears: 1-2 years
NOWTravelCompany: WORLD WIDE TRAVEL STAFFING
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: NIGHTENGALE
NonFriendlyHospital: JOHN GEORGE PSYCHIATRIC PAVILLION IN SAN LEANDRO CALIFORNIQA
Favoritecity: SO FAR SAN DIEGO
LeastFavoriteCity: BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIA
Date: 06 Aug 2006
Time: 04:07:35
FirstTravelNurseExperience
Wonderful, I was treated like a queen. TellAFirstTimerShop
around!!! Read your contracts before you sign.
Name: Brenda
ResidentState: Alabama
Specialty: Long term Care
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 1
LocationImportance: 1
RecuirterImportance: 1
Housing: Give Me The $$MONEY$$
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany: Nursefinders
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: Not Yet
NonFriendlyHospital:
Favoritecity:
LeastFavoriteCity:
Date: 13 Aug 2006
Time: 17:00:02
FirstTravelNurseExperience
I came to Rhode Island as a First Travel Assignment. I worked at the Grand Islander in Middletown. I was
accustomed to friendly Doctors and Nurses. Some of these Drs are rude and Never call you back. Most of the staff was Great but a few of the staff were horrible!! They bitched and
whined about things that I thought were plain trifling! There was One incidence that I got blamed for something and there were several of their staff there that nothing was said to them. My recruiter I cannot say enough about Jackie!! She went above and beyond for me and would go to bat for me in a
heartbeat! I shall miss her when my 13 weeks is up! I extended for 1 week and that is it! Will be glad to be home for a few weeks before I hit the road again. All in all it has been a Great learning experience!! I did get a 2 weeks orientation and I was VERY
grateful for that... TellAFirstTimerRead your contract and when the company that you are being
interviewed for interviews you.... Interview them as well!! Keep your eyes and ears open and
remember You are the guest and the home team has the advantage.
Name: Joanne
ResidentState: North Carolina
Specialty: ER
MoneyImportance: 2
BenefitsImportance: 1
LocationImportance: 2
RecuirterImportance: 1
Housing: Two+ Bedrooms, don't mind paying some
TravelingYears: 2-5 years
NOWTravelCompany: Cross Country Trav. Corps
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany:
NonFriendlyHospital:
Favoritecity: Chapel Hill
LeastFavoriteCity:
Date: 17 Aug 2006
Time: 15:47:36
FirstTravelNurseExperience
I have been very blessed in that my first experience was a plus. Between wonderful new found friends & a great place to live (Chapel Hill,NC) I would recommend travel nursing. TellAFirstTimer
Life can be a great experience if you let it. I'm now in Rocky Mount, N.C. This is my second assignment & this is in the area I most love. It's not been easy as I've been here 1.5yrs now. In that I mean the ER here is extremely busy, I've been here long enough to get my nose in the politics of the place (not always the wisest thing to do) & now I'm struggling with moving on, OH BOY.
Name: Katrina
ResidentState: WV
Specialty: tele and med/surg
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 3
LocationImportance: 2
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany: Nurse Choice
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: Supplemental
NonFriendlyHospital: Richland Hospital, Columbia SC (10 yrs ago though)
Favoritecity: New Orleans,LA and Prescott Valley,AZ
LeastFavoriteCity: Columbia,SC
Date: 21 Aug 2006
Time: 00:30:38
FirstTravelNurseExperienceNot counting a single bad travel experience 10 yrs ago, I finally got back on the horse in January and had the best first experience in New Orleans. The hospital was very appreciative of the travelers coming to relieve stressed out staff post-Katrina. Our housing left something to be desired, but I feel it was made up for by the wonderful people (staff, management and patients) I liked it so much I stretched a 4 week assignment into 5 months and I would go back again someday. I will always be grateful to Ochsner Medical Center for making my first experience at traveling a lifetime career memory. I love you NOLA. TellAFirstTimer1) I recommend going first time with a company that someone you know has recommended to you.
2) You need to read between the lines during the interview for instance if they use the word "challenge" this may be a buzzword for something else such as more critical patients than your used to or high nurse pt ratio etc.
3) The interview is also your chance to find out about them, so don't forget to ask lots of questions.
4) Read your contract before you sign it. You don't want to get miles away from home and realize something isn't in writing that they promised on the phone.
Name: Angela
ResidentState: SC
Specialty: Operating Room (CVOR)
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 2
LocationImportance: 3
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 2-5 years
NOWTravelCompany: Cirrus Medical Staffing
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: First Assist
NonFriendlyHospital: Johns Hopkins University Medical Center in Baltimore, MD
Favoritecity: Washington, DC
LeastFavoriteCity: Turlock, CA
Date: 21 Aug 2006
Time: 08:50:52
FirstTravelNurseExperienceDuke University in Durham, NC: I was close to family for my first assignment, which was very nice. I was going through my painful divorce at the time, and travel nursing gave me the perfect excuse to run away form home. I did not bring my emotional breakdowns to work, although I did come to trust a couple of co-workers enough to tell my sad story. I worked with Vascular/Transplant/General/Oncology surgeons...the Transplant docs were great! The rest were typical, arrogant jerks. Wrote my very first complaint about a surgeon here. Turns out he was the head of the Plastics Dept. Nursing management was incredibly supportive at the time! Overall, the assignment was a great learning experience, that was unfortunately overshadowed by my own personal emotional tragedy. It hasn't stopped me though! I still get goosebumps thinking of all the choices I have for the location of my next assignment! TellAFirstTimerNever lose confidence in yourself!
Name: Marilyn H. Grogg
ResidentState: SC
Specialty: ER
MoneyImportance: 2
BenefitsImportance: 3
LocationImportance: 1
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany: TNS
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: TNS after World Health went bankrupt
NonFriendlyHospital: Havasu Region is very traveler friendly, but staffing is a nightmare
Favoritecity: have only worked at Havasu
LeastFavoriteCity:
Date: 23 Aug 2006
Time: 19:30:11
FirstTravelNurseExperienceHavasu is my first, I did renew. The people, in general, are very friendly and receptive. Almost all staffers are travelers. I love the area, it is a little tourist town so we get the regular party goers and lake accidents. All in all it was a good experience. The staffing could have been much better, but the manager is very amenable TellAFirstTimerGo for it. I was leary at first, but it has been a great experience. Met new people, saw new places. Can't be afraid to do things on your own.
Name: Betty
ResidentState: AR
Specialty: Med Surg
MoneyImportance: 2
BenefitsImportance: 3
LocationImportance: 3
RecuirterImportance: 3
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 6-10 years
NOWTravelCompany: Nationwide Nurses Travel Professionals
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: Yes
NonFriendlyHospital: NO
Favoritecity: Lake Havasu City AZ
LeastFavoriteCity: New Jersey
Date: 29 Aug 2006
Time: 10:17:55
FirstTravelNurseExperienceMy first experience was not bad, not what I expected but not bad. I was new at it and sort unsure how it would be as a traveler but I did and I have been traveling ever since. It gets easier! TellAFirstTimerI have traveled with alot of agencies in my 6 plus years of traveling but by far the agency I am with now is the best so far. They have been able to keep me working and pretty much find a position in the area I want to be or close to it.
I know that anytime I have a problem all I have to do is call my recruiter and she will be there to talk and listen or assist me with my problem. They sent me information on the area and maps I was traveling to.
I have found them to be honest and upfront about everything and so far no
surprises. I feel like I have found my travel nursing home and now I can travel with ease and no worries.
My advice to any new traveler is to be patient and research the area you want to travel and even the facility. Talk to your recruiter and ask for information on the area.
Name: Teresa
ResidentState: Illinois
Specialty: Med-Surg
MoneyImportance: 2
BenefitsImportance: 3
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 1
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany: Aureus
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: Supplemental-housing fell through-told to find it myself
NonFriendlyHospital:
Favoritecity: St Petersburg Florida
LeastFavoriteCity:
Date: 10 Sep 2006
Time: 14:40:25
FirstTravelNurseExperienceFirst assignment was a good experience. I was fortunate to go to a hospital a friend had just completed an assignment. She drove down with me and introduced me to her friends from the floor and helped me find my way around some before she went back home. Staff was very friendly and helpful. TellAFirstTimerGet everything in writing and save all emails. You never know when you will need the information. I found that one out first
hand. Don't back down and be strong. It is a good experience and can teach you not just about nursing but
yourself, too.
Name: Krista
ResidentState: Kansas
Specialty: OR
MoneyImportance: 4
BenefitsImportance: 3
LocationImportance: 3
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: Two Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 1-2 years
NOWTravelCompany: American Mobile
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: No
NonFriendlyHospital: Not yet
Favoritecity: San Diego
LeastFavoriteCity: None yet
Date: 13 Sep 2006
Time: 19:16:28
FirstTravelNurseExperienceI traveled a couple of years ago and loved it! I only did it for 6 months. Now my kids are out of high school and, being divorced now, I am free to travel. I am now on my first assignment, this time. I was welcomed by the staff/ mgmt/ housekeeping/ biomed... everyone here has been so nice! The case load is manageable too. The other travelers here have taught me loads and I hope to pass on that knowledge when I can. TellAFirstTimerAlways, Always get everything in writing. More important than the company you work for is the Recruiter that works for you! A good Recruiter makes or breaks the deal! I LOVE MY RECRUITER!
Name: Winnie
ResidentState: SC
Specialty: Telemetry
MoneyImportance: 2
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 3
RecuirterImportance: 1
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 2-5 years
NOWTravelCompany: MedFirst Staffing
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: Med First Staffing
NonFriendlyHospital: Amedisys
Favoritecity: Anderson, SC
LeastFavoriteCity: Chapel Hill, SC
Date: 17 Sep 2006
Time: 06:26:52
FirstTravelNurseExperiencePsych, state hospital. Treated like family, part of the team, no difference between contract and "full timers". Great people, and backed you up when things could/and would get hairy
TellAFirstTimerIf you don't have it in your contract, you won't have it. Think things through, get it in writing, and make SURE you have an out... some agencies will stick you will everything, and it may NOT be your fault.
Name: janet
ResidentState: ms
Specialty: surgery
MoneyImportance: 4
BenefitsImportance: 4
LocationImportance: 4
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: Give Me The $$MONEY$$
TravelingYears: 2-5 years
NOWTravelCompany: nobody
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: yes
NonFriendlyHospital: no
Favoritecity: calhoun city,ms
LeastFavoriteCity: houston ,Ms
Date: 19 Sep 2006
Time: 13:34:46
FirstTravelNurseExperienceit was very awesome TellAFirstTimerbe careful
Name: Tina
ResidentState: Maine
Specialty: tele/apcu
MoneyImportance: 2
BenefitsImportance: 2
LocationImportance: 3
RecuirterImportance: 2
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 10+ years...
NOWTravelCompany: PRCS
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: Cross Country/Travelcorp
NonFriendlyHospital: Brockton Hospital, MA
Favoritecity: Phoenix, AZ
LeastFavoriteCity: LA & Brockton
Date: 24 Sep 2006
Time: 19:05:06
FirstTravelNurseExperienceFirst travel assignment was with Cross Country and a total nightmare. The job was less than great but the company was the worst. It took more than 3 weeks to my pathetic paycheck of <$350 a week after they suck you dry. Daily attempts to reach a recruiter who answered about every 6th call. Also, being new, they really know how to intimidate you into feeling you have no other options. Thank God I spoke with Andy from PPR who made me realize not all companies are heart-less. All subsequent companies have been reasonable and workable. TellAFirstTimerNo matter where you are, you can learn. It is OK to bring new ideas but it isn't to complain about how everything is done. Different is good, that is why you travel. Also, don't get sucked in to any of the gossip. Work hard first, feel out the staff and situation, and then you can relax a little. As for your company; your nursing recruiter can't fix your daily assignment so don't call every day to complain. Cry wolf and the important issues won't be taken seriously. Most importantly, your liscense is your career so if it is truly unsafe, you CAN get out don't be threatened or bullied. Check out DELPHI forums and ask other nurses for advise. Remember it's supposed to be Fun.
Name: Christine Kamp
ResidentState: Nebraska
Specialty: ER/CICU/HOUSE SUPERVISOR
MoneyImportance: 2
BenefitsImportance: 3
LocationImportance: 1
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: 1-2 years
NOWTravelCompany: AUREUS MEDICAL
SwitchCompanies: Yes
DisasterCompany: NO
NonFriendlyHospital: NO
Favoritecity: GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
LeastFavoriteCity: NONE
Date: 09 Oct 2006
Time: 03:00:10
FirstTravelNurseExperienceI did a total of 3 contracts in Sidney, Nebrask at a small Critical Access Hospitla. I was able to do everything: ER, CICU, MED/SURG, OUT PATIENTS AND SWING BED. It was a great experience and
the staff for the most part was awsome. It was harder to leave there then it was to leave the hospital I left to travel where I had worked for 24 years. TellAFirstTimerResearch companies and ask questions.
Research companies and ask more questions.
Talk to other Travelers.
Name: Tarrah
ResidentState: California
Specialty: Med Surg/Oncology
MoneyImportance: 1
BenefitsImportance: 3
LocationImportance: 2
RecuirterImportance: 4
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany: Nurses In Partnership
SwitchCompanies: No
DisasterCompany: Nurses In Partnership
NonFriendlyHospital: Century City Doctor's Hospital
Favoritecity: Los Angeles
LeastFavoriteCity:
Date: 30 Oct 2006
Time: 08:37:31
FirstTravelNurseExperienceI am still in it and while I love Los Angeles and get to live in Beverly Hills, my company NIP and the hospital were not honest while recruiting me. All the nurses here are travelers and hate it, counting down the days to leave. There is NO directors of nursing or protocols to follow. NIP haven't been paying accurately and can't account for money that is owed to me. TellAFirstTimerResearch! Please PLEASE talk to other travelers about do's and don't's. And GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING in your contract. Be specific about it. Have a good recruiter, if you aren't comfortable during the recruiting process, look elsewhere :)
Name: Lacy
ResidentState: MS
Specialty: ER
MoneyImportance: 3
BenefitsImportance: 2
LocationImportance: 1
RecuirterImportance: 1
Housing: One Bedroom Paid For
TravelingYears: Under 1 year
NOWTravelCompany: Travel Nurse Solutions
SwitchCompanies: Select One
DisasterCompany: n/a
NonFriendlyHospital: n/a
Favoritecity: Memphis...first travel assignment
LeastFavoriteCity:
Date: 30 Oct 2006
Time: 17:14:35
FirstTravelNurseExperienceI'm currently working at Methodist Hospital in Memphis, TN, and it's awesome. The computerized charting in the ED is something that has taken some getting used to, but everyone is SUPER nice. I would recommend this facility to anyone. They care about their travelers and are always asking me if I'm being treated ok. And I LOVE my company, TNS. My recruiter, Chris Woodham, is AWESOME. TellAFirstTimerMake sure to do your homework about a facility and town. I looked up information about each hospital that I was told about by my recruiter. And mapquest is a lifesaver.
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