| 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: lorissa ResidentState: tennessee Specialty: er MoneyImportance: 2 BenefitsImportance: 3 LocationImportance: 1 RecuirterImportance: 4 Housing: Two+ Bedrooms, don't mind paying some TravelingYears: Under 1 year NOWTravelCompany: cross country SwitchCompanies: Yes DisasterCompany: american mobile NonFriendlyHospital: cape fear valley fayetteville nc Favoritecity: wilmington LeastFavoriteCity: fayetteville Date: 14 Dec 2006 Time: 01:45:00
FirstTravelNurseExperiencehell TellAFirstTimerdo your homework on facility and staff and area make the best of your situation even if it is a bad situation
'

Name: Julie ResidentState: California Specialty: PACU MoneyImportance: 1 BenefitsImportance: 2 LocationImportance: 3 RecuirterImportance: 4 Housing: One Bedroom Paid For TravelingYears: 2-5 years NOWTravelCompany: Med RP SwitchCompanies: No DisasterCompany: NonFriendlyHospital: Cedars Sinai in Hollywood Favoritecity: LA LeastFavoriteCity: Dodge City, KS Date: 15 Dec 2006 Time: 01:20:54
FirstTravelNurseExperienceOverall experience was OK. Agency was very good, supportive. Hospital and staff were very traveler friendly & welcoming. TellAFirstTimer

Name: Kathy ResidentState: WI Specialty: Neuro, Med/Surg MoneyImportance: 4 BenefitsImportance: 1 LocationImportance: 2 RecuirterImportance: 3 Housing: One Bedroom Paid For TravelingYears: 2-5 years NOWTravelCompany: Emerald Health Services SwitchCompanies: No DisasterCompany: RTG Medical, Beststaff NonFriendlyHospital: Cottage Hospital and Novato Community Hospital Favoritecity: San Rafeal LeastFavoriteCity: Chico Date: 17 Jan 2007 Time: 06:56:13
FirstTravelNurseExperienceMy recruiter lied to me, left me stranded 3 hours from home, and the hospital was the worst hospital I have ever been in. TellAFirstTimerGet everything in writing and even then the travel company can still lie to you. Beststaff's contract stipulated an 8 week contract of 12 hour nights. When I arrived at Novato I was working days, Pms, Nocs and 8 and 12 hour rotating shifts. Then I found out that Beststaff had typed the wrong ending date on the contract with the hospital so I was left without work for 2 weeks.
Beststaff pretended to be a small southern company that had Christian values but BOY were they just the opposite. They lied about everything including the apartment which was a DIVE and they wouldn't do anything about it when I brought that to their attention - doors didn't lock, the balcony was rotting wood, the carpet and flooring had sharp tacks sticking up and you couldn't go barefoot, etc.

Name: Michelle ResidentState: Nevada Specialty: NICU MoneyImportance: 1 BenefitsImportance: 4 LocationImportance: 3 RecuirterImportance: 2 Housing: Two Bedroom Paid For TravelingYears: 1-2 years NOWTravelCompany: Aureus SwitchCompanies: Yes DisasterCompany: Aureus NonFriendlyHospital: No Favoritecity: Las Vegas LeastFavoriteCity: None Date: 21 Jan 2007 Time: 03:53:50
FirstTravelNurseExperienceI took an assignment in Seattle, WA at Evergreen Hospital with HRN. First of all, I had a great recruiter (Summer, who is no longer with them, regrettably). She was very on the ball, helped me figure out the ropes, and got me the greatest little apartment in a fabulous neighborhood. I went to work with the night crew, had awesome coworkers and stayed on for a total of 6 months. Great first time experience. I am so glad it wasn't a horror story like some people's! TellAFirstTimerDon't ever go into a facility and tell the staff repeatedly, "Well, back at (blank facility), we did it this way." Staff hates to hear that, even if it is true. It just grates on the nerves. We had a traveler at my old hospital once who always said with her thick Bronx accent, "Well, back in New York..." -you fill in the blank. Everything was done differently there, apparently. If you have to absolutely add your two-cents about how something could be done better, just don't preface your comment, "Well, back in (blank)..." and try not to do it too terribly often, because it will still carry the same effect. Remember, you are not out there to change the world! Just enjoy that you get to be so lucky to see how things are done differently everywhere and relish the fact that we get paid a good sum of money to travel around and experience the differences in American (and sometimes foreign) culture(s).

Name: dorothy ResidentState: kentucky Specialty: er / critical care MoneyImportance: 4 BenefitsImportance: 1 LocationImportance: 2 RecuirterImportance: 3 Housing: I'll Take The Stipend & RV It TravelingYears: 2-5 years NOWTravelCompany: trustaf SwitchCompanies: Yes DisasterCompany: american mobile NonFriendlyHospital: no Favoritecity: lexington, ky LeastFavoriteCity: Date: 03 Feb 2007 Time: 20:40:52
FirstTravelNurseExperience
I had been a nurse for 12 years at the time of my first assignment, so I was
fairly comfortable with it. I have enjoyed the nursing staffs
everywhere that I have been, and have made friends that I continue to keep
in contact with from every assignment. TellAFirstTimer
Be careful! Your assignment is only as good as your recruiter.
Get it in writing and stick to your guns. Adapt to your surroundings,
work hard, be a team player, and you will fit in anywhere you go.

Name: Teshia ResidentState: California Specialty: NICU MoneyImportance: 1 BenefitsImportance: 3 LocationImportance: 4 RecuirterImportance: 2 Housing: One Bedroom Paid For TravelingYears: 1-2 years NOWTravelCompany: Emerald Health services SwitchCompanies: Yes DisasterCompany: none so far NonFriendlyHospital: Long Beach Memorial Favoritecity: LeastFavoriteCity: Date: 18 Feb 2007 Time: 14:59:27
FirstTravelNurseExperiencePretty exciting. I find the staff overall very nice and helpful. It was not long before we all bonded like a family. I love meeting different nurses learning how we all do things different to achieve the same goals!!! TellAFirstTimerResearch your companies and listen to seasoned traveling nurses they have great advice and
tidbits that you just don't realize until you have traveled for a while!

Name: kristi ResidentState: Texas Specialty: Surgery MoneyImportance: 1 BenefitsImportance: 1 LocationImportance: 1 RecuirterImportance: 2 Housing: Give Me The $$MONEY$$ TravelingYears: 1-2 years NOWTravelCompany: Talemed SwitchCompanies: Yes DisasterCompany: National Healthcare NonFriendlyHospital: none Favoritecity: Reno, Nv LeastFavoriteCity: none Date: 20 Feb 2007 Time: 12:07:14
FirstTravelNurseExperienceMy first experience was very nice. However, in the middle of my extended contract my original company merged with NHC and everything went to pot! I had a horrible recruiter. I had had an excellent recruiter with TVL. Needless to say, next
assignment I switched companies. TellAFirstTimerThings to remember: ALWAYS GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING. Companies will promise you the moon to get you. Ask the company you are going to work for to have a nurse who already works for them contact you. This way you can ask them personally about their experience. Have a list of questions written down before you start contacting companies. I have been an OR nurse for 15 yrs and have had good experiences everywhere I have been. I plan to continue traveling. It is a wonderful way to see the country. I have made so many new friends.

Name: Kristen ResidentState: Lousiana Specialty: critical care MoneyImportance: 3 BenefitsImportance: 4 LocationImportance: 1 RecuirterImportance: 2 Housing: I'll Take The Stipend & RV It TravelingYears: 2-5 years NOWTravelCompany: Cross Country Trav Corp SwitchCompanies: No DisasterCompany: yes NonFriendlyHospital: Naples Community Hospital Favoritecity: Oklahoma City LeastFavoriteCity: Naples, FL Los Angeles Date: 28 Feb 2007 Time: 23:09:43
FirstTravelNurseExperienceOkay... My husband and I travel together ( he is a RN too) we took an
assignment at Emory in Atlanta, GA. It was OK. A little reverse racism going on there, but I just minded my own business. TellAFirstTimerBe very wary of any promises made over the phone. My recruiter is great and does an excellent job of keeping us out of not traveler friendly areas. The nurse
manager of the ICUs at Naples Community completely lied about floating (how often and where). I extended only b/c I drove all the way from LA spent all my savings for the trip so I was stuck. I was floated MANY times to med/surg floors which is very difficult for an ICU RN...read TOO many pts. And when you where floated out you received no help, always took the crazy pts, admits etc. Bottom line...talk to other travelers to get the down low.

Name: Rhonda ResidentState: FL Specialty: tele/step-down/whatever !! MoneyImportance: 1 BenefitsImportance: 4 LocationImportance: 2 RecuirterImportance: 3 Housing: Give Me The $$MONEY$$ TravelingYears: 2-5 years NOWTravelCompany: fastaff SwitchCompanies: No DisasterCompany: no NonFriendlyHospital: bakersfield, CA Favoritecity: Reno !! LeastFavoriteCity: Bakersfield, CA Date: 03 Mar 2007 Time: 22:42:15
FirstTravelNurseExperienceFirst did a 3 week strike, loved it ..so I did a 4 week travel to see...LOVED IT, this is why I love nursing !!! TellAFirstTimerAsk lots of questions, get everything in writing !! Travel with a buddy the first time. Be flexible at the hospital, smile & work hard... it always pays off !! Enjoy, you will meet so many new friends !!!

Name: Tina ResidentState: IL Specialty: ICU/ER MoneyImportance: 3 BenefitsImportance: 4 LocationImportance: 2 RecuirterImportance: 1 Housing: One Bedroom Paid For TravelingYears: 2-5 years NOWTravelCompany: Travel Nurse Solutions SwitchCompanies: Yes DisasterCompany: On Assignment NonFriendlyHospital: Our Lady of Fatima, Providence, Rhode Island Favoritecity: STL LeastFavoriteCity: Providence, Rhode Island Date: 19 Mar 2007 Time: 13:23:59
FirstTravelNurseExperiencedisaster.... the countryside was great, nurses, were standoffish, stuck up, snooty, management was disorganized, didn't get paid for 3 weeks, if they make a mistake on your check, they pull the entire deposit out of your bank, don't pay any bounced check fees and leave you on your own TellAFirstTimerStay out of the politics, most of us travel because we don't like the games, so remember that. Keep quiet for a few weeks, watch things, listen and learn who to go to for protocols etc. Not everyone likes travelers

Name: Bobbye ResidentState: Ms Specialty: Telemetry MoneyImportance: 1 BenefitsImportance: 4 LocationImportance: 2 RecuirterImportance: 3 Housing: One Bedroom Paid For TravelingYears: Under 1 year NOWTravelCompany: Trinityhsg.com SwitchCompanies: No DisasterCompany: None yet NonFriendlyHospital: None yet Favoritecity: Mesa, Az LeastFavoriteCity: None yet Date: 23 Mar 2007 Time: 02:57:48
FirstTravelNurseExperienceMy first traveling experience was at Banner Baywood hospital in Mesa, Az. The first 13 weeks was like a honeymoon. I asked for single housing for me and my husband and they put me up in a 3 bedroom townhome on a beautiful golf course! The townhome was gorgeous and fully
equipped! As far as the hospital goes, They had a nurse patient ratio of 5-1 max and they stuck to it, we had experienced charge nurses that were really helpful. We even had a monitor tech, which I find now not all hospitals have in telemetry. I made
a lot of friends there, and I feel it is an excellent hospital. TellAFirstTimerFind another nurse that works for the company you are thinking of working for and grill him/her on the how the company really works!!

Name: Tasha ResidentState: North Carolina Specialty: Cardiac Stepdown/Telemetry MoneyImportance: 1 BenefitsImportance: 4 LocationImportance: 3 RecuirterImportance: 2 Housing: One Bedroom Paid For TravelingYears: 1-2 years NOWTravelCompany: Nurse Choice SwitchCompanies: Yes DisasterCompany: NonFriendlyHospital: Kent General in Dover,Delaware Favoritecity: Phoenix, Arizona LeastFavoriteCity: Date: 31 Mar 2007 Time: 03:24:20
FirstTravelNurseExperienceI took an assignment back in my home state of Delaware so that the transition would be a little more smooth, being that I was in a familiar place trying something new. The Hospital, Beebe Medical Center, was very Traveler friendly and the orientation was excellent so my first experience wasn't too hectic. The staff was very welcoming and friendly, probably helped that the hospital is near the beach. Many of the other nurses on my floor were travelers also and a handful were repeat travelers to that facility. I chose to begin my travel experience with American Mobile Healthcare, which is a pretty good company but I never really felt a connection with my Recruiter and I probably talked to her
assistant more than I spoke with her. TellAFirstTimerDo your research before signing with any company or facility and make sure to find a recruiter that you mesh with and is out for your best interest.

Name: Tricia ResidentState: NY Specialty: CVICU MoneyImportance: 3 BenefitsImportance: 4 LocationImportance: 2 RecuirterImportance: 4 Housing: One Bedroom Paid For TravelingYears: Under 1 year NOWTravelCompany: Cross Country Travel SwitchCompanies: No DisasterCompany: No NonFriendlyHospital: Favoritecity: Baltimore, MD LeastFavoriteCity: None Date: 06 Apr 2007 Time: 22:43:06
FirstTravelNurseExperienceMy first travel assignment was in NY at NYP-Columbia. Absolutely great hospital. Was very hard leaving. Very traveler friendly. Worked in the PACU. Loved it!!!!!Great staff. TellAFirstTimerDo your research on your company, on the hospital that you want to work at and read contracts. If it is not what was agreed on, DO NOT SIGN. But enjoy the world of travel nursing.

Name: Eva ResidentState: Tennessee Specialty: ER MoneyImportance: 1 BenefitsImportance: 2 LocationImportance: 3 RecuirterImportance: 4 Housing: One Bedroom Paid For TravelingYears: Under 1 year NOWTravelCompany: Intellistaff SwitchCompanies: Yes DisasterCompany: American Mobile NonFriendlyHospital: Mercy General....Sacramento, California Favoritecity: Loved Hartford, Connecticut LeastFavoriteCity: Loved Sacramento, hated the hospital Date: 27 Apr 2007 Time: 17:30:29
FirstTravelNurseExperienceI had an awesome first travel experience in New Britian, Connecticut. I had to move after 2 weeks to a better location, but that was OK. New Britian General Hospital (now The Hospital of Central Connecticut) was extremely traveler friendly. The staff and Doctors were wonderful, friendly and warm.
My second assignment was to Mercy General in Sacramento and it is NOT traveler friendly. 4 of the 6 doctors I worked with were very nasty to all nurses. TellAFirstTimerGather a notebook together with sections. Keep all your license', shot record, TB etc...education, resume.....you will need it alot! It makes it very handy to be organized.

Name: Devora ResidentState: VIRGINIA Specialty: OR MoneyImportance: 3 BenefitsImportance: 2 LocationImportance: 3 RecuirterImportance: 3 Housing: One Bedroom Paid For TravelingYears: Under 1 year NOWTravelCompany: CONTEMPORARY NURSING SOLUTIONS SwitchCompanies: No DisasterCompany: CONTEMPORARY NURSING SOLUTIONS NonFriendlyHospital: NO Favoritecity: NA LeastFavoriteCity: NA Date: 29 Apr 2007 Time: 17:56:51
FirstTravelNurseExperienceI am working on my first travel assignment and have been at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring Md since Sept. 2006. This is a great place to work and a great place for a first time traveler to start. The doctors and staff have been great. It will be hard to leave. TellAFirstTimerAsk questions and if the ansewers are not what you want find a new company.

Name: Sigurid ResidentState: NE Specialty: Step Down, Telemetry, Med/Surg MoneyImportance: 4 BenefitsImportance: 4 LocationImportance: 2 RecuirterImportance: 4 Housing: One Bedroom Paid For TravelingYears: Under 1 year NOWTravelCompany: Trustaff SwitchCompanies: Yes DisasterCompany: No NonFriendlyHospital: Valley View Medical Center in Fort Mohave, AZ Favoritecity: Too new at traveling to say LeastFavoriteCity: Too new at traveling to say Date: 01 May 2007 Time: 16:09:53
FirstTravelNurseExperienceNursing Nightmare. Valley View Medical Center just received JHACHO Certification but I am not sure how they got it. Medical Surgical Telemetry Unit is a disaster, unorganized, understaffed, 1:8 or sometimes more N/P ration 1 CNS often have inappropriate patients on the unit who should be ICU (only 6 beds here) or on a Step-down(PCU) unit. Nursing staff very unfriendly, not helpful, travel nurses are treated with no respect by staff. Changed time on Kronas and did not pay overtime I worked. Trustaff did not back me up on this even though I had signed time sheets for all the overtime. Was terminated for speaking to HR about my frustations. Trustaff took my last check to cover the two weeks of housing contract and left me with no money. They did find me a new job within a week which did not require me to move. TellAFirstTimer1. Get it in writing and do not believe your agency will back you up when it comes to an issue that might mean the hospital will terminate their contract with agency...not just you. 0 So make sure you have everything done and are ready to go with several companies before you take your first assignment, meaning physical, immunizations, respirator fit testing, and all the application and skill testing done so you can be ready to go with any of your chosen companies at a moments notice.
2. Research the web sites by travel nurses for travel nurses, such as this one, ultimatenurse.com nurseforum.com Delphi etc. It pays to heed the advice of seasoned travelers who can tell you what companies are good, what hospitals to stay away from.
3. Have realistice expectations. Know that if the pay and bonuses are high there are more than likely issues for travelers and staff alike and that staff may have attitude toward travel nurses in general so stick with your fellow travel nurses, bond, share, complain to one another, but do not voice your opinion in front of staff as they will tattle on you to management and among themselves which can make your life a living hell there.
4. Make sure that you have in writing that the facility must call you to discuss schedule changes and that you have the right to refuse changes. A traveler must be flexible, but one does not have to be inconvienienced by changes made by management without permission. Such changes mean you have no life, you cannot make plans to explore, and you might end up with a long stretch of shifts without a day off. Get in writing how many shifts you will work in a row (two on, two off, etc.) For example I do not like working 4 nights in row with a 48 hours guaranteed contract. It is too fast paced and my body does not do well with 4 twelves in a row. Know your limits and stick to them.
5. Make sure you know just what your companies policy is on contracts cancelled early or without just cause...Save at least $1000 dollars just in case for relocatiion expenses to cover any expenses not covered by your company...in my case, I stll had six shifts to work or two weeks before my contract was up...so the company used my paycheck to pay the last two weeks of my housing and the cat deposit which was supposed to be taken out over the 8 weeks of the contract but had not been so I lost the entire paycheck which I had already written checks for bills and mailed...overdrafts cost me more money.
5. Find out what the state you are working in allows for per diem on the tax advantage system and make you company do it right.
6. Utililize the Tax Advantage System if you reside in another state as your primary resident. Learn about it. Ask a seasoned traveler how it works if your recruiter does not explain it well...and sometimes they encourage it when it saves them money but is not to your advantage.. so always check out what is best for your situation... not theirs.
7. digital camera, lap top computer, make sure local phone is in your contract unless you have cell plan that does does not have roaming charges. Always ask about what is included in furnished apt. i.e. dishes plates, etc. In my case I elected to take my pots and pans, dishes,and silverware, coffe pot, and cooking utensils, a cookie sheet etc. as it saved me $160 a month on my housing. What size bed and if linens are included. It all depends on if you drive to your assignment or fly. If flying make sure your travel company has a rental care waiting for you when you arrive and understand what it will cost you to drive it.
8. My two requests. A washer/dryer in the apt unit and high speed internet. I am willing to pay a little more to not have to go to a laundry mat or a community apt. laundry facility. Basic cable should be included, utilites, and local phone when possible. In some remote areas you may have to use Wi-Fi for internet. So check out what is availble amd in some areas cell phones drop call no cell towers.
9. Remember the agency you work for is out to make money too, so if it is not in writing they may renig on admitting they ever said it or promised it to you.

Name: Jennifer ResidentState: MD Specialty: NICU MoneyImportance: 1 BenefitsImportance: 2 LocationImportance: 2 RecuirterImportance: 1 Housing: One Bedroom Paid For TravelingYears: 1-2 years NOWTravelCompany: On assignment SwitchCompanies: Yes DisasterCompany: American Mobile NonFriendlyHospital: Long Beach Memorial Favoritecity: Santa Barbara,Ca LeastFavoriteCity: Palm Springs,Ca Date: 02 May 2007 Time: 14:13:05
FirstTravelNurseExperienceHorrendous! Housing was far from facility and traffic was even worse! Iwas tired by the time I got to work.That assignment lasted 2 weeks! Thats all I could take! That was my very first travel assignment almost 10 years ago.Since then I've learned the ropes-still learning! TellAFirstTimerGET IT IN WRITING!!
Be sure to get an interview with the facility so you can have all your questions answered. Don't take the assignment if you have doubts!

Name: Jennifer ResidentState: MD Specialty: NICU MoneyImportance: 1 BenefitsImportance: 2 LocationImportance: 2 RecuirterImportance: 1 Housing: One Bedroom Paid For TravelingYears: 1-2 years NOWTravelCompany: On assignment SwitchCompanies: Yes DisasterCompany: American Mobile NonFriendlyHospital: Long Beach Memorial Favoritecity: Santa Barbara,Ca LeastFavoriteCity: Palm Springs,Ca Date: 02 May 2007 Time: 14:15:02
FirstTravelNurseExperienceHorrendous! Housing was far from facility and traffic was even worse! I was tired by the time I got to work. That assignment lasted 2 weeks! Thats all I could take! That was my very first travel assignment almost 10 years ago. Since then I've learned the ropes-still learning! TellAFirstTimerGET IT IN WRITING!!
Be sure to get an interview with the facility so you can have all your questions answered. Don't take the assignment if you have doubts! Good Luck!

Name: David ResidentState: Minnesota Specialty: Critcal care/Intensive Care MoneyImportance: 1 BenefitsImportance: 3 LocationImportance: 4 RecuirterImportance: 2 Housing: Suite Is Fine TravelingYears: 1-2 years NOWTravelCompany: Medical express SwitchCompanies: Yes DisasterCompany: no NonFriendlyHospital: no Favoritecity: Denver, CO LeastFavoriteCity: Newbedford, MA Date: 07 May 2007 Time: 00:23:27
FirstTravelNurseExperienceMy first assignment ended up with me in a very unsafe city and a hospital with very poor management and poor patient care. My first introduction to the city involved a car of gangbangers holding a knife out their car window, and me unsure how to get out of my contract. Thank goodness that the city was surrounded by great things to visit. TellAFirstTimerBe well prepared as a nurse first and foremost.

Name: sandra ResidentState: iowa Specialty: er MoneyImportance: 1 BenefitsImportance: 3 LocationImportance: 1 RecuirterImportance: 1 Housing: Give Me The $$MONEY$$ TravelingYears: 2-5 years NOWTravelCompany: onassignment SwitchCompanies: No DisasterCompany: no NonFriendlyHospital: Favoritecity: reno, nv LeastFavoriteCity: coalinga, ca Date: 08 May 2007 Time: 17:07:45
FirstTravelNurseExperienceHad a wonderful time, staff was great at Carson-tahoe, nv. TellAFirstTimer
Name: Julie ResidentState: California Specialty: PACU MoneyImportance: 1 BenefitsImportance: 2 LocationImportance: 3 RecuirterImportance: 4 Housing: One Bedroom Paid For TravelingYears: 2-5 years NOWTravelCompany: Med RP SwitchCompanies: No DisasterCompany: NonFriendlyHospital: Cedars Sinai in Hollywood Favoritecity: LA LeastFavoriteCity: Dodge City, KS Date: 15 Dec 2006 Time: 01:20:54
FirstTravelNurseExperienceOverall experience was OK. Agency was very good, supportive. Hospital and staff were very traveler friendly & welcoming. TellAFirstTimer

Name: Kathy ResidentState: WI Specialty: Neuro, Med/Surg MoneyImportance: 4 BenefitsImportance: 1 LocationImportance: 2 RecuirterImportance: 3 Housing: One Bedroom Paid For TravelingYears: 2-5 years NOWTravelCompany: Emerald Health Services SwitchCompanies: No DisasterCompany: RTG Medical, Beststaff NonFriendlyHospital: Cottage Hospital and Novato Community Hospital Favoritecity: San Rafeal LeastFavoriteCity: Chico Date: 17 Jan 2007 Time: 06:56:13
FirstTravelNurseExperienceMy recruiter lied to me, left me stranded 3 hours from home, and the hospital was the worst hospital I have ever been in. TellAFirstTimerGet everything in writing and even then the travel company can still lie to you. Beststaff's contract stipulated an 8 week contract of 12 hour nights. When I arrived at Novato I was working days, Pms, Nocs and 8 and 12 hour rotating shifts. Then I found out that Beststaff had typed the wrong ending date on the contract with the hospital so I was left without work for 2 weeks.
Beststaff pretended to be a small southern company that had Christian values but BOY were they just the opposite. They lied about everything including the apartment which was a DIVE and they wouldn't do anything about it when I brought that to their attention - doors didn't lock, the balcony was rotting wood, the carpet and flooring had sharp tacks sticking up and you couldn't go barefoot, etc.

Name: Michelle ResidentState: Nevada Specialty: NICU MoneyImportance: 1 BenefitsImportance: 4 LocationImportance: 3 RecuirterImportance: 2 Housing: Two Bedroom Paid For TravelingYears: 1-2 years NOWTravelCompany: Aureus SwitchCompanies: Yes DisasterCompany: Aureus NonFriendlyHospital: No Favoritecity: Las Vegas LeastFavoriteCity: None Date: 21 Jan 2007 Time: 03:53:50
FirstTravelNurseExperienceI took an assignment in Seattle, WA at Evergreen Hospital with HRN. First of all, I had a great recruiter (Summer, who is no longer with them, regrettably). She was very on the ball, helped me figure out the ropes, and got me the greatest little apartment in a fabulous neighborhood. I went to work with the night crew, had awesome coworkers and stayed on for a total of 6 months. Great first time experience. I am so glad it wasn't a horror story like some people's! TellAFirstTimerDon't ever go into a facility and tell the staff repeatedly, "Well, back at (blank facility), we did it this way." Staff hates to hear that, even if it is true. It just grates on the nerves. We had a traveler at my old hospital once who always said with her thick Bronx accent, "Well, back in New York..." -you fill in the blank. Everything was done differently there, apparently. If you have to absolutely add your two-cents about how something could be done better, just don't preface your comment, "Well, back in (blank)..." and try not to do it too terribly often, because it will still carry the same effect. Remember, you are not out there to change the world! Just enjoy that you get to be so lucky to see how things are done differently everywhere and relish the fact that we get paid a good sum of money to travel around and experience the differences in American (and sometimes foreign) culture(s).

Name: dorothy ResidentState: kentucky Specialty: er / critical care MoneyImportance: 4 BenefitsImportance: 1 LocationImportance: 2 RecuirterImportance: 3 Housing: I'll Take The Stipend & RV It TravelingYears: 2-5 years NOWTravelCompany: trustaf SwitchCompanies: Yes DisasterCompany: american mobile NonFriendlyHospital: no Favoritecity: lexington, ky LeastFavoriteCity: Date: 03 Feb 2007 Time: 20:40:52
FirstTravelNurseExperience
I had been a nurse for 12 years at the time of my first assignment, so I was
fairly comfortable with it. I have enjoyed the nursing staffs
everywhere that I have been, and have made friends that I continue to keep
in contact with from every assignment. TellAFirstTimer
Be careful! Your assignment is only as good as your recruiter.
Get it in writing and stick to your guns. Adapt to your surroundings,
work hard, be a team player, and you will fit in anywhere you go.

Name: Teshia ResidentState: California Specialty: NICU MoneyImportance: 1 BenefitsImportance: 3 LocationImportance: 4 RecuirterImportance: 2 Housing: One Bedroom Paid For TravelingYears: 1-2 years NOWTravelCompany: Emerald Health services SwitchCompanies: Yes DisasterCompany: none so far NonFriendlyHospital: Long Beach Memorial Favoritecity: LeastFavoriteCity: Date: 18 Feb 2007 Time: 14:59:27
FirstTravelNurseExperiencePretty exciting. I find the staff overall very nice and helpful. It was not long before we all bonded like a family. I love meeting different nurses learning how we all do things different to achieve the same goals!!! TellAFirstTimerResearch your companies and listen to seasoned traveling nurses they have great advice and
tidbits that you just don't realize until you have traveled for a while!

Name: kristi ResidentState: Texas Specialty: Surgery MoneyImportance: 1 BenefitsImportance: 1 LocationImportance: 1 RecuirterImportance: 2 Housing: Give Me The $$MONEY$$ TravelingYears: 1-2 years NOWTravelCompany: Talemed SwitchCompanies: Yes DisasterCompany: National Healthcare NonFriendlyHospital: none Favoritecity: Reno, Nv LeastFavoriteCity: none Date: 20 Feb 2007 Time: 12:07:14
FirstTravelNurseExperienceMy first experience was very nice. However, in the middle of my extended contract my original company merged with NHC and everything went to pot! I had a horrible recruiter. I had had an excellent recruiter with TVL. Needless to say, next
assignment I switched companies. TellAFirstTimerThings to remember: ALWAYS GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING. Companies will promise you the moon to get you. Ask the company you are going to work for to have a nurse who already works for them contact you. This way you can ask them personally about their experience. Have a list of questions written down before you start contacting companies. I have been an OR nurse for 15 yrs and have had good experiences everywhere I have been. I plan to continue traveling. It is a wonderful way to see the country. I have made so many new friends.

Name: Kristen ResidentState: Lousiana Specialty: critical care MoneyImportance: 3 BenefitsImportance: 4 LocationImportance: 1 RecuirterImportance: 2 Housing: I'll Take The Stipend & RV It TravelingYears: 2-5 years NOWTravelCompany: Cross Country Trav Corp SwitchCompanies: No DisasterCompany: yes NonFriendlyHospital: Naples Community Hospital Favoritecity: Oklahoma City LeastFavoriteCity: Naples, FL Los Angeles Date: 28 Feb 2007 Time: 23:09:43
FirstTravelNurseExperienceOkay... My husband and I travel together ( he is a RN too) we took an
assignment at Emory in Atlanta, GA. It was OK. A little reverse racism going on there, but I just minded my own business. TellAFirstTimerBe very wary of any promises made over the phone. My recruiter is great and does an excellent job of keeping us out of not traveler friendly areas. The nurse
manager of the ICUs at Naples Community completely lied about floating (how often and where). I extended only b/c I drove all the way from LA spent all my savings for the trip so I was stuck. I was floated MANY times to med/surg floors which is very difficult for an ICU RN...read TOO many pts. And when you where floated out you received no help, always took the crazy pts, admits etc. Bottom line...talk to other travelers to get the down low.

Name: Rhonda ResidentState: FL Specialty: tele/step-down/whatever !! MoneyImportance: 1 BenefitsImportance: 4 LocationImportance: 2 RecuirterImportance: 3 Housing: Give Me The $$MONEY$$ TravelingYears: 2-5 years NOWTravelCompany: fastaff SwitchCompanies: No DisasterCompany: no NonFriendlyHospital: bakersfield, CA Favoritecity: Reno !! LeastFavoriteCity: Bakersfield, CA Date: 03 Mar 2007 Time: 22:42:15
FirstTravelNurseExperienceFirst did a 3 week strike, loved it ..so I did a 4 week travel to see...LOVED IT, this is why I love nursing !!! TellAFirstTimerAsk lots of questions, get everything in writing !! Travel with a buddy the first time. Be flexible at the hospital, smile & work hard...it always pays off !! Enjoy, you will meet so many new friends !!!

Name: Tina ResidentState: IL Specialty: ICU/ER MoneyImportance: 3 BenefitsImportance: 4 LocationImportance: 2 RecuirterImportance: 1 Housing: One Bedroom Paid For TravelingYears: 2-5 years NOWTravelCompany: Travel Nurse Solutions SwitchCompanies: Yes DisasterCompany: On Assignment NonFriendlyHospital: Our Lady of Fatima, Providence, Rhode Island Favoritecity: STL LeastFavoriteCity: Providence, Rhode Island Date: 19 Mar 2007 Time: 13:23:59
FirstTravelNurseExperiencedisaster.... the countryside was great, nurses, were standoffish, stuck up, snooty, management was disorganized, didn't get paid for 3 weeks, if they make a mistake on your check, they pull the entire deposit out of your bank, don't pay any bounced check fees and leave you on your own TellAFirstTimerStay out of the politics, most of us travel because we don't like the games, so remember that. Keep quiet for a few weeks, watch things, listen and learn who to go to for protocols etc. Not everyone likes travelers

Name: Bobbye ResidentState: Ms Specialty: Telemetry MoneyImportance: 1 BenefitsImportance: 4 LocationImportance: 2 RecuirterImportance: 3 Housing: One Bedroom Paid For TravelingYears: Under 1 year NOWTravelCompany: Trinityhsg.com SwitchCompanies: No DisasterCompany: None yet NonFriendlyHospital: None yet Favoritecity: Mesa, Az LeastFavoriteCity: None yet Date: 23 Mar 2007 Time: 02:57:48
FirstTravelNurseExperienceMy first traveling experience was at Banner Baywood hospital in Mesa, Az. The first 13 weeks was like a honeymoon. I asked for single housing for me and my husband and they put me up in a 3 bedroom townhome on a beautiful golf course! The townhome was gorgeous and fully
equipped! As far as the hospital goes, They had a nurse patient ratio of 5-1 max and they stuck to it, we had experienced charge nurses that were really helpful. We even had a monitor tech, which I find now not all hospitals have in telemetry. I made
a lot of friends there, and I feel it is an excellent hospital. TellAFirstTimerFind another nurse that works for the company you are thinking of working for and grill him/her on the how the company really works!!

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