Advice for Newbies

[All41]

For some of you seasoned travelers.....could you give us some advice for nurses wishing to begin a career in traveling? Some positives and some negatives please...

[MelissaRN]

I have been traveling for 4 years now and I love it. I hope you choose to do it. I have worked for 3 different companies. From my expericne Clinical one is that best. Web site www.clnicalone.com . Phone : 1*800*919*9100 . They are bases out of Boston. They have good benefits and a great staff. Very efficient and decicated to their nurses. My recruiter is Lori G...give her a call and she will answer any of your questions concering the positions available in your speciality.....tell her that Melissa <font color="brown"> </font color> told you to call. She is an amazing recruiter. Questions feel free to email me and I'll do my best to stear you in the right direction.
Also go to www.healthcaretravler.com and sign up for their free magazine that is gearned towards travel nurses and offers a great deal of information on companies, assignments and other great atricles.

Take care and good luck,
Melissa P
Clinical One
Current Assignment: Carson City, Nevada @ Carson Tahoe Hospital !!!!!

[All41]

Please e-mail me, I have some specific q's.
lpatterson5@triad.rr.com
Thanks!

[ICULYNN]

Okay, there is alot to learn out there in travel nursing country. I have only began my learning experience. I am from Alabama originally and am now in Tucson AZ for my first assignment. Actually I should say my second assignment, for I have come across some pretty hefty bumps in the road. There is so much to consider. If you would like you may email me, and ask about my situation .. of which one company dumped me unexpectedly for no fault of mine, and another picked me up and I am still going. I suppose if I never were to hear from you again, the best line of advice I could give at this present time is "Listen to a seasoned travel nurse .... trust her/him .... and take off. Traveling is an exciting adventure, and even with my big bumps in the road I am glad to be on it.
Take Care!

[gothrn]

First, make sure you feel confident with your company and your recuiter. Next, for your first assignment go with another traveler. When travelling the big thing is realizing that you are in the facility and not there to change the way they do what they have been doing. If you have more questions, just drop me a line at
agps_30@yahoo.com

[CCHADWI]

Traveling isn't all that difficult if you have the right company. I agree with gothrn with "make sure you feel confident with your company and your recruiter."

Most companies offer the same bells and whistles, but not all of them are always there for you. Talk to a number of companies before settling with one. No matter what one says, you should talk to a few at the start. Find someone you feel comfortable talking to, and see how personal they get. The more personal they get with you, the more they will actually care, and be there if something goes wrong, or you have a problem on your assignment. You want someone that is there for you, even at 4AM if something should happen or you need to talk. You want to be a nurse and a person, and not just a number and a name.

Anything we can do to help, just let me know.

Charles Chadwick
Charles@Ultimatenurse.com

[Driven]

Hey, I'm in the same boat as All41. I have an added twist to my situation--I've nearly 20 years experience in critical care, but not during the last 3 years. Any suggestions on what I should do to best and quickest become marketable to a travel company??? I'm getting my ACLS and taking some courses to review hemodynamic monitoring. I'm applying for per diem positions so I can back into the hospital environment. I figure I'll need at least a year before I'll be marketable. Anyone with any words of wisdom will be greatly appreciated.

[Mageo]

Driven,
I was in a similar situation before I started traveling, so I picked up some intermittent ICU shifts for a year before traveling.

[RN28]

THis is for the Alabama nurse who is now in Tucson. I am dealing with a company now who is trying to place me. I am a psych nurse but my son and daughter-in-law are in Tucson, military. This company is trying to place me as close as possible. San Diego is one possibility.
Any tips for a new would-be traveler? I've been a nurse for 28 years.
Kay

P.S. I am originally from Bama as well. Now living in TN.

[edrn4hire]

Advise: Make sure you and your recruiter have a good relationship. Pack light, take only what you need. Make sure you have enough $$ for emergencies. Have family support. Enjoy the adventure. Know YOUR job. Watch out for YOUR license. Enjoy making new friends. Seek out other travelers. Be willing to learn, be willing to teach.