[labordeliveryRN]

:Hey everyone. I'm hoping to start a new adventure as a travel nurse by feb2008. I've never done this before so any advice is welcomed (good company, locations, tips...) I'm interested in going to anywhere at least semi-warm (higs of 50s-70s, lows of 40s). I'm currently in virgnia, so I have a compact license. I have no pets and I'll be traveling alone. I've been an l&d nurse for over 2years. Soo that's me in a nutshell. Oh and I'm turning 30 on the dec 15th YAY (i dunno if that matters...) Can't wait to hear from you all!!!!

[KYtraveler]

Congratulations on the decision to travel. I've been doing it a little over a year and love it!! As for a good company....everybody has their opinions. What I've found is more important then the company itself is a good recruiter. You'll learn fast if you have a good or bad recruiter. If you're recruiter doesn't return your calls or rushes you while your on the phone....change companies or ask for another recruiter. If your recruiter is willing to spend time talking with you and is respectful and returns your calls, he/she is more likely to help you find a good assignment and assist you when you have issues. I'm with american mobile and have heard horrible stories about them. I've had a coupe issues, but have a good relationship with my recruiter and she's always quick to resolve them.
Don't worry about traveling alone. Almost all the assignments have other travelers, so you'll have plenty of people to hang out with. As a first time traveler I recommend California if you're looking for somewhere warm. They have ratios and the pay is great. It's not a compact state....but they have a walk thru process you can get a temporary license in a day.

Best of luck to you

[peekabooicu]

Congratulations on your decision, I am presently enjoying the travel nursing world, the selections are endless!
I have found that there are nice people everywhere you wanna go.
I work ICU/CCU.
Everyone seems to want to help each other. I like that very much.
Good Luck

[lovelife]

It's a great decision to try out travel nursing. I am a L/D nurse with 3 years experience. I started travel nursing after 1.5 years of high risk L/D and I felt confident enough to do it. It's great money and so worth it. I started with Medical Express, worked with Trustaff, and then to On Assignment. My favorite company ON ASSIGNMENT, my recruiter is ANGELA ROTUNO and she is GREAT, fast, effective and to the point. She doesn't beat around the bush and explains things so you understand everything. Plus, I am making $200-300 more per week with On assignment than the other travel companies. They have a great tax advantage plan that helps bring home more money up front.
I started working in CA, then CO, and OR, and back home to WI once in a while. My favorite travel state OREGON.

It's worth the call. Plus, if you have a area or specific hospital you would like to work for, they are great at trying to get an interview and contract for you.

Good Luck!