travel to NC?

[justme88]

I have been talking with recruiters for more than a month now and I finally got an offer for a job in Bethany Hospital in NC...anybody ever worked there? my recruiter (from rn network) says she's placed several travellers to NC and has had good reviews from her travellers. It would be my first time travelling. Im excited and nervous at the same time. Is it better to take the housing stipend? What things should I make sure that is written on the contract when I do sign it? what other questions should I be asking my recruiter? What should I have ready before I leave to go travel? Badly needing help...thanks.

[Kdog]

It's normal to be nervous but don't let yourself go crazy.
Ask your recruiter if you can talk to one of the nurses that worked at the facility. I've done that before and it helped.
Regarding the stipend, do you have any idea if there are short term leases available in that area? Also, it may not be that easy to find a fully furnished apt w utilities and washer dryer included. Plus you want to be in a safe area. I would recommend taking the housing 1st time around and get comfortable w travel nursing.
Ask the housing dept. what stuff you will need for the apt. like dishes, coffe pot,etc.. bed sheets etc.
The contract should have exactly the hours you will work like 7p to 7a, no floating, etc. If you asked for a specific day off make sure that is in there.
Enjoy your assignment. Keep us posted how you are doing?
K

[justme88]

Thank You! that helps. Also, I have been talking to another recruiter from another agency ... how do I tell him that I've already accepted a job? Or do I not tell him?
Also, how about banking? Is it wiser to go with the bank that have branches in all states? Or is it okay to have my direct deposits to my bank that only has a branch in my home state?

Thank you again for your help.

[Kdog]

Just tell the other recruiter by phone or email the truth so they don't keep calling you and wasting time and later on you can keep your options open with that other company.

You can keep your bank and when you need cash use a grocery store or pharmacy after buying stuff and get cash back free, because the ATM fees are expensive. You can change banks anytime, don't worry about that now wait and see how much traveling you'll be doing.

[justme88]

thank you so much kdog! im just freaking out at the same time im very excited!!! I just thinking that something will go wrong if I dont really pay attention and all. ehehhehe...im kinda OCD at times.
Thank you so much for your help. Im driving down or up there next week and im starting the 20th! yay! thank you much!

[Kdog]

let us know how the job goes. i heard it was a good place to work

[ppanchorage]

Your first assignment is exciting! Yeah! If I can find something in the area, I take the stipend. If I don't know the area at all, it's a big city, or housing is limited, I let them do it.
Get familiar with Craig's list and the local papers as well as the local "bullentin board" papers. You know the kind - Bargain finder, etc.
I have had ALL banking done direct deposit for over 15 years now. I didn't know there was any other option. I use a big bank like Bank of America and can do on line or over the phone banking. I don't get paper statements and most banks don't send you your cancelled checks anymore anyway.
Travel light! Don't take a bunch of clothes and books and "stuff" because one of the things to get to know the area will be shopping. And since you are living out of a suitcase, you won't be buying unless you really, really, really want it. However, on some assignments I've had to send boxes home! Woohoo
I take my laptop, nursing files, some papers for bills, etc, A book, my ipod, outdoor things and clothes. That's it.
If you take meds, make sure you have enough!
It is so fun!!!
I love NC! Explore. Go alone if you have to! Get out. Meet people. Woohoo!

[justme88]

I am super excited! thank you both for your answers! I will be updating/posting about my new experience!

[ormaidale]

What's going on in NC, there is alot of travel in that area. Any one have any idea why that area has a shortage.