Experienced ED RN hoping for Jan 2009 assignment between Tampa and Sarasota

[chickpea49]

I am already working with TravelMax and Intelistaff to find a travel assignment in the Tampa/Sarasota area - ideally north Sarasota or Bradenton. Unfortunately I have not even had an interview yet - and have been looking since August.

I completed the online application for RNvip.com today.

I do already have a Florida license and am a Certified Emergency Nurse as well as an instructor for ACLS, PALS, ENPC, TNCC, and ATCN.

I have been an ED RN since 1995. I did 4 travel assignments in 1996/1997. I have also been an educator since 2000, received my MSN in May of 2008, and would also consider an interim educator position anywhere warm - but I know those positions are rare. I have been working as a weekend night staff RN in an ED for the past 4 years and agency since August, so I do have recent bedside experience.

I will need housing, and will be bringing 2 dogs (30lb and 60lb, 10 years old and fairly sedate). My parents will be living in Sun City Center and, because they will be helping with the dogs, I'd like to live within 30 minutes of them.

I am staying per diem in Milwaukee with my 2 current jobs and work local agency for MSN, but am otherwise officially unemployed as of December 22 and am getting a bit nervous!

Any opportunities or words of advice would be appreciated.

Thank you!

[AmandaWIRN]

I'm not a recruiter, but you probably haven't had any interviews yet because it's a little soon to start looking for January travel positions. Most hospitals will not post their needs with travel companies until 4-6 weeks before the start date... I bet you'll find more positions available near the end of November/beginning of December.

[chickpea49]

I was initially looking for a specific location - I've now told my 2 recruiters that I can go anywhere warm (2 weeks ago). I've got a FL license and am licensed in WI, a compact state. Would also go to CA, as I heard it is a 'walk through' state. Still no interviews. Saturday's my last official shift (my bosses have been gracious enough to let me go pool at my 2 hospitals in the area, but obviously no guaranteed hours).

I have read that some nurses use up to 10 recruiters. I feel guilty working with 2 - what is the best way to proceed? I know the market is slow. I do have an interview for a local job (not travel) but was really hoping to escape the cold.

[AmandaWIRN]

I talk to about 3-4 different recruiters when I am looking for my next assignment. I am in FL now, and just accepted my next contract in San Antonio, TX (I also do ER). As of last week, there were Florida ER asignments at University in Tampa, JFK in Atlantis, FL (but I've heard bad things about this place), Okeechobee, FL, Boca Community in Boca Raton, & Boynton Beach, FL.

Check with Clinical One & RN Network- if you would like my recruiter's contact info with RN Network, PM me.

[chickpea49]

Thank you so much for your responses - you are a wealth of information! I was submitted to all of the Fl openings that you mentioned and did not get one bite. I finally applied directly to Yuma Regional Medical Center in AZ for a seasonal position with housing - application went in on a Friday AM, had an interview on Monday, was offered the position on Tuesday. 2 of my recruiters were very understanding and happy for me. 1 wants to submit me to other places so I have options but I feel I've made a commitment to Yuma. The pay is very decent (especially compared to the hourly rates I was shown for TX - $15-22/hr??! The tax advantage plan wouldn't have made it much more worthwhile). Funny, though - almost as soon as I FINALLY secured a position I could have had interviews for 2 travel assignments (Houston and Napa).

Have a wonderful time in San Antonio - it's a great town. Have you been there before?