Good AGencies and experiences on travel nursing

[lizzy8071]

Hello everyone,

I am checking out what travel nursing is all about and it sounds like there are ups and downs like anything you do. I am hoping to possibly start travel nursing in the next 2-3 years all of my kids will be graduated and my husband and I are looking for this to be a way to see the world. Any comments and stories of experiences with travel nursing success stories? I am looking for traveling during the winter months to warm climates! Also wondering if anyone knows or has had experiences with : RNnetwork, american mobile or travel nursing. com or if there are any companies you recommend. I reside in Michigan and will probably spend my summers there. Thanks a bunch

[Kdog]

I would recomend Rn Network, good people.they will have winter jobs in Florida for you. Also, Medical Solutions is good but at this time have less Florida jobs.
Check into a Seasonal Job at Lee Memorial Hospital In Florida, You work for the hospital on a seasonal basis, and the pay is much better PLUS theybgive you a monthly STIPEND of about a $1000. per month above and beyond your salary............ Good hospital system with about 4 hospitals to choose from to work. You will have to find your own housing , but that is not a problem in Florida. The travel companies can't match that. You can work 3,4 5, or 6 months assignment at Lee Memorial IN Fort Myers Florida. Also , a few companies work w Lee Memoria also. The travel Company will pay for your housing but I found the pay alot lower that way. I worked at Gulf Coast twice traveling, once w RN Netork and once directly thru Lee Memorial as a seasonal nurse and the Seasonal is a better deal.

[lizzy8071]

Thanks so much for the info! I also was wondering about health insurance? If anyone has any info on Az, Tx or CA that would be helpful to.

Beth

[Kdog]

Travel Company offers you health insurance and of course you would have to pay for additional family members.

[ulrica74]

Hello, do they require you take thePDBS test at Lee Memorial?

[Kdog]

Yes PBDS is required and if you fail you can't work there for 6 months UNLESS you are a full time employee then they work with you.
I took it there and passed as a travel nurse then I worked there as their employee as a seasonal nurse also but you only have to take PBDS once and it's good .
Several travel nurses failed it and it was so stressful to see them have to leave immediately..

[cardiacbeeatch]

I would advise staying away from HealthOne Staffing and Miles M. the recruiter.

If you decide to go with them, READ YOUR CONTRACT very, very carefully. They have a punitive clause whereby you have to pay them if you do not fulfill your minimum hours (facility calls you off, etc).

I got caught not realizing the pay week started on a FRIDAY -- THURSDAY instead of the normal Saturday or Sunday -- to Saturday or Sunday.
BTW, how many facilities start their pay periods on a Friday to Thursday cycle?

Right out of the gate I owed THEM money. Mr. M. could have warned me of that (and I should have noted it in my contract) but I argued with him for hours about that punitive clause (BEFORE signing) and he never mentioned my initial bend-over was coming with my first check. A bit unethical I would say.

Live and learn!

[Kdog]

Regarding the contract of paying the company if shift is missed for whatever reason, I dumped a company once who had this policy..
It's best to get referrals to good companies there are alot of good companies as well as lousy

[ERRN01]

Hello. I currently travel with Medical Express, a branch of American Mobile. I have had a good experience with them. I honestly believe its all about your recruiter and how hard they are willing to work to keep you happy and meet your needs. I have found I have to be a little firm and just ask for what I want and usually she can get me what I want.
As far as insurance, I got coverage the first day of my 1st assignment for myself and husband. It's approx $80 a week for vision/dental/medical.
The good thing about traveling is if you absolutely hate it (which I don't think you will be disappointed you only have to fulfill your contact of 8 or 13 weeks then you can try something else.
Good luck with your travels.

[trav-e-ler]

The fact that you're traveling to the south during the winter is perfect. That's exactly when Florida, Arizona, and other snowbird states need help to be prepared for retired travelers. I also work for Medical Express and don't have any experience with any other company. I would probably rate them a 7 or 8 out of ten. Good luck!!!