Travel Nursing Forum Topic

Making it Through Nursing School

I was wondering if anyone has any tips on making it through nursing school. I just finished my first semester. I am married with two kids. I do not work. I want this so bad. Thanks!

Travel Nursing Quote
 
“The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible.”

~Arthur C. Clarke

Travel Nursing Jobs

Contact your recruiter or call Access Nurses at 1-866-687-7390 to inquire about the following travel nurse jobs!

Phoenix, Arizona
General Surgery
Positions: One
Shift: 8-hour evenings
Start Date: ASAP

Pampa, Texas
L&D
Positions: One
Shift: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Start Date: ASAP

Lawton, Oklahoma
Nursery
Positions: One
Shift: Nights
Start Date: ASAP

Watertown, New York
PACU
Positions: One
Shift: Nights
Start Date: ASAP

New York City, New York
Med Surg and CSICU
Positions: Three
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Bronx, New York
ER
Positions: Nine
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Gallup, New Mexico
ER
Positions: One
Shift: Rotating
Start Date: ASAP

Los Angeles, California
Cath Lab
Positions: One
Shift: 10-hour days
Start Date: September 8

Anaheim, California
COU
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour days
Start Date: ASAP

Bakersfield, California
L&D and Tele
Positions: Six
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Van Nuys, California
Med Surg and PACU
Positions: Three
Shift: 8 and 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Boston, Massachusetts
Step-down and Tele
Positions: Five
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Battlecreek, Michigan
L&D and OR
Positions: Two
Shift: 12-hour variable
Start Date: ASAP

Washington, D.C.
MICU, SICU and PACU
Positions: Three
Shift: 8 and 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Worry-Free Travel Nursing with Access Nurses

There is a lot that goes into planning, packing and preparing for a successful travel nurse assignment—which means plenty of potential for worrying. You deserve a break from all the stress and angst; let the travel nursing experts at Access Nurses help ease your tension so you can just focus on having the time of your life. Here’s a list of things you can scratch from your worry list while travel nursing:

Selling Yourself in the Interview
All you have to do is answer the phone and be yourself and let your recruiter set you up for success. Your recruiter will set up the phone interview once you’ve settled on a desired location and facility and even offer interview tips so you’re sure to impress your future employer.

Dealing with Paperwork, Licenses and Documents…Oh My!
Is the paperwork daunting enough to make you want to pull your hair out? Access Nurses travel liaisons are here to help. They take care of notifying you of the necessary licensure and documentation for your travel nurse job so you’re fully prepared and start on time.

Relocating for 13 Weeks
It may just be a 13-week assignment, but it’s more than a vacation, it’s your new home. Access Nurses’ housing conveniently comes fully equipped with furniture and other house wares. Plus, if you don’t want to travel alone, Access Nurses can easily accommodate any of your travel companions—from a pet-friendly apartment to a two-bedroom place for family or another travel nurse companion.

Making Friends in a Strange Land
All alone in a new city? Don’t worry for a moment about meeting new people. Travel assignments are a great way to meet new friends around the country. And Access Nurses can help by suggesting great cities for meeting people (San Francisco, San Diego and New York are some favorites) and connecting you with other Access Nurses travelers in the area.

Getting Started on Time
A late start date is the epitome of starting a travel assignment off on the wrong foot. Access Nurses is two steps ahead, ensuring that you get begin your assignment on time. They are available to answer any questions or concerns. Plus, they have copies of all your documents, tests, licenses and agreements (as should you), and are in contact with the facility about all the details of your assignment.

Benefiting While on Assignment
No more waiting for health benefits during your travel nurse assignment. Unlike with some travel companies, Access Nurses has the option of coverage starting on day one of your travel nursing job. They work with a large network of facilities and doctors to provide medical, dental and vision insurance. You will also have 401k, life insurance and family plan options.

Conquering the Great Unknown
When you begin a new assignment, sometimes it feels like the city will swallow you whole with its grandness; everything is unfamiliar. But just take it one step at a time. Ask your recruiter or travel liaison for suggestions about sights, restaurants and entertainment. They are well educated about your location and can offer some great tips. Turn this challenge into an opportunity for growth and adventure.

Featured Travel Nurse Destination

Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix is the capital and the most populous city in Arizona. It’s big on culture—with dozens of museums, an amusement park and city zoo—and fanatic about sports—with four major teams sporting jerseys from the city. More than a big city, Phoenix is also a natural wonder. It’s home to many parks, a botanical garden and gorgeous, scenic mountain ranges.

Weather: Summer: High: 99, Low: 74 Winter: High: 74, Low: 50
Population: 1,475,834
Nearby Cities: Mesa, Wickenburg, Globe

What Every Travel Nurse Should Bring on Assignment

Preparing for a 13-week travel nursing assignment can seem overwhelming, even if you’re a veteran travel nurse. There is so much to pack and bring—clothes, toiletries and not to mention the rest of your belongings. You want to plan well and be fully prepared for every occasion. Access Nurses helps with furniture (phew, one less thing to bring), but what about everything else you’ll need for the next three months? We’ve compiled a list of don’t-leave-home-without-it items for every traveling nurse:

• Capture Every Moment: Your camera should be at the top of your list next to clothes and your toothbrush. After all, memories are priceless, and you don’t want to forget a single one. Also, bring an extra memory card, plus the necessary cords to upload your pictures to a blog or email for your friends and family to stay updated on your travels.
• Be Your Own Handy Man: Skip the power drill, saw and wrenches, all you need is a travel size tool box containing the most basic tools—hammer, screwdriver, nails, etc.—for quick fix-it and decorating projects around your travel nurse apartment.
• Gain More Space: You can eliminate any outlet dilemmas (too few, not in the needed spot) by packing power strips and extension cords for your travel nursing assignment. These lightweight and portable items and will allow you to always have enough space for all of your needed items—from a cell phone charger to a toaster to a curling iron.
• Never Feel Stranded: Sure, you have all the necessary numbers in your cell phone, but what happens if it breaks or gets lost? Keeping an address book can save you from the panic of losing your main connection to friends, family and recruiter. It’s a helpful backup system, plus you can also keep addresses and important dates in it as well.
• Find Your Way Around: Not only will you know where to go during your travel nurse assignment, but you’ll know how to get there by investing in city guidebooks and a GPS navigation system. Guidebooks offer great tips for newcomers, from tasty restaurants, family-friendly sights and the best nightclubs. GPS systems are an investment, but a practical one for travel nurses moving to a new city so often.
• Create a Home Away From Home: Make your new apartment feel like home by bringing some personal and fun items to decorate. Framed pictures, refrigerator magnets, inexpensive artwork and rugs are all very portable and easy to take with you to each travel nurse job.
• Say Goodbye to Boredom: Whether it’s your favorite books, movies or CDs, be sure to bring them with you during your travel nurse assignment for those times when you just want to stay at home and relax, but still be entertained. A radio is also a great item to pack. You can keep up on the news, listen to music and use it as an alarm clock.
• Keep Cool For Less: Bring a small, easy-to-carry fan with you on your travel nursing assignment. Not only will you feel the breeze immediately with a fan, but you’ll save on electricity by using a fan to cool you off instead of central air conditioning.

Vote for your Favorite Access Nurses Recruiter!

Healthcare Traveler magazine is accepting nominations for the “best of the best” recruiters from travel nurse staffing companies.

From now until October 1, 2008, you can nominate your favorite Access Nurses recruiter for the “Recruiter of the Year” award. Cast your ballot online at www.HealthcareTraveler.com.

Each traveling nurse may nominate one recruiter. The recruiter who receives the most votes will appear within the “Recruiters of the Year” showcase in the December 2008 issue of Healthcare Traveler.

Now Playing on NurseTV.com 

Nurses with Heart Nurses at Camp del Corazon volunteer their time to keep an eye on their special campers—children will all forms of heart disease. WATCH IT NOW!

Travel Nursing Featured Destination

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is more than the nation’s capital—it’s its own little state. The District is home to numerous national landmarks and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. With such attractions as the White House, the Capitol buildings, Lincoln Memorial, National World War II Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, you can examine the course of American history and heritage. And there’s no shortage of arts and entertainment in the District. The Shakespeare Theatre Company, Studio Theatre and National Theatre make the city a hub of theatrical amusement.
Weather: Summer: High: 80, Low: 53 Winter: High: 61, Low: 38
Population: 588,292
Nearby Cities: Reston, Baltimore, Falls Church

Travel Nursing Jobs

Contact your recruiter or call Access Nurses at 1-866-687-7390 to inquire about the following jobs!

Washington, D.C.
MICU and SICU
Positions: 13
Shift: 8 and 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Ganado, Arizona
ER
Positions: Two
Shift: 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Start Date: ASAP

Sitka, Arkansas
ICU and L&D
Positions: Three
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Las Vegas, Nevada
L&D
Positions: One
Shift: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Start Date: ASAP

Nashville, Tennessee
Med Surg
Positions: Two
Shift: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Start Date: ASAP

El Paso, Texas
L&D
Positions: One
Shift: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Start Date: ASAP

Grand Junction, Colorado
CVOR
Positions: One
Shift: 8-hour days
Start Date: ASAP

Lone Tree, Colorado
ER Holding
Positions: Five
Shift: Days or nights
Start Date: September 22

Watertown, New York
PACU
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Kenmore, New York
ER
Positions: One
Shift: 8 and 12-hour evenings and nights
Start Date: ASAP

West Burlington, Iowa
ER
Positions: One
Shift: 10-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Fountain Valley, California
DOU Stepdown
Positions: Four
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Indio, California
PACU
Positions: One
Shift: 8 and 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Escondido, California
L&D and Post Partum
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: September 1

Escondido, California
ICU
Positions: Four
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Burlingame, California
ICU and Pediatrics
Positions: Eight
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Lowell, Massachusetts
L&D
Positions: Two
Shift: 8 and 12-hour evenings
Start Date: ASAP

Boston, Massachusetts
Dialysis
Positions: One
Shift: 10-hour days
Start Date: ASAP

Boston, Massachusetts
NICU
Positions: Two
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: September 22

Santa Fe, New Mexico
ER and ICU
Positions: Four
Shift: 12-hour variable
Start Date: ASAP

Travel Nursing Forum Topic

Interview Process

I will be graduating from a nursing program in December ‘08. I’m very excited. I am actually interviewing for University of Maryland’s R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. Next week, I will interview with the nurse managers.

I am looking for some advice for the interview, maybe thoughts from those who know about the shock trauma units. Any advice on this process or the first year would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Travel Nurse Quote

“With courage you will dare to take risks, have the strength to be compassionate, and the wisdom to be humble. Courage is the foundation of integrity.”

~Keshavan Nair

Travel Nurses Take Their Last Assignment Before Summer Ends

Summer is almost over, but there is still time for a travel nursing assignment that with make you great money and further your career. Take advantage of a beachside travel nurse job in California or Florida or enjoy summer in the city in New York.

Access Nurses can help you plan your next great travel nursing adventure. You will relax knowing that we take care of the details for you, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to enjoy that last weeks of summer fun.

Travel assignments are available from coast to coast with immediate start dates. Discover somewhere new before summer 2008 ends.

Call us at 866-687-7390

Volume 16 Number 8

What cities are travel nurses talking about? What assignments can they not get enough of? And all around, where are the favorite travel nurse destinations? We want to know, and you can’t stop telling us. Access Nurses travelers rave about their favorite travel nurse assignments. High pay rates, desirable locations and friendly people stood out as the leading reasons for determining their most beloved and memorable travel nurse jobs. And here are their top choices:Boston, Massachusetts
Big city vibe with a more relaxed lifestyle—no wonder travel nurses love taking assignments in Boston. Plus, proximity to metropolitans like New York and coastal communities like Martha’s Vineyard make Boston an even more desirable location for travel nurses.

Palm Springs, California
Working as a travel nurse in Palm Springs is like getting paid to live at a resort. This inland, desert city boasts high-paying travel nursing jobs and a lower cost of living than other California cities. Combine that with warm weather, miles of pristine golf courses and world-class spas and you’ve got yourself one nice vacation.

Richmond, Virginia
Access Nurses traveling RNs love working in the charming and inviting city of Richmond. The city is grounded in great family fun and community events. Located along the James River, Richmond offers travel nurses dozens of hiking, biking and camping options. Plus, local concerts and festivals bring the whole community together to celebrate. It’s not surprising that traveling nurses feel like part of the family in Richmond.

New Bern, North Carolina
Straight out of a Nicolas Sparks novel, New Bern has everything for a relaxing travel nurse assignment. Historical tours, tree-lined streets, seaside views and welcoming residents make this quaint town a beautiful and refreshing getaway from big-city travel nurse jobs. No wonder travel nurses always want to extend their assignments in New Bern.

Seattle, Washington
Travel nurses can’t stop telling us how much they enjoy working in Seattle. The city is big yet inviting, green and hippy yet professional and full of opportunity. Travel nurse jobs in Seattle offer an added bonus. Not only do they pay very well, but the city is full of inexpensive fun. Gaze over the city from the top of the Space Needle, take a ferry boat ride across the Puget Sound or sip coffee in an outdoor café.

Salem, Oregon
Travel nursing jobs in Salem offer the whole package—great pay, travel-friendly staffs and beautiful scenery. This capital city has a laid-back attitude and focuses on culture by hosting an annual World Beat Festival. Plus, there are bi-weekly farmer’s markets where the close-knit community members can stroll, shop and sell their food and gifts. The lush natural beauty invites travelers to enjoy a casual bike ride, afternoon hike or a picnic at sunset. Travel nurses continue to request assignments in this up-and-coming city.

Chinle, Arizona
Travel nurses are raving about working and living in Chinle, a scenic Indian reservation located in the heart of Navajo Nation. The city is full of historic beauty, like the Canyon de Chelly National Monument, for travel nurses to enjoy on a day off. The picturesque views of red rock formations and brilliant desert sunsets make Chinle a fantastic getaway from the noisy big city travel nursing jobs. And the people could not be nicer—a wonderful perk of working in a small town.

Vote for your Favorite
Access Nurses Recruiter!

Healthcare Traveler magazine is accepting nominations for the “best of the best” recruiters from travel nurse staffing companies.

From now until October 1, 2008, you can nominate your favorite Access Nurses recruiter for the “Recruiter of the Year” award. Cast your ballot online at www.HealthcareTraveler.com.

Each traveling nurse may nominate one recruiter. The recruiter who receives the most votes will appear within the “Recruiters of the Year” showcase in the December 2008 issue of Healthcare Traveler.

Now Playing on NurseTV.com 

The Neuro Nurse Jane Erinberg is called “the field general” of the OR. It’s her job to keep things running smoothly during brain surgeries at Community Regional Medical Center.

Watch Over Me As a Critical Care Nurse at Fresno Heart & Surgical Hospital, it’s up to Kay Frye to keep a watchful eye over her patients and get them out of anesthesia safely.

Kids Clinic Go inside a busy Children’s Hospital Clinic in Southern California and see how the dedicated nurses care for their young patients.

Travel Nursing Jobs

Contact your recruiter or call Access Nurses at 1-866-687-7390 to inquire about the following jobs! 

St. Paul, Minnesota
PACU
Positions: One
Shift: 8-hour days and evenings
Start Date: August 25

Little, Rock, Arkansas
ICU and LTAC
Positions: Two
Shift: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Start Date: ASAP

Amarillo, Texas
OR
Positions: Three
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Abilene, Texas
CCU
Positions: Two
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: August 19

College Station, Texas
Med Surg
Positions: Two
Shift: 12-hour days
Start Date: ASAP

Indio, California
L&D
Positions: Two
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Ukiah, California
ER
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Spartanburg, South Carolina
L&D
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Anchorage, Alaska
ICU
Positions: 10
Shift: Varied
Start Date: ASAP

Woodsville, New Hampshire
ER
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour days
Start Date: ASAP

Baton Rouge,  Louisiana
PACU
Positions: Four
Shift: Rotating
Start Date: ASAP

Phoenix, Arizona
L&D
Positions: Two
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Chandler, Arizona
Oncology
Positions: Two
Shift: 10-hour days
Start Date: ASAP

Tucson, Arizona
ER
Positions: Two
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Kansas City, Missouri
NICU
Positions: Two
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Travel Nurse Featured Forum Topic

Travel Nurse Housing
Does anyone know if there is a Website or way to share available housing to other travelers while on assignment? There should be a way of networking for those of us that take a housing stipend and want to find safe housing on our own. Thanks!

 Travel Nurse Quote

“Could we change our attitude, we should not only see life differently, but life itself would come to be different. Life would undergo a change of appearance because we ourselves had undergone a change of attitude.”~Katherine Mansfield

The steady rise of travel nurse jobs in California gives nurses the opportunity to make financial gains despite a slowing economy.

Travel nurses are turning economic hardships into money making opportunities by heading to California - one of the highest paying areas in the country.

California is well-known as the playground for celebrities and surfers, but there is so much more to this diverse “Golden State.” California travel nursing offers variety—enjoy the beach chic cities of Orange County, the cultural diversity of San Francisco and the glamour and glitz of Hollywood. With the increasing number of California nurse jobs at Access Nurses, travel nursing in California brings golden opportunities.

Ask a recruiter about assignments in one of these amazing California locations:

San Francisco. Enjoy Metropolitan Style. A fusion of modern living and historic elegance, San Francisco is the perfect destination for nurses who want to experience life in a big city. The Bay Area boasts an iconic waterfront, outstanding public transportation and quaint neighborhoods. San Francisco features plenty of cultural events and attractions, such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Aquarium of the Bay, Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Lombard Street and Coit Tower.

Fresno & Sacramento. Live the Good Life. Uncover all the treasures that both the Fresno and Sacramento areas have to offer. Some of the highest paid assignments in the entire state of California are found in Fresno and Sacramento. You’ll also grow rich in experience and adventure by discovering the area’s attractions. In Sacramento, take the time to see the Science and Space Discovery Center, California State Railroad Museum, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Site and various professional sporting events. Fresno is the gateway to the Kingsburg Swedish Village, the Children’s Museum of the Sierra, the Fresno County Fruit, Blossom and Citrus Trail and various cultural arts at the William Saroyan Theater.

Orange County. An Inviting Lifestyle. Gorgeous year-round weather and endless beaches are just the beginning of what makes Orange County irresistible. It’s fast becoming the place where travel nurses work for 13 weeks and then just can’t seem to leave. Excellent schools and family-friendly neighborhoods make Orange County an ideal area to live. Orange County also offers outstanding shopping, golf courses, dining venues and, of course, Disneyland.

Los Angeles. A Taste of Everything. With a little bit of everything to choose from, there is never a dull moment in the city of Los Angeles. The metropolitan area blends with acres of suburban neighborhoods to create one of the most energetic cities around. Home to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Hollywood Bowl and the Orpheum Theatre, Los Angeles is known as the entertainment center of the world. Travel nurses can also enjoy a beach day in Malibu or dinner out at a trendy L.A. restaurant.

San Diego. Explore the Outdoors. For the travel nurse craving a location near the outdoors, San Diego is the place to be. Besides fantastic beach weather all year round, there are miles of hiking and biking trails along the coast and in the mountains. Take up surfing, kayaking, paragliding or camping in the San Diego area and enjoy the diverse landscape and breathtaking scenery. Also be sure to hit the most popular attractions in San Diego, including Old Town, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Cabrillo National Monument and SeaWorld.

Travel Nursing Featured City:Houston, Texas

Houston is the largest city in Texas, and it’s the hub of culture and entertainment in the state. The city hosts many annual events that celebrate the growing multicultural and international population. The Houston International Festival, which spotlights a different culture each year, is a major event in Houston. The Theater District, located downtown, is booming with nine major performing arts organizations and six performance halls. Plus, don’t forget that Houston is home to three major sports teams.
Weather: Summer: High: 89, Low: 69 Winter: High: 70, Low: 48
Population: 2,076,189
Nearby Cities: Beaumont, Galveston, Temple

New Travel Nursing Jobs
Contact your recruiter or call Access Nurses at 1-866-687-7390 to inquire
about the following jobs!

Houston, Texas
Cath Lab and OR Scrub Tech
Positions: Three
Shift: 7 a.m. to 3:30 or 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Start Date: ASAP

San Jose, California
OR
Positions: Two
Shift: 8-hour days
Start Date: ASAP

San Diego, California
ICU
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Bennington, Vermont
Med Surg
Positions: Three
Shift: 8-hour evenings and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Dublin, Georgia
ICU
Positions: Two
Shift: Days
Start Date: ASAP

Seattle, Washington
MICU
Positions: One
Shift: Nights
Start Date: ASAP

Honolulu, Hawaii
L&D
Positions: Four
Shift: Nights
Start Date: ASAP

Cooperstown, New York
Dialysis
Positions: Two
Shift: 8-hour days and evenings
Start Date: ASAP

Antioch, California
Case Management
Positions: One
Shift: 8-hour days
Start Date: ASAP

Mount Vernon, Illinois
OR First Assist
Positions: One
Shift: 8 or 12-hour days
Start Date: ASAP

St. Louis, Missouri
CICU and NSICU
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Loveland, Colorado
L&D
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Riverside, California
L&D
Positions: Five
Shift: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. or 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Start Date: ASAP

Featured Travel Nursing Forum Post

Nursing Shortage?

They say there is a demand for nurses, but why are those empty slots at the hospitals not being filled by all of the students from every booked nursing school? Is it that students are not passing or completing nursing school? Why is their still such a wide shortage?

Travel Nurse Quote

“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.”
-Gail Devers