I have been an OR nurse for over 30 years and have done everything from staff, scrub, private scrub/assistant, educator and manager. Travel Nursing is a totally new experience for me and so far I love it!

Travel nursing was not a viable or available career option when I graduated in nursing, back with Florence!

I am currently on assignment in New London, New Hampshire, and it sure is cold up here. I have been able to network with local AORN colleagues at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, home of Suzanne Beyea, and have participated in a great discussion of Donation after Cardiac Death (organ donation).

I am convinced that membership in eChapter is an advantage for travelers; it is a wonderful a venue for staying in touch professionally and socially, and for finding colleagues locally since I'm new in this area.

Now, a little insight I have gleaned related to travel nursing:

First, research many different agencies, benefits, bonuses, housing and salaries vary from State to State and agency to agency. Many have health benefits available on day one; some have 401K from day one with immediate vesting; some have STD and LTD, many like a Chinese menu selection, and all of these affect the hourly rate that the nurse actually receives -- and ALL are negotiable.

Second, the search for your next assignment should begin about six weeks into your current assignment. I borrowed a grid sheet from a fellow traveler and put it into a spreadsheet in Excel, so when I am interviewing agencies I have the questions to ask at my fingertips, and can keep the file for comparison with other interviews.

Third, make sure that everything you agree upon with the agency you choose is in writing IN YOUR CONTRACT, e.g., overtime rate, call pay, guaranteed hours, bonuses, etc. You can negotiate for a bonus if you extend. No matter how good an assignment sounds do not sign on for more than 13 weeks, you can always extend if you just love it.

Always remember that, as a traveler, you are a guest in a facility, so act like one! Voice your opinion, if asked. Try to fit in with the practice at your new facility, unless it is sub-standard, and most of all have FUN, laugh and enjoy yourself.. You can endure almost anything for 13 weeks, and the patients will benefit from your expertise and good feelings/attitude.

Practice the FISH! philosophy..Have FUN, choose your attitude daily, make their day and always be there for your patients and co-workers.

Please feel free to contribute your comments or questions to this column and I'll have a new installment on licensure issues next issue.

Until then, keep smiling and have FUN doing what you love!

Sooz