Respiratory Views: Forums

Re: Travel Therapist

Calli Johnson — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:29:38 GMT

I have my one year of experience done and am ready to start traveling. I would like to start in Kansas City in January. Wondering if it is difficult to switch between companies? Reading on The Right Solutions' website, I saw that they have you sign a candidate placement agreement that commits you to their company for a year. I also read on their website that with 30 day written notice you can get out of that agreement. How did you usually handle going from one job to the next. Which companies did you think were the most accomodating? I have a two-year old and a cat, both will travel with me.

Re: Travel Therapist

Jeffrey Dill — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 19:48:16 GMT

I worked as a Travel Respiratory Therapist for a few years. In general, I look back on the experience as being very fulfilling. As the previous poster mentioned, it can get very lonely. One of the "goals" that I had before starting traveling was to take a vacation whenever I wanted. Doing contract work, this is easily done. However, it is unpaid.

Another issue that I came across was that different companies pay different housing allowances. I was working in the same department with another traveler who did the same work as me, but was getting a few hundred dollars more every month for his housing. Sometimes you can do better in the long-run by finding your own housing. However, the fact that there will be housing set up for you, is a great benefit.

I took Travel assignments in North Carolina, Wichita Kansas, Syracuse NY, Plattsburg NY, Danville PA, Phillidelpia PA, Taunton MA, and Columbus SC. There is a need to be flexible with each department. When I travelled, I found that there were several Traveling Respiratory positions in the US. Through traveling I also was able to gain the skills of Sleep Medicine in 2000. When I started travelling, my brother came along on my first 4 assignments.

One last comment. Regardless of whether the assignment is for 8 weeks, or 12 months always do your best to be a credit to the field and yourself. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Re: Travel Therapist

Teresa Tetrick — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 06:26:50 GMT

I traveled for almost 2 years with different recruiting firms. I took a 5 month assignment in Alaska, a 12 week assignment in New Mexico and a 8 week assignment in Lake Charles LA. I enjoyed traveling very much, but it got very lonesome. I missed my family. If you are considering taking an assignment, do not sign a contract until it meets your needs and requirements. Do your research on the area you will be working and check the demographics of the hospital. Make sure the recruiting firm will take care of the licensing cost and process in the state you want to work. Research your housing before you leave for your assignment. You will want to be in a secure area. If you have any further questions, I'll be happy to answer if I can.

Re: Travel Therapist

Steven Savoy — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:03:03 GMT

i would like to know as well. Thanks to all who reply.

Travel Therapist

Abrana Belcher — Fri, 02 May 2008 23:05:12 GMT

Anyone have any information/stories/advice to share with those of us who are thinking of becoming a traveler?