RN job/Moving questions

Connie,

I can answer a little of this.

I assume AC is pretty much a necessity in Texas. Here, it is optional, but we do now and then have a hot day in the low 90s. Monday was like this on St. Croix. It generally cools off early in the evening. I just use fans.

Hopefully, enough rain falls to keep water in the cistern. During an extended drought, you have to call the water truck. You also learn how to conserve water. People in towns are on a piped supply.

If your older trunk runs well and you expect a few more years out of it with normal repairs, I'd say bring it.

There are few shells in the USVI. On St. Croix, most are found on the south shore.

Connie, I would certainly suggest that you "try it before you buy it". There are so many travel nurse positions available in both St. Thomas and St. Croix that you could take an assignment for a short period of time. The travel agency will assist with your licensing, travel and accomodations for that period of time. If you try it and like it then make the big move. I will not try to discourage people from moving because I love it here but I know that things are not the same as the mainland and if you think you're here to help the people (hospital, schools, government or whatever) change then you need to reconsider.

If you feel like you've definitely decided to make the big move without trying it first, then best of luck. I love it here and would recommend it but I know it's not for everyone. I too am a nurse so I don't feel like I'm suggesting anything unusual I will admit that I haven't worked as a nurse full time for six years. I also lived in the great state of TX and worked at Baylor Hospital in Dallas.

There are other travel nurses that post on this board so speak up and give Connie your opinion of the hospitals.

Sharon

Connie,

The preceding post offers some sound advice. One of the reasons it's so difficult to change things here is that the money doesn't exist to do so. The hospitals are very underfunded. Technology is behind the times. Just the other day at the bank, I saw the manager looking at a dot matrix computer printout. Made me chuckle.

In a sense, you'll be stepping back in time a couple of decades if you move here. Just keep it in mind. If you are dedicated to nursing and can deal with a place that sometimes seems like something out of The Flintstones, you'll be fine.

Thanks Sharon & FormerOhioGuy,
I had considered travel nursing- I've never done that before and I didn't think St Croix was an option-Is it USVI also? Slowing down the pace sounds good to me- I just don't want to have 8-10 patient load or be expected to float to L&D or something. Sharon, have you worked as a nurse in the VI's and if so did you like it compared to Baylor? Do you know what side of the island RLS Hospital is on and if there might be available housing nearby? I'd appreciate any tid bits of info anyone can offer!!

Connie...

Since no one has answered your last question yet, I'll take that one:

According to the US Customs office, it is illegal to collect shells from any USVI beach. If you were to try and fly out with shells, they would be confiscated at the airport. We're also crafters (candle making), but we buy our sheels from craft stores rather than removing them from their natural place on the beach or in the water.

I remember Islander writing a wonderful post about a school trip to the beach that reinforced the lesson of why removing shells was detrimental to the beach environment -- will see if I can find it. I think it was over on the USVI Travel Board.

HC

Hello Connie,

The RLS Hospital is on the south side of the island... sort of the middle of the south side.

Some people use window units... not everyone has AC... lots of ceiling and standing fans.

Yes cisterns are the norm, everyone has them in some shape or form. If it rains... the cistern gets filled for free. If you run out and have to buy water - then you pay for a truck load by 2000-5000 gallon trucks. Prices range from $95-$300 depending on size of the truck and island. Check Cost of Living section for specifics:

http://vimovingcenter.com/cost_of_living/

There is a set amount allowed to be packed in a car being shipped. Read the following moving story... there are details about cost, procedure for shipping car:

https://www.vimovingcenter.com/what_to_expect/movingstory11.php

There are shells... but its illegal to take them. You will see a variety: Cockles, Cowries, Sunrise Tellin, Top Snails or whelk snails and conch, limpets, urchin shells, sand dollars, clam shells... and a variety of others. Also drift wood, sea fans, rocks, sea glass and other neat things drift up on shore. I can't compare to Marco Island, FL - not familiar with it. There aren't any beaches covered in shells (I have seen this in other places...).

The USVI consist of St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and Water Island. St. Croix and St. Thomas has hospitals and St. John a clinic.

The St. Croix Hospital Web Site is:

http://www.jflusvi.org/

--Islander

Thanks , this was some most helpful information. I was wondering if you could tell me something else. I signed up (at the bottom of this page) for the Virgin Island newsletter- do you have any idea how long before this is sent out and how often? Can you tell me how far the Villa Fairview is from RLS Hospital and where I might could locate a good map of the island? Thank you again for your help.

Hello Connie,

Our newsletters are usually monthly... took a couple months off though thus the reason you might not have received one recently. Stay tuned! and thank you for signing up.

Villa Fairview is about say 10-15 minute drive from RLS... depends on traffic.

You can find maps, books, videos about the USVI on www.vitraders.com ... click on maps in the navigation at the top once on the vitraders web site... or books or videos or calendars... t-shirts 🙂 lots of good Virgin Islands/Caribbean themed things there!!

--Islander

Connie,
I am a travel RN at RLS hospital. It think it is totally more beneficial to come as a traveler. I work with Abetta Healthcare and they arranged and pay for all of my living expenses, apartment, rental car, all utilities.. I am just starting with a 3 month contract but i could stay as long as i want.. Plus the hourly pay is higher for travelers. I am a NICU nurse and it is required that you float, although it doesn't happen much (i haven't ever floated) but you can refuse to it, like I will only float to pediatrics -- no adults.. I do work 12 hrs nights, but it is a gov hospital so we have to work 80 hrs per 2 weeks... but i usually have overtime so that is ok.. If you would like to talk to me more, then you can email me.. I did researcht he companies and had thought about coming as a permanent, and Abetta Care is truely the best company to come with here.. My recruiters name is Todd, his number is 1-866-943-5884 or you can go to abettacare.com. The hospital here is in town, all of the travelers are pretty much housed 15-20 min away.
Miranda

Wow Miranda- this is great information_ I was having Nurses' RX send out a screen with my information, to the VI's, but I will for sure contact Todd. Nurses' Rx did not even mention a rental car. I also work 12 hour nights- Med- Surg- And I don't want to float to Womens & Childrens, but would consider ER after I had been there awile- My other hold up, for going to Hawaii, is my ACLS just expired and I can't get into another class here until Dec. 3- and that was a prerequisit for Hawaii- Do you know if it is for there as well? My first choice was STT and I'd love to be able to work this out. I will let you know after I get in touch with Todd on Monday- I've got to go to bed now. Thanks again for the word!!

To Connie: Nurses and other health care providers are very much needed. There IS a difference in the traveling and government/permanent positions. As a traveler, you will be seen by the community as someone just passing through. Travelers tend to interact with each other. I do not believe that travelers can sign on for unlimited contracts, Miranda. At some point you will be asked to "fish or cut bait," as they say. If you haven't been to the VI, Connie, I would recommend that you either come for a long visit, or take the traveling job and speak seriously with the local nurses about your intentions for the long term. There are lots of other nursing jobs available, too! Good luck!

Post Edited (09-12-04 11:28)