Things we've learned... So far

I'm sure I will be making this post more than once, but there are several things we are quickly learning about this city and our job!!

Los Angeles... 

1. It's a state law that you recycle. This seems like a great idea and something to help the environment. Don't get me wrong we feel the same way, but living in an apartment it's near impossible. We would have to have four trash cans! Because I'm a rule follower (most of the time) we do have a box next to the trash for things that will be taken down to recycle.

2. Always... I repeat... Always use the crosswalk. They will ticket you for jaywalking, just ask Craig. I have already imprinted it into Jillian's head that this is a fee ($250) that she doesn't want to pay. Yes, it's annoying to have to walk the 18 more steps to not cut the corner, but it would be much more annoying to not be able to enjoy the shopping because you're paying off a ticket. 

3. Always yield to pedestrians. To go along with number 2, pedestrians have the right away and as long as they are in the crosswalk it is their turn first. Yes, this is probably a rule every where but rarely did I have to deal with someone walking in front of me in the middle of the road just because there is a crosswalk (welcome to a city with 18 million people). 

4. Parking on a hill requires more than putting it in park. We haven't quiet figured this one out yet. If you are parked on a hill your tires have to face a certain way according to whether you're parked uphill or downhill. For now we will just follow the person in front or behind us. 

5. No cell phones while driving. Not only can you not text while driving, your phone has to be on speaker (or Bluetooth) for phone calls. It's not that difficult, but sometimes hard to remember when 

you're use to putting a phone up to your ear during your hour commute. 

Travel nursing.. 

1. Paperwork.. Paperwork... Paperwork. If you are even considering taking an assignment and have an idea of which state you might like to go, make sure your licensing paperwork is turned in at least 3 months ahead of time. As y'all read from my last post, the boards of nursing are a huge pain to deal with and put things off with no excuse. They will give you the run around and you will talk to 5 different people that all tell you something different. Stand your ground and continue to make phone calls. The automated voice messages get old but by the second week of calling them you will know at what point of the message you can press 2 to move on to the next step. Somehow things always work out... Just be patient. 

2. You're recruiter makes a difference. Some of them are great, and some of them not so great. You will quickly realize once you start talking to one company many others will call you. It's great to stick with a smaller company, their staff seems to be more personable and really willing to help you out. We decided to go with a bigger company for California because this particular company has monopolized and gets contracts with some of the bigger hospitals, especially in Los Angeles. Our recruiter has been somewhat lax and even today (the day before our assignment starts) we are still filling out paper work. Always make sure they are getting the max benefits for you. If you think something isn't right, bounce it off another recruiter that you've been talking to... They hate competition! 

3. People in charge of the checklists are your friend. This might not be the case every where, but the people in charge of making sure all of your requirements (CPR, fetal monitoring certifications, etc) are on file will be your best friend. The people we have dealt with in this department are on top 

of things and always an email away. They will stay on your case and hound you until they get what they need. Don't get me wrong it can be annoying, but for a person that likes checklists it really helps
me out. If you have a question, shoot them an email. If they can't find out the answer they are the 

ones willing to direct you in the right direction. 

4. Keep a file of everything. Chances are that you will have to send a copy of your CPR card at least three times before they realize they have it. Luckily with our technology, you can take a picture with your smartphone and attach it in an email... Makes life so much easier! That being said, if one company requires it, the next company your work with will require it too. Start a file folder and keep copies of important certifications in it (cert cards, vaccinations, physicals, etc).


That's all I've got for now. I'm sure as our time goes on we will have plenty more to add to this! Tomorrow starts our first day! After being unemployed for a month now, I have to say I'm really looking forward to it!!

Thanks for readin... Love y'all!!
Hadley