Hi Rachel! I just came across your video and it was so helpful!! I’m doing travel RT for the first time. I want to start my first contract in California! I wasn’t sure if I should just drive from Maryland to California or ship my car to California and I’m leaning towards shipping my car. Can I ask you what car shipping company you used?
Hi! It depends on what kind of contract you have. When I worked for the state AKA FEMA contracts they provide housing and transportation for you. When I’m working a regular travel contract, they give you the option to setup housing but it usually costs More than looking for your own housing. I prefer to find my own housing and pocket the money. Hope that helps!
Hi! I've really enjoyed all the agencies I've worked with. The most recent agencies were AMN Healthcare and AYA. Check out their social media pages and if interested you can get in contact with someone thru their webpage! Hope that helps!
Hi Rachel! Your agent sounds awesome! If you don't mind, can I also see if she can help me out looking for a travel assignment. I just started looking for a travel assignment about 2 weeks ago and it seems like that the agents that i've talked to so far are not very communicative. Can I get your agent's info if you don't mind?
racheldelle why are you so wise and mature? how old are you, can i know? what do i need to know be in this type of job what traits? im scared what if im not well received as RRT and i get my contract canceled because of harassment or/& bullying. ive heard of horror stories. so i need to be confident and brave. im not always on guard to knock out a SOB.wait, what was your educational history and career before you are a RRT? im excited for RRT. did you live at home, can you live at home, do you have a home you own? where should i be in life before i pursue this? sometimes im emotionally unwell or unbalanced because of personal mental health issues illness. can i survive in travel assignment if i have strange episodes?
Hey! I have my associates in respiratory. I got my bachelors before I decided to become a RT. In my experience, a bachelors in respiratory is helpful if you want to go into management or even teaching. Other than that, simply having your RRT is pretty sufficient. I would recommend getting your bachelors outside of respiratory. Just my opinion! 😊
@@alexisa7123 congrats! that's awesome! when I defined to take the RT route, I did an accelerated program + finished in like 17 months. there's definitely pros + cons to programs like that, but for me, it was a huge pro to start working sooner than later.
@@RachelDellee that is exactly what I am planning to do! The program I am gearing towards says it would be less than 19 months and I def would like to start working ASAP. I have been going back and forth with RT or Nursing, but this definitely gives me more motivation to see that someone went through a similar path 😊
it really depends. because of covid and the spike so many states are doing emergent license again. or temporary license. but for the most part, in normal times, yes - you do need to obtain a license in every state you work. what ive noticed this time around with the covid surge - states will let you work with a temporary license but you have to apply for a permanent license within a timeframe. hope that helps!
Do you think I can/should become a travel RRT as my first job. I just graduated from respiratory school and I’m going to take my boards in about a month.
Hi Mikey! I know some agencies require you to have at least 1-2 years experience before you can apply for a contract. And most hospitals prefer you have experience beforehand. There have been a lot of changes with COVID because RTs are in demand. But, I will say that gaining experience at a perm position is my number one advice before starting a travel assignment. Once you start traveling, they are expecting you to know the skills. I mean, you are filling an urgent need right? So, most hospitals aren't trying to train a new grad, they're just trying to get you familiar with their facility ASAP. For example, at my current assignment I only had 3 days of training. I start on my own as the only RT during a shift next week. I think gaining experience at a perm position is the best way to start your RT career. Get that experience, then start traveling! Hope that helps! Good luck with your boards!
do you have to have experience to do travel ? I just graduated in may 2021 and just took my TMC yesterday and PASSED! Just waiting to take my CSIMs and apply for my texas license. I really really want to travel.
Congrats!!!! I definitely recommend getting some experience before traveling. Some agencies require it, some dont. But, for example at my assignment right now I’m the only RT at night. It would be a better experience if you had some training before traveling! 😊
@@RachelDellee okay thank you for the advice! What is like the minimum experience you would say ? 1-2 yrs per unit like floor and ICU or one of each ? I love your Chanel by the way! I love your energy! ❤️keep making videos!
@@silvianochez5522 Aw thanks so much!! 2 years is usually a good amount and if a hospital or agency requires it they usually require 2 years. I stayed two years at my perm position in Dallas, I gained experience on the floors, unit, and ER. I was so lucky to get such great experience in ICU from our pulmonologists and my other fellow RTs. I got more experience in the ER as a traveler. But once you get the basics down, it’s pretty much the same everywhere.
Hi Rachel, thanks so much for all the informative video, love them, I’m thinking about travel but not too far from home, I have kids, which hospital is good in Dallas area you think? And how do you apply for another state license? If you apply for another state license, will your current one not ineffective anymore? Or it always there? Sorry so many questions.
Hi! Im in the US. Im sorry, but im not entirely sure what the process is, but I imagine you would have to get licensed in a certain state + have credentials with the nbrc. hopefully that helps!
I'm looking to start traveling as an RT. Most of my experience is in a level IV NICU. Do most hospitals put you in a unit based on your skills, or do most hospitals just throw you where you are needed? Or is every hospital different?
Hi! You can apply for specific assignments only for NICU. NICU assignments are usually a little higher in pay, but there are also fewer ones. They usually don’t put travelers in the NICU because it’s such a short time to even train anyone with their protocols, etc. But, some hospitals could be different!
Hi! I’m a fellow RRT. At my hospital, there’s one traveler that said she wouldn’t leave a full time job that’s secure for a travel position….any truth to that? You left a full time position right?
hi! I think the answer to that is very subjective, it definitely depends on your priorities + what you're wanting out of your career. I left my FT position after 2 years to start traveling. And that was with me loving my coworkers + everyday life there. Decent pay (for the location) + benefits. BUT, I have always been someone that loves to travel + explore. And on top of that, as a travel RT I was able to grow my confidence + skills as a RT so much! There's definite pros + cons with traveling. But, I think the pros definitely outweigh the cons. I not only have the freedom to never have to request PTO, but financial freedom as well. As far as benefits go, if you're willing to research benefits + 401k options, there's really no excuse! I honestly don't ever see myself going back to a perm position, but the option is always there to go back to. Hope this helps!
@@RachelDellee thanks for responding! And yes very helpful! I make 3 years as a RRT in July and have only worked at one hospital since school. I’ve always wanted to take the leap to travel, but I’m just fearful of change (like most) and leaving my coworkers who are great. But I’m doing my research for sure to make the most informed decision. Thanks again!
@@SP80ful Traveling is THE BEST thing I've done! I've met so many people + learned so much from moving from facility to facility. Once you take that step, the experience is so worth the uneasiness at the beginning! Do your research + make it work with what's best for you. Let me know if I can help at all! I love traveling + such an advocate for travel life!
Thanks for all the great information!
Hi Rachel! I just came across your video and it was so helpful!! I’m doing travel RT for the first time. I want to start my first contract in California! I wasn’t sure if I should just drive from Maryland to California or ship my car to California and I’m leaning towards shipping my car. Can I ask you what car shipping company you used?
Thank you Rachel this was so helpful.
Hope it helps! =)
Helpful video. Thanks for all the great tips.
Currently in school to become an RT! I would love to become a travel RT one day. thanks for this video!
Congrats! School will fly by! I love traveling + you will too! Best of luck in RT school!
How much experience did you have before doing agency or travel RT?
I worked 2 years at my staff job then started traveling!
Thanks for this video! It's nice to watch a RT with tip instead of just nurses. :)
Absolutely! Thanks for watching! 😊
Very helpful. I’m in the process of transitioning to a travel RT. Very nervous and excited at the same time
Best decision I’ve ever made! Don’t be scared! Good luck to you! 🤗
@@RachelDellee thank you!!! I just got offered my first assignment!
Can you do a video on negotiating and pay! Your videos are so helpful and motivating :)
Thanks so much! I’m actually doing a Q&A video soon so I’ll definitely add that on! And any other questions you have please let me know! 🤗
@@RachelDellee Awesome!! :)
Thanks so much for this awesome and informative video!
Hope it helps! 😀
Did the agencies you worked for set up housing and pay for housing costs?
Hi! It depends on what kind of contract you have.
When I worked for the state AKA FEMA contracts they provide housing and transportation for you. When I’m working a regular travel contract, they give you the option to setup housing but it usually costs More than looking for your own housing. I prefer to find my own housing and pocket the money. Hope that helps!
Hi Rachel. Does your agency have good insurance ?
Hey sis! I’m currently in the process of talking to recruiters about traveling. I’m an RT too!
So excited for you! Best thing I’ve ever done! Hope you love it as much as I do!
Hey girl! Do you know if agencies would sponsor a Canadian RT trying to get a working visa to work as a travel RT in the states?
HI! I honestly have no idea. I would recommend messaging agencies and asking! They're pretty quick to answer questions!
What is the average amount of
Weeks is a assignment?
She said in the video that it tends to range from 8-13 weeks, and the hospital usually offers to extend the contract.
Do you mind sharing a company you’ve had a good experience with ? Pleases and thanks
Hi! I've really enjoyed all the agencies I've worked with. The most recent agencies were AMN Healthcare and AYA. Check out their social media pages and if interested you can get in contact with someone thru their webpage! Hope that helps!
Hi Rachel! Your agent sounds awesome! If you don't mind, can I also see if she can help me out looking for a travel assignment. I just started looking for a travel assignment about 2 weeks ago and it seems like that the agents that i've talked to so far are not very communicative. Can I get your agent's info if you don't mind?
Hi! Yeah DM me on my Instagram I would love to help out!
I’m here for the creeper moment in the beginning lol
Lol 😂
racheldelle why are you so wise and mature? how old are you, can i know? what do i need to know be in this type of job what traits? im scared what if im not well received as RRT and i get my contract canceled because of harassment or/& bullying. ive heard of horror stories. so i need to be confident and brave. im not always on guard to knock out a SOB.wait, what was your educational history and career before you are a RRT? im excited for RRT. did you live at home, can you live at home, do you have a home you own? where should i be in life before i pursue this? sometimes im emotionally unwell or unbalanced because of personal mental health issues illness. can i survive in travel assignment if i have strange episodes?
Hi Rachel! I was wondering if you had an associates or bachelor’s in RT, I am looking into RT programs but am unsure of which route to take on
Hey! I have my associates in respiratory. I got my bachelors before I decided to become a RT. In my experience, a bachelors in respiratory is helpful if you want to go into management or even teaching. Other than that, simply having your RRT is pretty sufficient. I would recommend getting your bachelors outside of respiratory. Just my opinion! 😊
@@RachelDellee very good to know! I am actually graduating this semester and will have a BS in Public Health
@@alexisa7123 congrats! that's awesome! when I defined to take the RT route, I did an accelerated program + finished in like 17 months. there's definitely pros + cons to programs like that, but for me, it was a huge pro to start working sooner than later.
@@RachelDellee that is exactly what I am planning to do! The program I am gearing towards says it would be less than 19 months and I def would like to start working ASAP. I have been going back and forth with RT or Nursing, but this definitely gives me more motivation to see that someone went through a similar path 😊
Can you become a travel RT as a fresh graduate from school ?
Do you have to apply to every state in order to obtain a RRT license or does the agency give you a temp license for that state?
it really depends. because of covid and the spike so many states are doing emergent license again. or temporary license. but for the most part, in normal times, yes - you do need to obtain a license in every state you work. what ive noticed this time around with the covid surge - states will let you work with a temporary license but you have to apply for a permanent license within a timeframe. hope that helps!
Do you think I can/should become a travel RRT as my first job. I just graduated from respiratory school and I’m going to take my boards in about a month.
Hi Mikey! I know some agencies require you to have at least 1-2 years experience before you can apply for a contract. And most hospitals prefer you have experience beforehand. There have been a lot of changes with COVID because RTs are in demand. But, I will say that gaining experience at a perm position is my number one advice before starting a travel assignment. Once you start traveling, they are expecting you to know the skills. I mean, you are filling an urgent need right? So, most hospitals aren't trying to train a new grad, they're just trying to get you familiar with their facility ASAP. For example, at my current assignment I only had 3 days of training. I start on my own as the only RT during a shift next week.
I think gaining experience at a perm position is the best way to start your RT career. Get that experience, then start traveling! Hope that helps! Good luck with your boards!
do you have to have experience to do travel ? I just graduated in may 2021 and just took my TMC yesterday and PASSED! Just waiting to take my CSIMs and apply for my texas license. I really really want to travel.
Congrats!!!! I definitely recommend getting some experience before traveling. Some agencies require it, some dont. But, for example at my assignment right now I’m the only RT at night. It would be a better experience if you had some training before traveling! 😊
@@RachelDellee okay thank you for the advice!
What is like the minimum experience you would say ? 1-2 yrs per unit like floor and ICU or one of each ?
I love your Chanel by the way! I love your energy! ❤️keep making videos!
@@silvianochez5522 Aw thanks so much!! 2 years is usually a good amount and if a hospital or agency requires it they usually require 2 years.
I stayed two years at my perm position in Dallas, I gained experience on the floors, unit, and ER. I was so lucky to get such great experience in ICU from our pulmonologists and my other fellow RTs. I got more experience in the ER as a traveler. But once you get the basics down, it’s pretty much the same everywhere.
Hi Rachel, thanks so much for all the informative video, love them, I’m thinking about travel but not too far from home, I have kids, which hospital is good in Dallas area you think? And how do you apply for another state license? If you apply for another state license, will your current one not ineffective anymore? Or it always there? Sorry so many questions.
Hi Katie! I added your questions to my Q+A and will hopefully post it soon!
hi rachel, I am a graduate of Respiratory Therapist from Philippines. How can I apply to work . what country are you working?
Hi! Im in the US. Im sorry, but im not entirely sure what the process is, but I imagine you would have to get licensed in a certain state + have credentials with the nbrc. hopefully that helps!
I'm looking to start traveling as an RT. Most of my experience is in a level IV NICU. Do most hospitals put you in a unit based on your skills, or do most hospitals just throw you where you are needed? Or is every hospital different?
Hi! You can apply for specific assignments only for NICU. NICU assignments are usually a little higher in pay, but there are also fewer ones. They usually don’t put travelers in the NICU because it’s such a short time to even train anyone with their protocols, etc. But, some hospitals could be different!
Hi! I’m a fellow RRT. At my hospital, there’s one traveler that said she wouldn’t leave a full time job that’s secure for a travel position….any truth to that? You left a full time position right?
hi! I think the answer to that is very subjective, it definitely depends on your priorities + what you're wanting out of your career.
I left my FT position after 2 years to start traveling. And that was with me loving my coworkers + everyday life there. Decent pay (for the location) + benefits. BUT, I have always been someone that loves to travel + explore. And on top of that, as a travel RT I was able to grow my confidence + skills as a RT so much!
There's definite pros + cons with traveling. But, I think the pros definitely outweigh the cons. I not only have the freedom to never have to request PTO, but financial freedom as well. As far as benefits go, if you're willing to research benefits + 401k options, there's really no excuse!
I honestly don't ever see myself going back to a perm position, but the option is always there to go back to.
Hope this helps!
@@RachelDellee thanks for responding! And yes very helpful! I make 3 years as a RRT in July and have only worked at one hospital since school. I’ve always wanted to take the leap to travel, but I’m just fearful of change (like most) and leaving my coworkers who are great. But I’m doing my research for sure to make the most informed decision. Thanks again!
@@SP80ful Traveling is THE BEST thing I've done! I've met so many people + learned so much from moving from facility to facility. Once you take that step, the experience is so worth the uneasiness at the beginning! Do your research + make it work with what's best for you. Let me know if I can help at all! I love traveling + such an advocate for travel life!
Id say if you're in 40s or 50s. Just keep your full time.