Emily: You should click on the "Visit Relocation Message Board" above and to the right. Lots of information about living in the VI!(tu)

Dear empresrn:

Sounds like you've done some homework... in my opinion if you are a visiting nurse working at the hospital, you may or may not have to contend with the mass exodus from east to downtown with all the government, Main Street and cruise ship dock workers (there are 2 now - cruise ship docks, not workers!!!)... as well as (now) parents getting children off to school. If you could be closer that would be best, but sometimes it just is what it is. Perhaps your hours will stagger so that your commuting experience does not become a daily grind.

The area itself is great if you are young and like to get out and about, you are a few minutes' drive from the Red Hook complex and all the ferries to St. John and the British Virgin Islands; day sails, shopping, grocers, aestheticians, dining and partying are all very close to Sapphire Village.

As for the property itself, I have not been there for some time but I think you are talking about the condos on the hill, in which case I know that the property was recently renovated. Dunno if that restaurant in the Village is open, perhaps someone else can let you know. You could also search this board if you have not done so already... and be sure to check out the Relocation Message Board link if you have not had the pleasure.

Good luck with your island adventure, and I have so much respect for health care providers... welcome.

Hi Emily,
I am a nurse also, but I actually don't have any advice for you. I live in Virginia. I am adding this post just to say Way to Go!!!!! I have considered doing travel nursing. It is interesting that the VI needs travel nurses. What is your speciality? I am a Labor and Delivery nurse working on my Nurse Practitioner degree. I would be interested in finding out what you think of your experience. My husband and I are visiting in Late September if I find out any use full information while I'm there I'll let you know. Have Fun!!!!!
Mel

Emily,

See you got some responses on the relocation forum which answered some of your questions. Many traveling nurses stay at Sapphire Village and no problems with transportation, etc. It usually ends up that one or another or more rent a car for the duration of the contract and then switch around depending on shifts.

Just a few caveats here and take it for what it's worth but the reason the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital has difficulty attracting local nurses to fill positions is because the local remuneration is far less than that which is paid to travelers who are given housing subsidies and often quite magnificent per diems which the local staff know about. Ergo, basic resentment which you're going to have to both understand and deal with.

Do please remember that you're here to give patient care for the duration of your contract and to fulfill the obligations you've contracted to provide.

STT working life can indeed include some fun in the sun but, over many years, I've seen many traveling nurses going way overboard, getting totally trashed and hooking up with local yokels and partying so much that they end up leaving way before their contract ends either via their own volition or basic expulsion for basic dereliction of duty.

Just be aware and take care. Cheers!