Now I'm not so sure

positivethinker · Apr 27, 2003

I've been going back and forth about making a decision on signing on with an agency. I've been a licenced RN for about 1 1/2 yrs now. I'm tired of the politics and the schedules from hell. I'm getting tired of getting the low end of the high seniority pole (I have much respect for those who have been a nurse for many yrs and have earned the benefits that come with that) but some nurses can really abuse that priviledge and lack respect for others. Regardless of the amount of years you put in from 6 months to 60 yrs, you can be subjected to burnout too. Due to things outside of your job, family, kids, bills, etc.

I have experience working in the ER and ICU units. I'm currently working in an ICU unit with a level 2 status. Needless to say the level of true ICU pts is scarce. The hospital had a great orientation program but I feel that I'm starting to lose my skills b/c I don't encounter enough ICU experience. I tend to enjoy ER more, and want to go back to it. I'm a hands on type of person and feel that my skills will continue sharpen given the opportunity for more exposure to a variety of cases. I'm tired of getting the same boring assignments. But in the ER I got a chance to see many different people and diagnosis and the time flew by faster.

I've been reading alot of different messages on this and various web sites and I've read alot of wonderful advice and tips. But there have been some recent ones that have me second guessing my decision to sign on. I know everyone experiences things differently and maybe travel nursing wasn't for them. And I think the only way to know is just to do it.

But being my first time I'll need some type of financial security just in case I get cancelled alot. Any help out there?

Thank you:confused:

gwenith, BSN, RN · Apr 27, 2003

First of all - where are you -it helps to know otherwise we might give the WRONG advvice. YES! Do agency Espectiallty if you have limited experience different units. Best way is to stay part - time at one hosptial - enough tp coevr the basic bills and sign on for agency shifts elsewhere.

gwenith, BSN, RN · Apr 27, 2003

First of all - where are you -it helps to know otherwise we might give the WRONG advvice. YES! Do agency Espectiallty if you have limited experience different units. Best way is to stay part - time at one hosptial - enough tp coevr the basic bills and sign on for agency shifts elsewhere.

BadBird, BSN, RN · Apr 27, 2003

When I started working for my agency I was a full time staff ICU RN, I worked 1 agency shift a week. After a while I realized that agency was for me, and I quit my staff positon.

BadBird, BSN, RN · Apr 27, 2003

When I started working for my agency I was a full time staff ICU RN, I worked 1 agency shift a week. After a while I realized that agency was for me, and I quit my staff positon.

mattsmom81 · Apr 28, 2003

You sound like the type of nurse who would thrive in travel/agency as you enjoy new challenges. You won't know for sure til you try tho. :)

Good advice above...I like to keep a PRN position (home base) somewhere to fall back on. It's smart to get your feet wet before taking the plunge...as Badbird and many of us have done. :)

Good luck to you. Ain't it great to have so many options as a nurse? I look forward to travel assignments in my future and it keeps me optimistic and excited in my career. :)

mattsmom81 · Apr 28, 2003

You sound like the type of nurse who would thrive in travel/agency as you enjoy new challenges. You won't know for sure til you try tho. :)

Good advice above...I like to keep a PRN position (home base) somewhere to fall back on. It's smart to get your feet wet before taking the plunge...as Badbird and many of us have done. :)

Good luck to you. Ain't it great to have so many options as a nurse? I look forward to travel assignments in my future and it keeps me optimistic and excited in my career. :)