Traveling instead of working. advice?

[birdie22]

So here's my situation:

Just graduated with a BSN in May. Already took nclex and passed. Tons of hours wasted and about 50 applications later, I'm still without a job. I've got a friend traveling in south america right now. So, I was looking to join her for about 3 months considering I dont have a job right now...and I probably will never have this opportunity to again. Once I do start working, I imagine I'll never be able to take 3 months off from work. Financially, it would a slight strain to go, but nothing that I can't handle at all.

I'm worried about getting a job when I get back. That is probably my biggest CON when weighing pro vs. con. I just don't know what to do. BUT, on the other hand, I could potentially go the next 3 months trying to find a job forgoing south america, and still not have a job. I would shoot myself if I missed this opportunity and still wasn't able to land a job. Just don't know what to do...any advice?? THANKS!

[dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I]

GO! When you get back you can add to your resume that you've done extensive research in multicultural nursing! This is your life, not a dress rehearsal. The minutes you sit there worrying about this and that aren't added on to you at the far end of your life span. Live, don't just be alive. And think of me. I wish I had your opportunity.

[eriksoln, BSN, RN]

Go, but be smart about going. Be open to the possibility of coming back (early) for a great job.

I believe you are still eligible for a ticket through STA travel, a student travel company. I have bought all of my abroad tickets through them and they are great about last-minute changes, and they usually sell at the best price, in my experience. Wherever you buy, shell out a couple extra bucks, if that is required, to get a ticket that is EASY to change (with minimal penalties & maximum flexibility).

You will find internet access all over the place in South America, even in rural areas. Check in periodically with hospitals/health care facility websites where you are interested in working. Keep copies of your resume on-line (in Google docs or your email or whatever), so you can keep applying to places while you are abroad. Also have a pre-written cover letter drafted (in which you can quickly sub in the name of the facility, unit, etc.) that says, "I am currently traveling /volunteering/practicing my language or nursing skills in South America, but would be happy to correspond with you via email/skype/phone and return to the US for an interview or job offer. The best way to reach me is via..."

Hope that made sense. Don't feel that just because you are going around the globe you have to loose touch with your world here. This world is becoming more and more connected every day with technology; use it to your advantage. Best of luck to you and happy travels!

Yeah, I was wondering this. What happens if you are traveling and you get an offer for an interview? Thats a tough one. Will you be in a position to drop everything and get back to the states?

[General E. Speaking, RN, RN]

This is your life, not a dress rehearsal.

This is so true!

I say, GO!! Marvelous opportunity.

[birdie22]

THANK YOU guys sooo much for all your words of wisdom. I've decided to go!! I'm so happy about this decision. Thanks to all of you. I was mostly worried about my job situation upon my return, but all of you are right. This isnt a dress rehearsal, I'll never get this time back, and I've got plenty of years of butt-wiping and sponge-baths ahead of me.

And I definitely plan to improve my Spanish, and I'll be taking my stethoscope with me so I can volunteer and week here and there at some local clinics to put on my resume.

ShelbyP, I'm planning on booking through STA and they are very flexible about the dates from what I've heard. Thanks for the advice.

[April, RN, BSN, RN]

AWESOME! What an amazing opportunity! You will have to share your volunteer experiences with us here when you get back!

[Argo]

Take a laptop with you an log on occasionally for updates. There really is wifi and internet cafes all over the place down there. I'm sure a lot of the nurses on here love to live vicariously through this type of posting.