Full Time vs Travel the world?

Nurses Career Support

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Hi guys,

I was just wondering if anyone can give me any insight or advice on my future.

I currently work full time as a float pool nurse in which I enjoy doing. I am a young 23 year old and this is my first job. I enjoy float pool as I do most of my nursing at different departments. I also enjoy the benefits that comes with being a full time (insurance, vacation time, and a fixed schedule). However, if I leave this job, it would be very difficult to find another full time job in Canada.

I also feel that there is a part of me that would like to travel to another country and nurse over there, such places like Hawaii and/or Grand Kayman. I am young, I would definitely love to explore.

My question is, would you stay with your comfortable full time job and stay for the next 40 years? Or would you leave you're comfortable full time job to go travel and work to see the world?

Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Travel is wonderful, no question about it. However, if you expect to work as a nurse in another country, you will need to jump through an enormous number of hoops. It may be best to investigate this very thoroughly and incorporate it into your decision process.

BTW, NO ONE stays in the same job for 40 years - LOL. Nurses tend to change clinical areas & employers much more frequently than other professions. The realities of "life" will guide a lot of your career decisions as you move through the years. Your desires, goals & priorities will change along the way.

Have FUN!

Specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy.

What the previous poster said.

You have plenty of time ahead of you to travel and explore the world. (FTR my grandparents started toruing the world in their 70s and I think they hit all 7 continents.) What you might NOT have a second chance at is starting off your nursing career on the right foot, getting a solid base of experience that you will carry with you wherever you go. This opportunity is invaluable and you are lucky to have it. Many new grads don't.

Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

I suggest getting some solid experience. Then take time off and travel. Then come back and find another job. It's easier to travel when you are between jobs or between relationships.

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