Best specialty for traveling

[MermiesGreatGig]

I am planning on starting nursing school in Fall '05 and will become a traveling nurse. Just wondering if any specialty in nursing has a higher demand for traveling.

Also, is it absolutely true that a minimum of one year experience is required before traveling? I will graduate May '08. Do you think the experience level might be lessened by then due to shortages???

Thanks!

mmallen

[LoriRN911]

What about PACU (either surgical daycare or main). What are the needs for these travel positions?

[suzanne4, RN]

Usually it is not going to be a surgical day center because those jobs are usually Monday to Friday day shifts, and that is what most want.

Surgery centers normally use per diem agency due to the fluctuations in their schedules, but not travelers that get guaranteed hours.

You can find PACU in hospitals, but many times off shift, though there are some day jobs available. Needs change all of the time, you just have to look when you are ready to travel..................

[grimmy, RN]

while i am not a travel nurse (yet), our facility hires quite a few. from what they've told me, or nurses travel very well. but i agree with the previous posts in saying that having a few years under your belt, and being very happy in your specialty is what counts in the long term. all of our travelers have 3+ years of experience in the or, and we won't take them with any less.