CVICU Nurse looking to travel.

[Riburn3, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP]

Hi everyone, I've been a CVICU nurse for 5 years now and my fiancee (also a CVICU nurse) and I are looking to get into traveling.

I'm not in any rush or anything, but currently I am a charge nurse, which is a part of management at my hospital, and my fiancee works under me, so when we get married next year either she or I will have to transfer to another unit or hospital, which doesn't really appeal to us. To top it off, our hospital is undergoing unionization, and all I am getting is anti-union rhetoric, and all she is getting is anti-management rhetoric, and the focus has drifted so far from patient care that it is starting to take its toll. Plus, her being a Filipina, being a traveler would give us time in between contracts to go back to the Philippines, where we own a house and we would be able spend more time with her family.

So all that said, how have ICU nurses found it in terms of ease of securing decent contracts? Both of us are CCRN, ACLS, TNCC, etc. I have 5 years under my belt with two as a CN that still takes a full assignment, she has 2 years. We both take CABG, Valves, LVAD's, and anything else under the sun in terms of trauma, ICU, or cardiac stuff. We aren't terribly picky in terms of location, but wouldn't mind a contract or two in California. In terms of money, we currently own a home together that would be where we get tax savings. I already make good money from where I work as a manager, so would just be looking to break even or get a little extra, but she is in that "I've been working at the same place since graduation so only make $0.75 more then new grads" phase where typical in nursing you usually need to leave in order to get that monetary jump you deserve. She is the one that would benefit the most, which in term would benefit both of us since we share our finances.

I guess my biggest concern is we would get that first contract, want to renew or get another contract, and not be able to secure something. While we don't hate where we work now, since we are still in our mid 20's, experienced, and without kids, we want to take the opportunity to work/travel before we have kids and would need a more stable environment. I would just hate to give up a secure job only to discover that it's difficult to find decent critical care work as a traveler.

So, any critical care nurses out there with similar certs, accolades, could you please share your experiences in the field? I know certain aspects of travel nursing have taken a hit in recent years, but all the travelers I have seen, and the one friend of mine that went into traveling has not had a difficult time. I would just like a broader picture. Thanks!

[79Tango]

You should have no problem securing decent contracts. You defineately have the background and certifications. The hiccup you might run into is finding 2 ICU jobs at the same facility, however they are out there. Last month the VA hospital in Tucson had 2 ICU travel slots. Of course you would always need to be prepared for the fact that 1 of you could get extended and the other not.

If you can survive off 1 income and be prepared for 0 income, I would say GO FOR IT! Also, check with a tax professional about both of you getting Non-taxed housing stipends and having the same tax home. This could be an excellent adventure but you really wont know whats out there until you post your resume out there.

[Riburn3, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP]

Thanks for this. I actually have contacted two companies while I begin my search, and both my recruiters specialize in assignments for couples. One of them even gave me the contact information of a couple that travel for her, and they have been incredibly friendly in telling me what to expect.

From what I have gathered, especially in critical care, it sounds like most facilities with a need for critical care nurses usually are filling a void of several nurses, and rarely just one nurse. Obviously we will both need to interview well, but we are both young and personable, and rarely clash with anyone. My own personal experience managing a unit that has had travelers from time to time are the ones that succeed the most are the ones that aren't too opinionated, adapt easily even if something is done a way they aren't used to, but can also offer valuable insight into best practice elsewhere without coming across as arogant. I'm sure all of us have worked with a traveller that complained about the way we did things, told us their way was better, and complained the whole time.

As far as the tax stipend, I have looked into it and we would be fine. I would be the one actually being provided housing and she will just receive the stipend. Even if we both received the monetary stipend, it wouldn't be taxable unless we are in our home location. Thanks again for the reply.