My journey into travel nursing!

[TravelBugRN]

Hello all!

I thought I would share my experience while starting into travel nursing, beginning shortly about myself. I am 29 y/o and have worked in a Level 1 Trauma ER for the last 7yrs- the last 3yrs as an RN. I love my job and my hospital is a great system to work for. THAT BEING SAID- I mostly feel that I have met my potential where I work and thus the reason why I am leaving. I have attempted employment with several per diem agencies in my area without success secondary to the economy.

I have been very fortunate to have traveled the world this year alone and have become used to meeting new people and look forward to meeting new people! I have been working with NurseFinders and have been impressed with their professionalism and their quickness to answer my questions. I have completed my application packet, passed my online tests, and completed my UDS. I have yet to decide where I will start my first assignment- but have an idea of where I want to go!

I will continue to share my journey in hopes this will help/ motivate/ answer questions that one might have. Also, please feel free to share your thoughts and advice to a new travel buddy! I am hoping that by writing this, I may be able to communicate with people in future locations and create a good networking system!

Nik

[rossallen]

I an one month into my first assignment and feeling pretty good about my decision to travel, although the first couple weeks were a bit overwhelming. The orientation was pretty brief so I had to ask a thousand questions along the way. Learning a new computer system was challenging. There is a lot of adjustment so be prepared for some stress.

Now I am settling in and feeling more comfortable and I only have 8 weeks left. I love exploring the city and taking day trips on my days off. It's been a great adventure and I think I will do it again!

[TravelBugRN]

So just an update....

I am still waiting to hear about a job, I have been calling Nursefinders office in the location where I would like to go first but they haven't been the best at returning my calls. I am not being annoying or anything (I don't think- I called monday and the secretary said he would return my call tuesday; heard nothing so I called today and still waiting to hear back). I hope this is not a future trend if I do get the job with them. I have already got prices on shipping my car out there, all bills are on auto-draft now.... just waiting on the word....

Nik

[thegreenmile]

I too, have just signed my very first contract. I'm a Psych Specialist and got my first job in Corrections in N.C. I've been exploring travel for years and finally took the leap. I arrived by car last Sat. I enjoyed the journey here and have been in orientation for a week. The weather is much calmer than MI in the winter. I enjoy my housing which was entirely arranged and paid for by my recruiter, there is a distance to work cause the prison is out in the boonies as most are. I was informed that weekends, they have only 1 nurse on. On weekdays there are at least 5 w/some ancillary staff. This is discomforting, but will go with the flow to the best of my ability. I'll be sure to notify and document to mgt., my level of discomfort if necessary. The new people, sites, experiences, and location is refreshing.

Corrections is a different beast I must say, very stringent, but a necessary evil. Looking forward to this venture, wishing anyone new to it the best!

[thegreenmile]

Oh, by the way TravelBug, I've submitted an app for licensing to USVI last month as well. Wishing you the best.