Should I wait?

[Telenurse1990]

I recently got offered a float position between 4 different hospital ICUs in the area. Units range from general ICUs to Open heart and Surgical units. I have a year of MICU/CCU experience. I also got offered a travel contract out of state, and travelling is my ultimate goal. I only have one year total of ICU experience. For you travelers out there, would you wait another year or take the travel contract now?

[NedRN]

It is not even close. Wait a year. That is really great experience and you won't regret it one bit when you start traveling.

[Telenurse1990]

I figured. I just want out of the state, but I think i'd be foolish to not take the float pool job. My recruiter even said that two years in ICU will get me contracts in better states and Hospitals.

[NedRN]

She is not wrong! She might be a keeper.

Alternatively you could look for a similar staff job out of state. More orientation, especially at a large teaching hospital is good. That will get you out of town and gain you the experience. But take the float job while you are looking if you explore that option further.

[Stripes311]

Hi TeleRN, congrats on the offers- both sound like exciting opportunities that you would grow from! I agree with NedRN and suggest getting another year under your belt. The floating ICU position sounds very challenging, you will need to learn the ropes in four different facilities... you will no doubt become a stronger and more resilient nurse after a position like that. It will definitely make you more marketable as a travel nurse- it will show that you're flexibility and well rounded.

Good luck with whatever you decide!