Travel Nurse Question

I'm considering travel nursing too. So I will be watching this thread. I do know when we have travelers they get anywhere from a 1-3 day orientation. Depending on how they do. Some only need 4 hours. Also you have to be able to adapt easily to new paper work and new systems easily. I know we have had many travelers who are not competent, we have canceled many contracts.

I've had orientations ranging from 1 shift to 2 full weeks. My preference is for about 2 shifts. The 2 weeks (same orientation as new permanent employees) was ridiculous - lots of info I didn't need about benefits, listening to "rah-rah" speeches from various administative types. On return contacts at hospitals (some I'e been back to repeatedly) I've been able to skip the orientation thing completely.

In my opinion, to be a travel nurse you have to feel like you can work anywhere, with anyone and with anything. If you can't or don't you probably shouldn't take the travel assignment. You need to be confident in your assessment, evaluation and prioratization (spelling ) skills . If you can do that, a general walk around the unit to see where the tools of the trade are is the only orientation some need. As far as length of contract, remember you are signing a contract. If you sign on and agree to work for Nine months, you are expected to work 9 months. Most times you can extend your contracts without difficulty. It's harder to get out of a contract and still keep your good name.

I traveled with O'Grady-Peyton for a short time and really enjoyed it. They were very supportive through the whole process from start to finish.
Most of my experience has been STICU and I traveled to a Level 1 trauma center for my first 2 assignments. I worked in the Neuroscience ICU, which I enjoyed. They expected alot of me right from the beginning because of my past experiences. I got 1 full 12 hr. shift and 6 hrs. of the next 12 hr. shift as orientation.
The procedures were no different than I was use to; just getting oriented to the physical layout was the most difficult. Finding equipment, etc. My co-workers were amazing in how they helped.
I found out alot of companies I interviewed with want you to have your CCRN. Fortunately I have had mine for many years. I am sure alot of these requirements would depend on the area you are applying to.
Go for it. You will meet all kinds of neat people and see that there is more than 1 way to do things.
Just be sure to stay in close contact with your company rep. They are a great help.
MidnightSn1
enguin:

My last assignment I had a few hours of paperwork and then it was "Ask that nurse if you need anything" for my orientation.

You should definitely tailor your first couple of contracts to your strong suit. Don't accept contracts that have the potential to throw you into an unfamiliar type of unit until you are comfortable with the "traveler" role. Be especially certain when interviewing about any floating in the contract - specify where you would float and in what capacity. I would start with 13 week contracts rather than the longer ones. That way you have enough time to get comfortable in the unit, but if it turns out to be a less than desirable contract you are not tied in for he long term.

Hi,
I'm interested in traveling for the first time in my 33 years as a nurse. I have a diploma, BSN, plus 8 years of graduate school and 28 years of neonatal ICU
nursing, (26 at a Level III). I do not wish to sell my small condo in Lexington, Ky.as it is also the homebase of my spiritual family, (non traditional), to which I am very committed. My son is grown and I would love to take a 12 week assignment to Univ of Ala. at Birmingham, where he is in grad school. I am also very adaptable and confident in my skills. I wish to focus on NICU, though I have worked all over pediatrics. I was considering O'Grady Peyton based on their reputation.
Why did you only travel with them for a short time, (the person who responded to this thread)? I would like to travel for 3 months, take a break,(do other things), then take another assignment and so on. Is this possible. Are there others out there who maintain a small residence in a home base?

Colleen

can anyone tell me the fastest process to migrate to the United States as a nurse?