Traveling Nurse? What are your thoughts about it?

elkpark · Mar 18, 2011

Have you looked through the travel nursing forum here? Lots of info and discussion there.

Lots of people do enjoy travel nursing and it can pay v. well; however, you have to have significant (a few years) experience to be considered qualified/eligible, so it's not really an option for new grads. Something to aim for in the future, though! :)

https://allnurses.com/travel-nursing/

Saflanut · Mar 19, 2011

Thanks for directing me to the right direction!!! I'll definitely check it out.

Moogie · Mar 19, 2011

Moving this to Travel Nursing, where it might elicit more comments.

studentLJinCA · Mar 19, 2011

I actually work for a travel nursing company right now on the business side (I am not a nurse yet) - and it is a requirement that you have AT LEAST one year experience in order to go on a travel assignment.

On these temporary assignments, you are quickly thrown into a new environment - not a good thing for a brand new nurse.

I suggest you definitely look into any new grad programs in your area. They are paying positions that help to cement you in your new job as a nurse. But they can be very competitive - so make sure to apply early.

For the future though, I definitely recommend travel nursing :)

Saflanut · Mar 19, 2011

Thanks for the advice.Traveling nurse jobs sounds exciting and dynamic. I am trying to come up with some sort of plan after my graduation. I don't want to sound naive but is it hard to find a job as a new graduate? If all the jobs out there require some experience how a new graduate suppose to get experienced? I know it is a rhetorical question. But after working so hard to get into the nursing school, I want to see the light end of the tunel.

BTW, this website provides really good insights. thanks for that.

OkieICU_RN · Mar 28, 2011

I don't want to sound naive but is it hard to find a job as a new graduate?

It depends on where you are, where you are willing to go, and what specialty you want/are willing to work in.

In middle America, there are lots of new grad positions in almost every specialty. If you are willing to go anywhere to get the experience needed for travel nursing, it will be well worth your while. Just mind you that in this area, the money will be low. Just remember, there IS a light at the end of the tunnel and that it will be so worth it in the end.

PrincessPiff · Apr 2, 2011

I went with a company like that for my first travel assignment, and it was completely misrepresented. I didn't have any idea that I would be going to a different HOSPITAL EVERY DAY. I had ZERO orientation, I was expected to show up, go the the nursing supervisor's office and get a badge, and hit the floor running. No idea how I survived, really, but I did. I'm sure I didn't do things the "facility approved" way every time, though, because I had absolutely no idea what that thing was. I wanted to take a short assignment to try out travelling and got more than I bargained for. All I can say is it's a good thing I'm flexible! Do your research before you commit to something like that. Good luck!

Saflanut · Apr 2, 2011

Thank you, guys. I appreciate the insights. I am making mental notes on how to pursue and approach to this. I live in VA, military wife. So I am somewhat tied down to this area. I think as a family we can handle short term assignments but it is unlikely that I can move away to middle of the country. So, I am keeping my eyes open to possibilities. If you don't mind sharing can you tell me how did you find your first job as a RN?

I am volunteering in a hospital now which I will also have my clinicals next year. But this area is so competitive, in every aspects of nursing, sometimes I wonder whether going to medical school and becoming a doctor will be easier. :confused:

Anyhow, like I said please please share your experiences on how you found your first job. Thanks a lot.:)

wanderlust99 · Apr 10, 2011

Hi, not sure where you live, but in CA it's difficult for new grads to get a job. I've seen a lot of new grads being hired as CNAs, which is so sad to me. Work as one in school yes, but as a new grad? That would be horrible IMO. My suggestion is to get a job now at the hospital you want to work at and hope they hire you on. If you want to travel, you need minimum 1 year experience, but better to have 2 years b/c as a traveler you are expected to know your stuff. After 1 year as a nurse, that may be difficult.

GrnHonu99, RN · Apr 12, 2011

Plenty of jobs in AZ..ICU/med surg whatever. I have a ton of friends who as new grads started in Cali no problem..maybe its an isolated area.? There are also travel positions open in cali right now as im thinking about signing on for SFO. It m ight be slightly more competitive then 4-5 years ago but you shouldnt have trouble finding a job. If you are worried start scoping out your options right now and maybe get in as a CNA or secretary...