Want to travel, but scared

[seanymph]

I don't really know why I am posting this thread other then I would like a little reassurance.

I have been thinking of doing travel nursing for quite a while now, but I am so scared of giving up my full-time position on an OB unit, without the guarantee of having a postion waiting for me. It is just myself, so I obviously need the guarnatee of an income.

I love working OB and really don't want to do any other dept., but I know those positions are not as plentiful. I know if I could just take the first step and do it that I would love travel nursing.

Can anyone help with any advice or encouragement? Thank you.

[WalMart_ADN]

If i take a travel assignment, can i stay in pediatrics? or do i have to work where they tell me?

[chillywill]

dawnc87

Welcome to Tallahassee, my home town. While I am still in school, I am sure you will like TMH. I will look for more posts from you relating your experience her.

[eddy]

Originally posted by WalMart_ADN

If i take a travel assignment, can i stay in pediatrics? or do i have to work where they tell me?

Depends on your contract. If you agree to float, you'll spend plenty of days outside of your pref'd unit. However, if you tell them you won't float BEFORE signing, then they'll try to work that condition in. It's more up to you than anything. I never cared much and generally agreed to float up to 100% of the time, but I would state which units I was willing to float to, which was generally pretty broad.

Just remember, if it's not in the contract, you pretty much have to do what they say, unless it is outside of your actual skillset. So get it in writing.

[Geeg]

Honey, you are the commodity. You TELL them what you want to do!!!!!!!

[bagladyrn, RN]

Dawn - I've been traveling, strictly in OB for 6 1/2 yrs. now and have never had a problem of having the next assignment lined up before I finish one. In fact, the usual problem is trying to convince them I need some time off! In fact, several of my recent positions have been facilities that I previously did assignments at calling and asking if I'd be available for upcoming vacancies.

[sheRN]

Dawn, I'm scared to travel too. Please let us know if it's a good experience for you. Personally, I've waited for years to start traveling until my daughter was in college. Well she's in her 6th year and I've still got my feet planted in the same job in my home town. Why? Not sure. Thought I'd be ready to go by now. Guess it's fear of the unknown. Also afraid of being in a town alone w/no one to sightsee with. I'm not extremely shy, but not extremely outgoing either. Hope you're enjoying yourself on your assignment. Sounds good to me!

[FIDO]

Hello, everyone. I'm new to the site and I am also just starting to explore the options offered by travel nursing. I've been jumping around the net and would appreciate any direction you folks could offer in the way of a site that could provide some additional information, particularly what travel agencies to avoid and what hospitals to avoid. For those of you interested in travel nursing, I have worked for the State of North Carolina since November of 1995 and could provide some information about psychiatric nursing at both Cherry Hospital and Dorothea Dix.

[blondamb1]

hello everyone. Dawn I bit the bullet also. Been in L&D for 7 years, its all I know. Found a great company, really kicked it off with my recruiter so I decided to stay with them. I just filled out apps and am anxious to get ball rolling. Keep us posted on your adventures. What company did you decide on?

[magilla]

HI,

I decided to enter the field of traveling nursing just after my husband and I separated. I felt reassured simply because there was/is such a huge nationwide nursing shortage!

Actually, I just registered onto this site today because I am looking for chat rooms for my friend who is interested in traveling but, just as you are, is afraid! I will ask her to locate your user name and post you a message. She is looking for another nurse to travel with! Perhaps you two could chat!!! Thanks!

[magilla]

HI,

I decided to enter the field of traveling nursing just after my husband and I separated. I felt reassured simply because there was/is such a huge nationwide nursing shortage!

Actually, I just registered onto this site today because I am looking for chat rooms for my friend who is interested in traveling but, just as you are, is afraid! I will ask her to locate your user name and post you a message. She is looking for another nurse to travel with! Perhaps you two could chat!!! Thanks!

[gypsyatheart]

Hi Dawn!

How are things going so far? I'm going to start travelling full time in a few months. I did a travel assignment last summer, and really enjoyed it. I, too, am scared to leave my familiar environment, but I figure, what do I have to lose and what better way to see the places I want to go, plus we're looking at re-locating and this will be perfect.

I like what someone else said: what is the worst that could happen? I could end up back home in my same old job! Not so bad, I guess.

good luck!

[KR]

I am a single, 20 something, Critical Care Nurse. I work for an agency now, but will be done in a couple weeks. I am looking to find a travel buddy. I want to go to Vegas and to California. I do have a cat that will travel with me. I love hiking, camping, canoeing, and am into adventure sports: ie skydiving, hot air ballooning, white water rafting. My preffered shift is 3p-11p or 3p-3a. The only shift I will not work is nights. Would love to find someone to travel with! Drop me an email at [email protected] if anyone is interested or knows of anyone.

Let's go make $$$ and have fun:P