ack! Want to start traveling, don't know if possible.

[traumaQN]

Don't know where to start. I love my job, but am unhappy with hospital politics. From a small mid-western town without a lot of opportunities. Also not happy with mid-western living and the harsh winters. Just looking for something new, exciting, and different.

Graduated with ADN June 2008, worked on Telemetry Unit from 6/08-4/10, and Emergency Room from 4/10-current, and also have a PRN position at a long term care facility.

Is this enough to start traveling? Should I apply for Tele positions or ER?

I will be traveling with my teenage son (who is homeschooled) and a small dog. Can I take advantage of housing for travelers (will require a 2 bedroom)?

I have been trying to do research online and am not having the greatest success. It seems that a lot of the traveling agencies require completion of a lengthy application before listing available opportunities. Also, I am not sure how my current employer will feel about being contacted by multiple agencies.

Any constructive advice is appreciated.

[bagladyrn, RN]

You should have enough experience to begin looking at Tele positions but not ER. Most positions and most agencies require a minimum of 1 - 2 yrs of current experience in the area you are looking for. You'd need to start looking at those Tele positions before your experience gets too far out of date.

As for housing you could certainly go with agency housing with the understanding that in most cases you would have to pay the difference between the cost of a one bedroom and a two bedroom yourself (usually they can just deduct it from your pay). You would also be responsible for pet deposits yourself.

As you have found out most agencies do require you to fill out an application before giving you specifics. They don't want other agencies getting info on "their" positions. They should however be able to give you some idea of the areas of the country they cover (some are regional) and whether they have exclusive contracts with hospital groups.