Advice on becoming a travel nurse

Argo · Sep 10, 2018

1 year for basic floor type nursing. 2 years for specialty nursing(OR, ER, Cath Lab, ICU).... thats what you are usually required. Some people are never comfortable with travel type of work though.

RN/WI, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Sep 10, 2018

This is a personal choice for you. Different agencies have different requirements. Most are 2 years to travel. I have seen some that advertise one year, I personally think that is absurd, unless you have a background as a CNA for years prior to Nursing. In my honest opinion, I would wait between 3-5 years after obtaining my license to travel if I were you. Everyone is different and you may be ready to jump in at 2....

Hoosier_RN, MSN · Sep 12, 2018

Most reputable companies require at least 2 years, but prefer more

Ms_Interpret · Sep 13, 2018

Do what works for you. Only you will know when you're ready and that varies for everyone. People told me all sorts of things when I started my nursing journey (on this board no less). Prior to graduation from nursing school, I had my eye set on the ICU. Everyone on these boards told me there was no way I'd be ready for the ICU without at least one year of med/surg if not two years. I spent 6 months in med/surg before transferring to the ICU and once I hit the critical care environment, I thrived.

Also, keep in mind that most advice is aimed at the people who fall somewhere between high level underacheiving and average. If that's you, that's perfectly okay. We all have our limits not just of what we can do, but what we're willing to do. If you're smart, if you're driven, if you're goal oriented and work diligently toward a goal, you have the ability to set your own schedule for reaching it.

guest769224 · Sep 13, 2018

Year one, get all the basics down. Year two, competence.

Kallie3006, ADN · Sep 13, 2018

Everyone is different on how they learn and are able to be competent on their own in an unfamiliar environment. If you are the type that needs to know the who, what, when or where traveling my not be your best bet, but that will be something you will learn when you get out and start working.

RN/WI, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Sep 13, 2018

Have you been in contact with agencies? Out of curiosity, have you bounced this off your nursing instructor? What do they say? Have you had contact with traveling nurses during clinical? What have you decided?