Agencies

NurseRies, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2013

I'm having trouble getting started with travel nursing as I am being picky. My husband and 10 month old son will be traveling with me. I have talked to several agencies and am having trouble getting started because I don't have a compact license. Illinois is not a compact state.
I had a recruiter tell me that since I have worked with Fresenius lately that I can't take a job with them for 6 months past my last date of work. Anyone have any suggestions on getting started?

I got started by getting some additional licenses. This can take 6-8 weeks if you get a permanent license. California is a good place to start because you're almost guaranteed to find something in the state. You can also begin to get some documents in order such as immunization records, licensing, reference letters, resume. If you like certain agencies, go ahead and sign up with them- do their skills checklists, fill out required applications, and send in references. Research as much as you can about travel nursing before you get started, I also recommend trying to save as much money as possible, since you can encounter unexpected problems or illnesses on the road and have no PTO and medical insurance is bad. Have a plan and stay as organized as possible.