All dressed up, nowhere to go!

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Venting!! Is this a slow time to get interviews? Feeling discouraged!

i've been fully vetted by two larger, good reputation agencies and submitted to a couple jobs Dec 22. Sure its going to be slow over the holidays but thought for sure I'd hear something by now. So far I was stood up for one hospital call so I've had not even one interview. Recruiters have even gone quiet.

Beginning to wonder! Flew to California in Oct to get my license (temp took 3 weeks, have perm now), I have a stellar history, 8 yrs ER experience, trauma, all my certs.. I haven't traveled before and am very eager to get going, to have some adventure this year.

Starting to get a little impatient and discouraged! Now should just go start the whole process all over again with other agencies or is this just a very bad time?

I am still at my job of 5 yrs and need to put in 2 wks notice before I go and then a week travel time so I'm wondering if that is hurting me, not being ready to start in a week. I've considered quitting my job and heading out, taking agency if I have to but I'm not quite *that* irresponsible/adventurous!

Anyone else struggling to get a shot out there?

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Middle November to second week of January is indeed dead. Doin't worry too much about one week availability to start. That type of assignment is not what you want for a first assignment anyway. Most regular assignments take two to three weeks to start from submission.

Especially since you are still working and have a short two week notice, I would highly recommend that you be very choosy about your first assignment. Prioritize a really great fit for your current skills (you will have enough to do just adapting to a new facility), and traveler friendly and helpful unit nurses. Going to California with staffing ratio laws may help, but consider assignments in all states. Forget about money and location completely. After a successful first assignment, your options for better money and locations will be much better.

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Specializes in Stroke.

I too am struggling to get started in travel nursing. After what I thought was thorough research, I contacted NursesRx. The recruiter only calls me about once a week, getting information out of her is like pulling hen's teeth! I agree with NedRN and am making it a priority to find a position that is a good match for my skill set not just a job. I am not currently working and need to get started ASAP but want that first assignment to be a positive experience.

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Poor communication with your recruiter sets you up for failure. Drop this one and start interviewing lots of others. Take note of BS versus being straightforward, how well you communicate with them, and how much it seems like they have your best interests at heart. Ask them about first assignment choices. Make a shortlist of the best three to five recruiters to sign up with (agency brand is unimportant) and give them a go. Don't even bother with recruiters who are unwilling to share info on real open assignments and compensation (which is not important by itself for your first assignment or two, just goes to communication). After all, it is a ton of work to sign up just to get this information and determine both assignments and compensation are lacking. Not worth the effort.

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Specializes in High-risk OB, Labor & Delivery.

I'm having the same experience as a first-time traveler. I have 7 years of experience, all my certifications, etc., but I know that I am competing with RNs with many years of travel experience. One thing that I have done that has gotten me 2 interviews this week and has worked for me is opening up to "less-desirable locations" and being open to doing nightshift for my first assignment. Now I have an offer and I'm just deciding if I want it or not! Best of luck to you on this journey!

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Specializes in ICU.

I have know of some high paying jobs in California and Michigan.

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Specializes in Stroke.

Thank you for the prompt. I signed with another agency and before I completed the on-line application the recruiter called me. He was everything I believed an agent should be, answered all of my questions, gave suggestions and provided information. I definitely got good vibes from this individual.

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There are good recruiters out there. Some are even great! It is not uncommon for some travelers when they find such a unicorn (kidding) to work exclusively with him/her for a long time.

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