Any L&D, MNB Travelers Here?

bagladyrn, RN · May 26, 2011

OB traveler x 14 years now here. There are positions out there but flexibility is the key and still may not guarantee you continuous employment. Not working nights may be an issue as many of the contracts are for night (or day/night rotation which is worse to my mind!).

If you do not live in a compact state I'd consider getting several other state licenses prior to starting traveling since many positions are listed very close to the desired start date and some hospitals won't consider you if you do not already hold a license in that state.

tarheelpenguin · May 29, 2011

I agree with baglady, Im an l&d traveler and have been traveling since 2006. It would be wise to get several licenses first if you do not live in a Compact state, especially in California (since so many jobs are available there and it is no longer a walk through state). Also you should work on getting your ACLS and a certificate in fetal monitoring before submitting your profile since alot of hospitals do require this.

DinatravelerRN · Jun 15, 2011

I agree if you want to travel and make money I would get your license in as many states as you can!!I wouldn't worry about finding a job, I'm a 100% confident you will continue to have work! I have been traveling for several years now, and I will say I can't tell you how many times I hear how desperate they are for L&D nurses!! But get as many certs as you can it only helps you! One of my friends just got a job in Bakersfield, CA, she is taking home over $2100 per week!! Let me know if you want more info, I have been in the traveling game for awhile!! Good luck with your empty nest!!!

AZ88 L&DRN · Jul 26, 2011

Hello! I am new to travel nursing and was hoping to take an assignment after the first of the year, but have been discouraged by some job postings that require 2+ years of L&D experience to apply. I will have a a little over 1yr L&D experience when I decide to apply (started current job in November 2010). This was my first nursing position out of college. I work at a large, urban teaching hospital with many high risks patients. I have my BSN, BLS, NRP certifications. How many years of experience do most hospitals/agencies require for L&D RNs?

tarheelpenguin · Jul 28, 2011

Most places require two years, and if you're gonna be a traveler and expect to function independently after 1 or 2 shifts of orientation, I highly recommend it. Not to say I know you, or your level of experience, but I too went as a new grad to a large teaching facility. Even though teaching facilities are great places for learning and dealing with high risk patients... have you ever had to truly triage a pt or deliver a pt on your own without the resident there and involved in your care? Or place internal monitors or cytotec and cervidils? I dont want to discourage you, but I just want you to be aware that you need to be really strong in your skills to be a traveler and Im not sure that with only one year experience if you're there yet.

bagladyrn, RN · Jul 28, 2011

I will agree with the caution from tarheelpenguin here. Do not assume that a small level one hospital will be easier after working in a high risk teaching facility. I've seen travel nurses from that background crash and burn when they realize that there is no backup, especially at night when OB doc, OR crew, lab, RT are all at home on call and the nearest NICU nurse is across the state!

Many hospitals will prefer 2+ years of experience and I have seen some ask for a minimum of 5!