Attention all ER Travelers!!

Treat et Street · Apr 15, 2008

I am in need of your opinions, regarding my next career move!:)
Here's my situation:
-I am currently 8 months in at my first RN position, in the ED at a community hospital. This particular hospital has recently had quite an influx of complex, sick medical patients.
-Although I am aware of my limitations and how far I have to go, I am also making strides. My assessments are getting solid, I'm learning new medications daily, and my documentation is on par.
-I do "homework" that I create for myself-- i.e., practicing EKG's, looking up meds/procedures, case studies, reading journals, studying pathophys topics, etc.
-I've completed BLS, ACLS, & PALS-- my goal is to have TNCC completed by the end of the year. Since I work at a non-trauma facility (despite the fact that we occasionally receive trauma patients that refuse to go elsewhere), it is not mandatory.
-I'm a big mouth-- any time I feel doubt or confusion I ask someone to double check me or give feedback. I follow up on topics that confuse me/are new to me. I do not give meds or perform procedures that I am not familiar with, until I look them up and get help.
After the 2 year mark, I'd like to consider travel nursing. To my understanding, I will be expected to hit the ground running with no help, wherever I am placed.
That being said, I'd like to know what your thoughts are.
Specifically:
a.) Is 2 years enough?
b.) Would I be safe requesting a Level 3 or 4 trauma facility? (to my understanding, this means a facility that can stabilize traumas but will transfer if surgical/specialty interventions are needed)
c.) Can you share with me the "checklists" they provide to you, which state the skills you are required to be "Highly Proficient" in? I'd like to start working my way through them and seeking out opportunities to practice and be comfortable with them
d.) How have your experiences been with traveling? Are you happy? Pros and cons?
Thank you for whatever you have to offer, and for your time ! If I need to elaborate on my skills currently to give you a better idea, let me know.

Here goes sis, I'll be short and to the point.

a.) Yes it is enough.

b.) I have worked in ER's from 4 to 58 beds, Level I to small rural hospitals. You will be fine working anywhere; it is up to you to find those in the dept. who can/will support you and be a continuing resource. Those small ER's do go from boredom to sheer terror in an instant!

c.) Skills: Yes, it all boils down to AIRWAY! BREATHING! CIRCULATION! The rest is ...secondary. Recognizing the crap that hinders or halts A, B, or C is what gives you confidence in your work. Can you really explain the pt's VITAL SIGNS? You would be surprised how many of us focus on secondary issues. Suggest to your ER MD that no pt shall die without NORMAL LAB VALUES. If they are wet, make em dry. If they are dry, make em wet. Give them K+ or take it away. And so on.

d.) Traveling: Pros- I love it. Cons- 90% of recruiters are liars on par with used car salespersons. Get everything in writing.

Okay. In 30 seconds I have told you everything I know:chuckle. Well, not everything. Only time and experience will prepare you for everything. And no one knows everything. So follow your heart and experience all you can!

gonzo1, ASN, RN · Apr 15, 2008

2 years is enough for some people, 10 years wouldn't be enough for others. Just try it when you think you are ready and see how it works out.

I have been at places where my fellow travelers thought it was awful and wanted to leave and I think it is a good place. Everyone is different.

One thing is for sure, you will learn to stand on your own two feet.

Although traveling is not something I want to do full time I can see the benefits and will most likely do it from time to time

allnurses Guide · Apr 17, 2008

"b.) Would I be safe requesting a Level 3 or 4 trauma facility? (to my understanding, this means a facility that can stabilize traumas but will transfer if surgical/specialty interventions are needed)"

All trauma centers are set up for trauma, the biggest difference is if the surgical team is in house 24/7, or on call. We only transfer if its a bad peds case, or if the specialist isn't on call that night; we are a level 2 or 3.

The stabilizing can take a while! Specialist available or not you have to be able to do trauma. However, in a larger ER, the home staff tends to take on the traumas and leave the rest of the ER for the travelers in my experience. We want to see you in action for a while before you're assigned the major trauma zone, besides, we like to have all the fun :yeah:

Our travelers only get one or two shifts of orientation, mostly just to get familiar with the ED's routines: you are expected to be fully functional.

Its your comfort level, not number of years that will tell you when to travel. Good luck!

UtErRnEmt · Apr 28, 2008

i tried travel nursing 2 years ago. i compared it to being in dante's seventh level of hell if that tells you anything. however if you decide to do it just remember the agency recruiter and the rep from the hospital will tell you anything to get you to sign on. if you want anything specific such as working all your days in a row make sure its in the contract before you sign.

northshore08 · Apr 29, 2008

As an agency nurse working with the travelers, I was very grateful that I worked travel perdiem (without a contract) and could refuse anything at any time when I heard some of the horror stories of those tied to agencies by travel contracts. The traveler usually starts the story with "Well, they said I had to do it because they brought me out here and I signed the contract....." :coollook:

RNcDreams · Apr 29, 2008

As an agency nurse working with the travelers, I was very grateful that I worked travel perdiem (without a contract) and could refuse anything at any time when I heard some of the horror stories of those tied to agencies by travel contracts. The traveler usually starts the story with "Well, they said I had to do it because they brought me out here and I signed the contract....."

My apologies if I'm beating a dead horse here... I'm sure there are threads somewhere on the topic... but what differs between agency and travel nursing?

Can I do that across the country??

HopeItWorksDNP · Apr 29, 2008

i have nothing of signifigance to post. i just loved this statement: "those small er's do go from boredom to sheer terror in an instant!" you so decribed why i love what i do!! its the ultimate roller coaster ride. :yeah:

jennyboofRN · Apr 30, 2008

Hi-not sure where to throw this question in so here it is: I recently took on an assignment at a Las Vegas, NV ER department and I have to take the 100 question BKAT-6 test. What is this-I know it is a critical nursing eval test but I have heard it is a bugger of a test and that if you fail the contract is cancelled-any thoughts out there?