Can I be a traveler at 3 years?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Hi Nurse Beth,

I've been working in critical care/pacu/peds ICU for 3 years and wondering about traveling. How much time should be spent in each specialty before taking the plunge and traveling? thanks so much 

Dear Wondering,

You are at a good point to consider traveling. Three years gives you a solid background. You will have to hit the ground running with very little orientation.

It's been a very good market for travelers during COVID, with crisis pay and some states offering reduced income taxes, but traveling is not for everyone. Here's a couple things to consider:

Have a thick skin. Some units/nurses are thankful for travelers because travelers are seen as welcome relief to short-staffing. Other nurses resent travelers who get paid more than they do for the same job. Still others are indifferent because you, the traveler, will not be there long enough to form a relationship. 

Definitely network with other travel nurses. The facebook group Travel Nurse Network- The Gypsy Nurse is great for exchanging information. Chances are, someone has been where you're considering going, and you can get the real scoop. Likewise, they can help you pick a good recruiter and agency (list with more than one agency/recruiter). Networking can make the difference between a miserable experience and  a great experience. 

Think about where you'll live. Most travelers prefer to find their own room or apartment rather than use agency housing. 

It can be good money but you need to know the ins and outs of the pay arrangement. Your "blended rate" is not your take-home pay. Know the difference. Educate yourself about stipends and your home tax base. Understand what part of your income is taxed, and what part isn't (stipends). A lower hourly rate combined with stipends may add up to good overall compensation, but your reportable income for say, purchasing a home may appear to be too low to qualify if you are trying to qualify for a loan.  Sometimes quotes can be misleading. Is the pay you are quoted based on 40/hrs week when you will be working 36 hrs/week?

Don't start traveling to your destination until the contract is signed. Read carefully to make sure everything you discussed is in writing, such as working day shift or night shift, or getting promised time off for your sister's wedding.  Ask what  is  holiday pay, and what days/nights are considered holidays?

Make sure you understand all the terms of your contract-does it say you have to float? Can your contract be canceled due to low census? Can your shifts be canceled, or are you guaranteed shifts? Insist on guaranteed shifts. 

Be able to go with the flow, and tolerate being uncomfortable, because with so many moving parts, things often do not go as planned. Your agency may not send the right paperwork, you may get to a site and your agency wants you to submit time-clock info, but you are not in the system yet. You may not be able to scan your name into the glucometer for several days, maybe weeks. 

And then just about when you get the hang of things, your 13 weeks is up.

If all this doesn't really seem daunting, it may be a good fit for you! If so, enjoy the ride and seeing America.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth