Community ER vs Travel Nursing

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So long story short, I took a family leave of absence from my community ER hospital while my mother was in hospice this past November and December. After she passed, I decided to take a break from the craziness of the ER and now work as a school nurse. I am now realizing that I do miss the fast paced, constant unknowns, and endless learning opportunities that I had in the ER. I was born and raised there - worked there as a student nurse and it was my first job as an RN. I spoke with a travel recruiter who I got into contact with months ago and he is helping me find an ER assignment in California, my dream. My question for allnurses is: should I return to my old ER for a few months to get my feet wet again, or have my first travel assignment be a local trauma center before going to California? I am east coast based.

Thanks for any input.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

How long were you an ER nurse, and how long have you been away from the ER? Do you have the typical stuff required by a trauma center like TNCC and trauma experience?

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I've only been a nurse for two years so I am seeking the chance to learn more at a teaching hospital. I have pals and acls but didn't finish tncc. I'm hoping to be able to take that class through the travel agency!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
I've only been a nurse for two years so I am seeking the chance to learn more at a teaching hospital. I have pals and acls but didn't finish tncc. I'm hoping to be able to take that class through the travel agency!

I would probably go back to your community ER for a bit and try to get TNCC there, then go to a trauma center. Usually they have to hire travelers to fill positions at trauma centers that are understaffed for a reason (i.e., they can't keep staff), so it's not where I might suggest jumping back in after quite a few months away from the bedside, on top of being relatively "young" in ER years. You will probably receive VERY little orientation as a traveler, and I mean VERY little.

Good luck, whatever you decide!

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Specializes in Float Pool - A Little Bit of Everything.

Based on my experiences in trauma, I would not go there since you have been out of the ER game for awhile. I would go back to your old ER for awhile and obtain your TNCC, after some time I would then try to switch. Trauma is a lot of stress, it might be better to not jump into something like that after going through the lose of a parent and doing something different.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, PSYCH, PP, CEN.

I've done quite a bit of agency and travel nursing ER. As a travel nurse you will be expected to get TNCC, ACLS, PALS etc on your own. Your travel agency is not going to help you. You are expected to hit the ground running and may only get a 4 hour orientation at each new location. Some places I got no orientation.

You will also have to have a physical before each contract, provide immunization records and get a pee test. You will become very adept at taking care of things yourself.

I suggest you get a copy/printer/fax machine because you are going to be sending records back and forth to agencies like crazy.

It was very educational and I gained enormous experience. It can be fun and it can be miserable. Enjoy the ride.

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