Considering becoming a Travel RN, any advice???

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i will be graduating from nursing school this may and i havealways wanted to work as a travel nurse. i know that i will need to gain moreexperience before i jump in to traveling. but i was wondering if a year ofexperience is enough before i jump in to being a travel rn? and what are somegood agencies to consider working for in the future? also, any advice on travelnursing would be greatly appreciated. thanks!

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Most agencies these days are looking for 2+ years of experience in the specialty. Even if you have an agency that will take you on with 1 year you will likely have a hard time finding a hospital that will accept 1 year of experience. Most hospitals are wanting 2-4+ years of experience AND previous travel, contract, or agency work.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Most agencies in my area will accept someone with 18+ months experience, but not less than that. I wouldn't recommend travel nursing for anyone without 2 years under your belt. We hire contract nurses at my facility and they receive 2 orientation shifts. Definitely not enough for a new grad.

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Specializes in ED, Med-Surg, Psych, Oncology, Hospice.

And before you do decide, review the travel sites and learn which specialties are in most demand. I have been a certified oncology nurse in my past life, a psych nurse, an ED nurse, etc. Now I am "just" a med/surg nurse and opportunities aren't that plentiful.

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thank you everyone, i really appreciate the advice!

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I started travel nursing in March of 2011 after 4 years at my previous ER and I can tell you, that first assignment was very intimidating! Mine was in Houston, TX and I got, as said in a previous response, 2 days of floor orientation and 1 day of hospital wide orientation. Even with 4 years previous experience, I was, to say the least, lost for a week or so. Luckily that particular hospital had a great team of nurses and it worked out. I did have a little trouble finding an assignment even with the required experience because I didn't have previous travel experience as most hospitals require. I have a really great recruiter and he worked very hard for me and eventually I was placed. I recommend getting a few years experience before trying but don't give up if you don't get your first assigment right away. It took several months for me to get mine but eventually it will happen! Good luck in whatever you decide to do!

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