Considering Travel Nursing....

[ButterflyRN04]

Hi everyone! Over the past several months I have been seriourly considering travel nursing. I'm 24, single, no children, and continue to live with my grandparents who raised me and help put me through nursing school. I have never been away from home and I think this would be a great opportunity. I been an RN for a year on a pediatric floor and just about two weeks ago I completed trainging to work in our pedi stepdown unit. A nurse I work with, who happes to be a very good friend of mine approached me about traveling together sometime within the next year. Now its even more appealing sinceI have someone I can do it with. All I'm asking is for some feedback, reassurance, suggestions, and any agencies you recommend. We both agree we'd like to go to a big city. It's a huge step for me to take but I feel like its either now or never. Thanks everyone...

[suzanne4, RN]

I would seriously go for at least two years experience, especially if you are wanting to go to a big city. I would make sure that you feel comfortable with all aspects of care of the pediatric patient. Not sure if you are responsible for drawing labs and starting IVs where you currently are now.

Which agency is going to depend on which city..............and the time of the year. Best bet is to even do a search as tho where you think that you would like to work, then find out which agency or agencies have a contract with them. Best to look at hospitals first, then the agency. Different agencies are more popular in different regions, and also with specialties.

[KJS]

Hi everyone! Over the past several months I have been seriourly considering travel nursing. I'm 24, single, no children, and continue to live with my grandparents who raised me and help put me through nursing school. I have never been away from home and I think this would be a great opportunity. I been an RN for a year on a pediatric floor and just about two weeks ago I completed trainging to work in our pedi stepdown unit. A nurse I work with, who happes to be a very good friend of mine approached me about traveling together sometime within the next year. Now its even more appealing sinceI have someone I can do it with. All I'm asking is for some feedback, reassurance, suggestions, and any agencies you recommend. We both agree we'd like to go to a big city. It's a huge step for me to take but I feel like its either now or never. Thanks everyone...

I know the agency I work for right now, is always looking for good pediatric nurses, but their requirements are pretty stiff, especially so if you are looking to work in a large city. I know the ER I worked in saw almost 300 children a day in a 22 exam-, 4 holding-room facility. I know they have added beds since I was there in 97. I think the total bed capacity is over 300 now. And that is just a pediatric facility, not a mother/child hospital!