Currently a Travel Nurse - feel free to ask me anything about it.

Mike00, ASN, RN · Dec 22, 2021

@NedRN I'm actually trying to go back to the hospital because of Covid. It's not something I feel I can't handle or am intimidated by. I promise I'd be better dealing with Covid/travel assignments than a brand new nurse who doesn't know basic nursing skills. I've taken multiple travel ICU positions in the past so I know it's a different situation and with Covid I'm sure its more challenging but that's sorta why I want to go back. There are local agency jobs that will pay decent rates for hospital positions without the same strict requirements. I might have to go that route. I'd love to travel but it's not worth it to me to go back to the hospital for a year for standard pay. Thank you for your reply. I'm hoping I don't sound like a jerk. I'm just frustrated by the process and after 14 years I'd like to travel and have more income.

NedRN · Dec 22, 2021

Sure, agency for a year would do it!

RuralMOSchoolRN, ADN, RN · Jan 4, 2022

Thinking about local traveling--what experience is needed?

I worked 3 years in a level 1 trauma ER. Then I worked as a nurse coder online for 6 years while I had small children. Now I am working at our local health department doing some IV infusion, blood draws, immunizations, teaching, etc plus school nursing. I am BLS/ACLS current but my other certifications have lapsed since I'm not in critical care anymore.

Is my "big" experience too far behind me for travel nursing?

NedRN · Jan 4, 2022

Considering the crisis needs countrywide pretty much, that is a qualified no. However, local contracts have some issues. One is that most hospitals, even in this climate, will not allow travelers from their normal staff catchment area (not true everywhere though). So you probably won't be able to commute from home anyway. What I would suggest is signing on per diem staff at a local hospital in ED. They will refresh your skills and work history in short order, and then you can safely practice anywhere. PALS is good to have too, and the per diem staff position should pay for that. Other certifications should not be needed.

TRVL.RN, MSN, RN · Jan 5, 2022

22 hours ago, RuralMOSchoolRN said:

Thinking about local traveling--what experience is needed?

I worked 3 years in a level 1 trauma ER. Then I worked as a nurse coder online for 6 years while I had small children. Now I am working at our local health department doing some IV infusion, blood draws, immunizations, teaching, etc plus school nursing. I am BLS/ACLS current but my other certifications have lapsed since I'm not in critical care anymore.

Is my "big" experience too far behind me for travel nursing?

It all depends if you decide to go to a trauma center or a step down unit. Usually hospitals want recent ICU/floor experience if you do that. But you can find infusion contracts too.

T-RN · Jan 6, 2022

I have worked in an ortho day surgery environment for 20yrs. I do pre-op and disharge and pain management. (no PACU). I am looking into taking an ortho travel position in a level 1 hospital. I know that I would be floated as well. My concern is after not working on a floor for 20 yrs, if this is a good idea because of skills and being off a floor for so long. thoughts?

TRVL.RN, MSN, RN · Jan 6, 2022

Depending on the facility you go to they may give you a 12 hr orientation shift on the floor or 2 shifts if the hospital has the flexibility and even then they usually expect you to know everything / handle an assignment. The most they will help with is usually the charting system if you're not familiar. If you take a travel position of your specialty and they require floating just make sure you're confident floating to those areas if not you can ask to not be floated but that may hinder your chances of getting such contract. Also units that you float to usually you don't get a full if any orientation. Always remember the hospital is looking for people to help them because they themselves don't have enough staff half the time. So they do expect a lot from the travelers. Also, look for facilities that are traveler friendly ask during your interviews what is expected of you on orientation.

NedRN · Jan 6, 2022

9 hours ago, T-RN said:

I have worked in an ortho day surgery environment for 20yrs. I do pre-op and disharge and pain management. (no PACU). I am looking into taking an ortho travel position in a level 1 hospital. I know that I would be floated as well. My concern is after not working on a floor for 20 yrs, if this is a good idea because of skills and being off a floor for so long. thoughts?

So an assignment in your comfort zone will be rare, and certainly will not pay crisis rates. You might also be able to do an ortho floor job, but that too will not be high pay. My opinion really doesn't matter but you have two realistic options. First is talk to a few agencies, give them this capsule work history and ask where you can be placed successfully. If positive and you choose to give it a try, be very honest filling out your skills checklist and while projecting confidence, also verify how you will fit in during your manager telephone interview (insist on an interview if not automatic).

Second of course is to switch to floor nursing at your facility to gain experience.

If you are seeking high pay, forget about travel. If the lifestyle is what is appealing, start calling agencies!

T-RN · Jan 6, 2022

I spoke with the manager today. 3 days orientation and 8 hr charting class. That seemed good. They do float you every 2 weeks or so. That could be an equivalent floor. But could be post op heart which makes me uncomfortable. I don’t like cardiac! Not sure what to do

NedRN · Jan 7, 2022

2 hours ago, T-RN said:

But could be post op heart which makes me uncomfortable. I don’t like cardiac! Not sure what to do

Congrats on offer. You didn't say but assuming med surg or ortho floor? It is a bit more tricky for a traveler than staff as you are just a hired gun, but basic nursing is to refuse assignments you are not competent in or had insufficient orientation. To not do so, no matter the job consequences, will jeopardize your license and patient safety. However, if this is a med surg floor, not even monitored, likely they are not on your unit primarily because they are post op cardiac. So you are likely dealing with some other condition (diabetes for example) or rehab from major surgery (like bowel issues or healing).

nickysdestiny · Jan 14, 2022

The biggest thing that I am curious about and having a hard time with (accepted an offer cross country) is finding short term rentals. I mean I could do an airbnb but they are so expensive.

What do all of you do?

TRVL.RN, MSN, RN · Jan 14, 2022

7 minutes ago, nickysdestiny said:

The biggest thing that I am curious about and having a hard time with (accepted an offer cross country) is finding short term rentals. I mean I could do an airbnb but they are so expensive.

What do all of you do?

I personally only use Airbnb for my first two weeks of the contract ( orientation) to make sure I will be staying there, meaning hospital actually needs me and won't cancel my entire contract. I always ask during interviews what are the chances of extending contract just to have an idea of their needs. Also, if I'm going to a large city (LA, NY, many hospitals using travelers), I book a long term corporate apartment/ studio. Not fully furnished, and just buy the essentials. That saves me a lot of money and if I get cancelled I know there's other local hospitals I can go to and still keep my living arrangements. I've used furnished finders they are nicer then Airbnb price wise ( usually) but prepare to possibly owe any cancelled stays as well.