CVTICU,ICU,ER,PACU Nurse with almost 30 years exp. New to travel nursing, how do I begin?

[Koroll]

I am 53 and have experience in CVTICU,ICU,ER,PACU and thinking about taking the plunge into travel nursing. Where do I begin? What is the best agency, are the benefits good? Is the Pay good? ADVICE?

[ChrisMMS]

Hello Koroll, RN

1) I'd start by looking through this forum and reading other posts similar to yours to get a good idea on what traveling entails. I'd also start looking at travel groups such as "Traveler Talk" "Gypsy Nurse" "Wanderlust Travelers" on facebook. These groups contain recruiters and nurses that work in this profession for a living and are always open to provide advice and assistance to first time travelers.

2) There is no "Best" agency we all generally offer very similar benefits. Some agencies are going to have better benefits, but take a bigger margin and vice versa. The benefits are acceptable, but they are not going to compare to the benefits of being a staff nurse so keep that in mind. Look for a good recruiter that advocates for you and that you connect with that is the most important thing in my opinion. If you are able to find a good recruiter that you can talk with that is going to go a long way in your travel career.

3) The pay is good if you do it right and take full advantage of all the tax free money(Housing Stipend, Tax Advantage Program, etc.) you receive. You will have to have a tax home to receive travel benefits however.

4) My advice is decide on why you are wanting to travel is it because of the money, seeing new places, a change of pace, or are you wanting a challenge? Stay true to your reason to travel and don't let recruiters or other nurses change your mind because if you are not traveling for the reason you want to it's going to be a terrible experience. Keep an open mind with traveling because it is a very difficult process and there is going to be a lot of difficult times with the good.

[Koroll]

Thank you, appreciate your advice.