Desk to Travel

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Specializes in Critical Care/ Cardiac/ MICU.

Hey guys so I started nursing in 2015, I had 4 years ICU experience and then went to a desk job. I want to get back to the bedside, but to traveling. My local places pay way less than my desk job. Are there places accepting nurses that have taken a break. I essentially stepped away for 2 years. Has anyone had any success in doing this? 

 

Thanks in advance,

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You can always ask agencies if that is possible. Hospitals are certainly hurting and may be willing. One big hurdle is that most agencies are JC certified and are only supposed to staff nurses with recent specialty experience in the last two years.

Right now, try working some occasional per diem shifts. Three months of that might be enough to fudge eligibility.

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Specializes in Critical Care/ Cardiac/ MICU.

Thank you Ned

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Im so glad this question was asked. I was a floor nurse for years...then went to case managemrnt for 2.5 years. Then back to the hospital for a year.  Some "life" situation happened with my son, which forced me to go back to case management, and here I am, in case management. I have been very anxious to go back to the bedside but I want to do travel. I no longer enjoy case management any longer. We are swamped down in paperwork and rhetorical work. It really has changed since I came back to case management over 1 year ago. 

I have been looking into going to travel nursing, most likely, in the Spring of next year. I just don't know which company to sign up with. I worked loval travel thru Prolink, but I would like to explore other agencies. Any ideas would be of great use. Thanks!

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Specializes in ICU/ ER.

I had not been at the bedside in 5 years. But had 7 years ICU and 5 years ER experience. April 2020, I went to NYC, I've had four contracts since. My last ended in Nov and my plan is to find another after Feb. Good luck!

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Specializes in Med Surg.

I am about to start traveling.  Just signed my first contract.  I honestly don't think you'd have any problems at all finding travel work - particularly with your breadth of experience.  ICU and ER experience is desired for travel.  I've seen people travel after a year or two of nursing.  

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