Do travel nurses eventually have difficulty finding perm. positions?

ernrs2b · Aug 26, 2008

I was unaware of that, I guess it would make sense though..I have done both local and out of state contracts and have been offered several full time positions

PMHNP10 · Aug 26, 2008

I guess the hiring mngr. can think as they wish, but the thought process is a bit faulted, IMHO. A nurse can leave any time they'd like, wheter they travel or not. For example, I left a job I enjoyed so I could try travel nursing and see other parts of the country before I had too many ties keeping me in a limited area. One could even argue that a travel nurse might leave travel nursing for a specific reason that could cause them to want to stay in a steady job--i.e., they don't want the frequent change any more. IMO, hospitals that have to hire travelers do so because they are unable to keep their nurses for specific reasons, so those environments are typically not ideal.

I guess the bottom line, though, is that if you treat your employees well, you shouldn't have to worry as much about them leaving.

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Aug 26, 2008

I have been offered jobs at every travel assignment I ever had. I finally settled down to my current job after 7 years of traveling. Yes, I may pick up and move on someday, but the chances of that are probably no more than any other nurse.

The big difference is attitude. Because YOU know you are good at what you do, that you are sought after because of your skills and expertice, it gives you a psychological edge that others may not have. Knowing this, you may be less likely to get sucked into the politics, clics, and gossip that goes along with most jobs. This gives you the freedom to walk away if the job is no longer meeting your needs and gives you the confidence to stand up for your rights and those of your patients. It puts you in the drivers seat and not your employer. It makes you a stronger nurse and person.

My motto has always been, "I was working when I came here, and I will be working when I leave".

josefhrn · Aug 26, 2008

Thanks for the thorough and confident answer. Very encouraging, and I'm sure accurate. Have a great day!

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Aug 27, 2008

I certainly would consider hiring travel nurses full time - and have done so. They think on their feet and do not have a tendency to whine about changes and other flexibility issues.

josefhrn · Aug 27, 2008

Thanks for your input classicdame. I do see where you're coming from. I've worked with many travel nurses over the years and they know their stuff. Have a great day.

Joe

kristinah · Sep 10, 2008

I am a psych RN also, been asked to stay at many places, I want to travel to Vegas for family reasons but do not know any psych units

bagladyrn, RN · Sep 10, 2008

I have been offered jobs at every travel assignment I ever had. I finally settled down to my current job after 7 years of traveling. Yes, I may pick up and move on someday, but the chances of that are probably no more than any other nurse.
The big difference is attitude. Because YOU know you are good at what you do, that you are sought after because of your skills and expertice, it gives you a psychological edge that others may not have. Knowing this, you may be less likely to get sucked into the politics, clics, and gossip that goes along with most jobs. This gives you the freedom to walk away if the job is no longer meeting your needs and gives you the confidence to stand up for your rights and those of your patients. It puts you in the drivers seat and not your employer. It makes you a stronger nurse and person.
My motto has always been, "I was working when I came here, and I will be working when I leave".

Good answer Dixielee!

Now the other side of the issue: What about those of us who have gotten "addicted" to the traveling. I've been traveling 12 years now and can't imagine staying in one place and only being able to travel and see new places on a 2 week vacation once a year! There are so many places still to see. I have watched a couple of other long term (> than 10 year) travelers try to "settle down" at permanent jobs, even buying houses, but it never seems to "take". Sooner or later they are on the move again!

Do you think it's hopeless? Am I ruined? Destined to finish out my days as a true baglady wandering the country? :eek:

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Sep 10, 2008

Good answer Dixielee!
Now the other side of the issue: What about those of us who have gotten "addicted" to the traveling. I've been traveling 12 years now and can't imagine staying in one place and only being able to travel and see new places on a 2 week vacation once a year! There are so many places still to see. I have watched a couple of other long term (> than 10 year) travelers try to "settle down" at permanent jobs, even buying houses, but it never seems to "take". Sooner or later they are on the move again!
Do you think it's hopeless? Am I ruined? Destined to finish out my days as a true baglady wandering the country?

Yes, baglady, you are probably hopeless! :smokin:

The only reason I signed on at my current hospital was my husband was diagnosed with cancer and subsequently died just 3 months after diagnosis. We were making plans to travel to Palm Springs Calif last winter when he got sick. I have 2 old dogs and one young one, and need to stay put here for a little while, but I do plan to travel again.

I found out last night one of my friends at work and her husband, also an ER nurse, have decided to travel again. They have their house on the market and are going to Tucson for the next 13 weeks. I was giving her travel pointers on what to see and where to go while she was out there. I felt like a travel guide! I do miss visiting new places and meeting new friends.

I have a long e mail list of people I keep in touch with from each assignment. I have often said, I wish I could work in a place that employed all the great people I have worked with over the years...what a blast that would be!

Good luck to all, those who travel and those who stay. Just remember, life is very short, enjoy it while you can. Make yourself a "bucket list" of things you want to do and places you want to see before you die. If you have to work, and obviously most of us do, travel nursing is a great way to starting checking off things on that list!

bagladyrn, RN · Sep 11, 2008

Dixielee -

I'm so sorry for the loss of your husband. It's good that you were able to spend the time before he left doing things you enjoyed.

You are probably right that I am hopeless! People have said that before (for various reasons). I'm regularly working on "my list" - the latest was that I went gold prospecting out here - didn't find any, but had a blast!

Back on the original topic, I think the biggest difference in travelers looking for a permanent job is "attitude". I think we are a lot more independent and self directing - which can be a positive in an employee, but also can be somewhat threatening to the insecure in administration - sort of double edged.

patjack · Sep 14, 2008

Joe,

I think you might have answered your own question when you said that "Permanent" Recruiters told you that. I've never heard anyone say that before. In fact, travelers have to be quicker to learn because they need to hit the ground running. I've been an RN for 25 years and traveled for 7 years of that time. I found a small recruitment firm that works with several different agencies and they handle travel and permanent placement. I traveled with them for 3 years and then decided to stay put and get a permanent position. I used them for both and they found me a perm position in Chanute, KS (close to my home town) and it only took them a week to do it.

I wouldn't believe everything recruiters tell you. They are just interest in getting a placement fee. If you want to learn more you might contact the people I used. Their website is http://www.flexibilitystaffing.net