ED & ICU Travel Nursing

[jpedno]

I'm currently a nursing student in a BSN program. My end career goal is to work as a critical care flight nurse on a helicopter program. I plan to start in a Level 1 Trauma Center in the ED or ICU after graduation in my area (Hartford, CT). I am extremely interested and connect to a flight program out of Hartford Hospital but I am also interested in traveling (despite advice to stay in the Hartford hospital system for easier acceptance to the flight program). I was wondering, How accepting are hospitals in allowing you to return to your job after traveling? (As in keep the ED or ICU job, travel for an assignment, and return to the ED or ICU job).

Any advice is much appreciated!

Thanks everyone!

Justin

[chivon101]

You have to have at least two years of nursing experience to even start traveling. I suggest you get that experience because they expect you to come in and hit the ground running. They should only have to show you were supplies are, their protocols on certain things and their charting system. And most assignments are 13 weeks so it's hard to keep your job. I actually traveled and stayed PRN but my requirement was only one shift a month....so it depends on the requirement.

[NedRN]

There are as many different answers as there are hospitals. In any case, it is not important now. What is important is that you become an excellent nurse that Hartford wants to hang on to. Then you can negotiate a part year schedule, a leave of absence, or going per diem.

[jpedno]

Thank you both for your replies! Does anyone know how difficult it is to transition from FT to a Per Diem position, if I wished to maintain the job and travel?

[NedRN]

Again, there are as many answers as hospitals. I don't believe most hospitals with an in-house per diem pool would stop the transition. The point is more about the ability to negotiate shift policies that could be as unfriendly as one per pay period. Obviously an annual commitment would be ideal. But an employer would be less likely to bend policies for an ordinary employee. You may have to shop other employers when you have marketable experience.

But this is all crazy talk right now. Looking into a crystal ball at least five years into the future? You may like staff the best, or find out another profession is better for you, or family will be a priority.

Also, from what I think I know about flight nursing is that it is so small that frequent extended assignments mat prove to be too difficult for any employer.