ER travel without Level I trauma experience?

[Twigg]

Let me just preface this by saying I know every travel job is different. I realize opportunities will vary based on a myriad of factors. I am mostly looking for personal antidotes and wisdom from those who have more experience than I.

I have worked in a Level II trauma ER for about two years now. I am interested in travel, but worry being from a relatively small state which is somewhat behind technologically will hold me back. I recently began working PRN with a local agency. I was hoping to get some travel-like experience and maybe the opportunity to work at the only level I trauma center in my state. Unfortunately, they do not use agency.

So, to get to the point, is Level I experience a requirement for ER travel? Is it something which is not required but necessary to be successful? I'm really interested in travel to get out and experience more of the world. I do not want to travel to a tiny community of 20,000 people. At the same time, I have no desire to start out in a place like NYC, I would be too overwhelmed.

I have reached out to recruiters, and none seem fazed by my relative lack of experience. However, they have generally been pretty aggressive in trying to recruit me, and I worry they are more concerned about commission than sending out nurses who will be successful. The jobs I've been floated are mostly for Level I or II centers but only "strongly prefer" Level I experience.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

[travelwise]

Level I is by no means a requirement to travel; however, general rule would be at least 2 years’ experience in the ER. Recruiters are aggressive because the industry is very competitive.

[MS. ICANDOIT]

Let me just preface this by saying I know every travel job is different. I realize opportunities will vary based on a myriad of factors. I am mostly looking for personal antidotes and wisdom from those who have more experience than I.

I have worked in a Level II trauma ER for about two years now. I am interested in travel, but worry being from a relatively small state which is somewhat behind technologically will hold me back. I recently began working PRN with a local agency. I was hoping to get some travel-like experience and maybe the opportunity to work at the only level I trauma center in my state. Unfortunately, they do not use agency.

So, to get to the point, is Level I experience a requirement for ER travel? Is it something which is not required but necessary to be successful? I'm really interested in travel to get out and experience more of the world. I do not want to travel to a tiny community of 20,000 people. At the same time, I have no desire to start out in a place like NYC, I would be too overwhelmed.

I have reached out to recruiters, and none seem fazed by my relative lack of experience. However, they have generally been pretty aggressive in trying to recruit me, and I worry they are more concerned about commission than sending out nurses who will be successful. The jobs I've been floated are mostly for Level I or II centers but only "strongly prefer" Level I experience.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

I too came from a Level II ER with two years of exp there and and another two and a half from a Level I hospital ICU. I just took my first travel assignment in a Level I hospital in Washington DC. The knowledge you have already is a great foundation for the things you will see and do in a larger facility. My advice to you would be to choose your assignment wisely. Trying to get used to a new facility and its processes, while managing your patient load AND helping your teammates during Alphas Bravos and Code Greys can be a nightmare when placed in an unorganized and unprofessional unit. That being said...GO FOR IT! You cannot beat the experience and skills you'll gain and it can only help if/when you decide to apply to a Level 1 closer to home. You'll be an experienced Level 1 nurse when you apply! Good luck and happy travels