For those experienced travel nurses out there???????

RNERHOUSESUPOR · Jan 7, 2011

The only thing I really didn't like about Travel Nursing was the packing and unpacking. Love everything else. If you are a "Great Nurse" you can be a great nurse anywhere. That's my opinion. I could list all the things I like about being a traveler but I have to go to work this morning and find it hard to stop. My reply may not be the answer you were wanting, but it is a reply. Good Luck,

Rod

tablefor9, RN · Jan 7, 2011

Ummm...how about going to work everyday and just taking excellent care of patients. No getting sucked into the facility political vortex or the drama wars.

How about seeing a lot of the country on your time off, while getting a broader view of how your specialty is different in different areas of the country?

Those were the big draws for me. And, if it weren't for graduate school, I'd be doing it right now.

bagladyrn, RN · Jan 8, 2011

I guess I do it because of that voice in my head that is always saying "I wonder what's down that road?".

I could be making better money staying in one place, that was true from the start - took a pay cut to start traveling. However, when I think of settling down I can't stand the thought of seeing new places only on a 2 week vacation once a year.

The other plus is all the people I've met and good friends I've made traveling that I never would have met otherwise.

Traveling for 14+ years now...

wanderlust99 · Jan 12, 2011

I like the free housing.

Not worrying about management, work politics or drama, knowing that I will leave eventually so is it REALLY that important?? It's great:)

RN Zeke · Jan 12, 2011

Little or No political involvement, learn new skills and new ways to do old things, like a dry sponge, sucking up all knowledge possible, teaching students and sharing knowledge with others, extend kindness and courtesy, treating others as I want to be treated, extended to patients, visitors and co-workers. Enjoying time off site seeing, walking and exploring a new frontier. Get that packing down to a fine art, organize, organize and organize, keep "things" in their place, clean and they will be ready for re-packing. New horizons and new friends are waiting, keep in contact with old friends and enjoy life!!!

Argo · Jan 12, 2011

Its great to hear from you experienced travelers. Keep your stories coming.

Nomad5150 · Mar 3, 2011

This forum is awesome. Post a positive and you'll get 20 reasons NOT to travel. Post a negative/concern and get 20 reason WHY YOU SHOULD travel. hahaha. It's nice to hear from the ones who are actually out there doing it and loving it! Thanks for the encouragement.

tatarn2b2007 · Mar 3, 2011

Do it, Do it, Do it! The people you meet and the sights you get to see are so worth it. You don't get involved in the political non sense, you just take care of your patients and go home. You can still work as a traveler at a Magnet hospital. I am working at one right now. There are pros and cons to EVERY situation. Nothing is ever perfect, but for me traveling is the way to go. I can't imagine taking a staff position at this point and I hope I don't have to anytime soon.

RN Zeke · Mar 3, 2011

Love traveling....time off when I want it, see the world, make new friends....It's a good life!!

registeredin06 · Mar 5, 2011

-The money is actually better most of the time, considering what taxes would be taken out.

-Can see all areas of the country to decide where would be best to plant roots.

-Can take as much or as little time off between assignments for international travel or schedule your contracts to allow Thanksgiving, X-mas, and New Years off.

-Meet great friends.

-Stay out of the hospital politics.

-Could care less about overly dramatic, mean surgeons--they usually are more receptive to not having their butt kissed than staff think.

-Can go work anywhere for a bit while a best friend or sibling has a new baby or other great events.

-Can stay in sunshine all year round.

-Friendships. Friendships. Friendships.

-Decreases the burnout that comes with nursing.

-Always stay positive----this next place will be better!!!

-More control over your career and personal life.

bladams04 · Mar 11, 2011

Hello to those well traveled nurses out there! I have a few questions for you!
*Why do you do it?
Based on my research it seems that the money isn't as good as it once was, you never know what you are going to get. I understand that this can be exciting...which I am all for. But isn't it scary at the same time? The economy is not exactly great. You may have awful working conditions and may fear putting your license at risk. I am scared that if I leave my current job, I might hate travel nursing and may not be employed. But I still have this desire to try it out! Am I crazy? geeeeeezzz!
Why not work for a great hospital? Some of you RNs out there have lots and lots of experience which could land you a job at a magnet hospital and other awesome facilities.
Thank you in advance for your answers.

I am moving to Dallas/Ft.Worth from Seattle this summer. I want to do travel nursing for better pay and love the idea of just taking care of patient without drama of staff issues. I want the housing $$$. Do I not tell them that I am actually moving permanently...or keep that quiet? I already have an apartment complex in mind that I want to live in...will they just give me housing $$$... or do I have to live in the "furnished apartment" they provide?

And who do you Like for Travel Companies? Appreciate it?

Becky