Hello from current Traveler having issues, looking for support

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Hi all I am a traveling nurse, I have 1 1/2 years experience and have been having issues with finding a job that doesn't require 2 years, I have been on 2 assignments before this and had no issues. I finally found one and have found out that they require the PBDS test and that it is a horrible and hard test. I am scared:sniff: and want to cancel this contract but I dont know if I can. I only have 2 weeks left at my current contract! Anyone else been though this before??? I love my job and I think I am a good nurse I have great references, why does this have to be so hard! Thanks any works of support or advice would be great.

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why does this have to be so hard!

Its not hard at all. If you are flexible about where you will work you shouldn't have any problems finding a position, especially if you've done two assignments before and you have good references. There are many hospitals out there that do not require PBDS. Have you called around with other agencies, or are you listening only to what the recruiter you're working with is telling you?

Get busy working the phones. Call more agencies and ask about other opportunities. If you haven't already signed the contract to go to that place that requires the PBDS testing then blow them off and get something else. There are so many other agencies out there....

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Specializes in OB.

One aspect of the PBDS that may reassure you is that it is graded/scaled on how much experience you have. In other words, they would expect more extensive/detailed answers from a 20 year nurse than a 2 year nurse.

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Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.
Hi all I am a traveling nurse, I have 1 1/2 years experience and have been having issues with finding a job who doesnt require 2 years, I have been on 2 assignements before this and had no issues. I finally found one and have found out that they require the PBDS test and that it is a horrible and hard test. I am scared:sniff: and want to cancel this contract but I dont know if I can. I only have 2 weeks left at my current contract! Anyone else been though this before??? I love my job and I think I am a good nurse I have great references, why does this have to be so hard! Thanks any works of support or advice would be great.

Please review the posts on PBDS at this website. There is a wealth of information.

The PBDS is not that bad an exam. And your receiving hospital has the right to make sure that you have the knowledge to fulfill your obligations.

The other thing, and not to give you a difficult time, this is one of the many reasons that veterans on this BB do not advise anyone to travel for preferable 2-5 years as a nurse, especially in some specialties. Because while travel groups will accept your appy, they may not be able get you many jobs as a traveler. And those that do take you are usually a bit more desperate or ones that screen heavily to insure that you do have appropriate knowledge. Especially for ICU/L&D and some specialties, one year in most cases does not make the cut. And in the facilities that it does, they are not usually the top of the crowd.

PS. While PBDS as an HR development tool is graded based on your years of experience for PERMANENT STAFF, PBDS as a traveler assessment has a pass/fail component. If the facility has designated traveler level as that of a certain amount of knowledge for travelers, they have to have that grade to stay on assignment. PBDS for permanent staff is used to monitor your skills as you "grow" in the organization. As a traveler, you have to be able to "instantly" work at a level. And get bounced if you don't.

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Specializes in ICU, M/S, Hospice.

PM me and I can give you some helpful links if interested.

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