How hard is it to maintain consecutive jobs as a traveler?

AWanderingMinstral · Oct 9, 2012

Assuming you maintain a "home base" and are leaving a position, my advice would be to remain casual/per diem at that facility. If that doesn't work, try remaining per diem (yes, at a lower rate than your travel rate) at your current contract IF you think you'll have 2-4 weeks off in between an assignment. If they've hired you as a traveler, they'll probably have continued staffing needs and will GLADLY keep you - for a lower rate - for a few more weeks. Good luck!

RNERHOUSESUPOR · Oct 13, 2012

I would be cautious about accepting a position as staff without fully reading your employment contract, employee handbook and such with your travel agency. Most have a "non Compete" clause forbidding you from being employed at a facility without their placement. It's hit me twice. Had to skip a year at one hospital before returning with another company. Only place it worked was in Hawaii. Union maybe??

AWanderingMinstral · Oct 13, 2012

My attitude, especially in this economy, is WHAT THEY DON'T KNOW, WON'T HURT THEM. If the facility has continued needs and you KNOW you're headed somewhere else, say, in a month (but you need to work for another few weeks), then the facility isn't going to say anything to the agency. At the end of the day, I do what's best for me (without, if I can help it, burning any bridges). The agencies will do the same...

GleeGum, BSN, RN · Jan 2, 2013

I have been able to stay on as traveler at assignments if there is a known lag time. Even for two week increments. No problem. They are glad to keep you, has been my experience.

cmimmel · Jan 8, 2013

I stayed "on-call" with my hospital at home, that helped cusion any lenthy breaks between assignments. I have a hard specialty to place, so I can have a hard time finding consecutive positions, but I know how much time I can safely take off between assignments and if things get tight, I pick up shifts at my old hospital.