How is the job market?

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Specializes in M/S, Travel Nursing, Pulmonary.

Sometime soon I may be considering going back into travel nursing if for nothing less than to get back to WA. Is it impossible to find work? It was VERY difficult to when I became a staff nurse. Things have changed though and I may be ready to move on.

When I became staff, there were jobs, but you had no say in where you went. You simply took whatever opened up. I want to go north east. WA, OR, CA and the like. I'd be willing to slowly work my way there.

Any ideas?

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Specializes in ICU./CCU/SICU.

The market is OK, better than last year but NOTHING like it was 3-4 years ago. You have to change your expectations to be able to find a job, and you have to be less picky able location, hospitals, etc. I've noticed too lately that instead of booking travellers 4-6 weeks in advance, hospitals now want to wait till you're 1-2 weeks out, which is frustrating and annoying since it takes much longer to get your nursing license in most states. On top of that, most hospitals now want you to be licensed in their respective state before they even look at you, it's a big "Catch-22". It's definitely different than when I started, but I'm assured by my recruiter that there's tons of jobs. :cool:

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Specializes in Peri-Op.

I've been looking at traveling since 18 months ago. I'm gonna hit the road next summer when my oldest kid graduates. I have noticed the job market triple in size since last year but that still isn't huge compared to the amount of available bodies. I plan to get my license where I need it before I apply.

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Specializes in M/S, Travel Nursing, Pulmonary.

I'd like to just move out to WA and find a job, but IDK if that will work. I'd have to have a very large savings and until I was hired, I'd have no idea where I should get an apartment.

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Specializes in Peri-Op.

There are tons of job postings in the Seattle Tacoma area. That I my first travel stop next summer.

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Specializes in M/S, Travel Nursing, Pulmonary.
There are tons of job postings in the Seattle Tacoma area. That I my first travel stop next summer.

Sweet. Thats exactly the area I want to go to. Probably more the Tacoma area. I'd work in Seattle though. I thought the Tacoma area had nicer apartment choices though. No way I'm paying for an apt. in downtown Seattle. lol

Man, I'm getting excited just thinking about it.

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Specializes in ER, Oncology, Travel Nursing.

As working the front lines of travel nursing...The travel nurse market continues to be down...(both in pay and locations) most likely will be like that for a long time to come. Of course recruiters will say there are a ton of jobs. That is their job to say that, otherwise no one will apply for travel jobs. I too have looked at Washington state, might be easier to just move there. Unless you are an OR nurse or ICU nurse, good luck...its not that great segment to break into...hence I am thinking of coming off the road for awhile, alot of staff jobs are paying better than travel jobs now.

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

Market is GOOD! *wine

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Specializes in ED, Clinical Documentation.

it's tough, but if you are willing to take the risk (be without a contract for a couple weeks in between) and not out to make mad money, it is a great adventure. i didn't want to get to 50 and say, i wonder what would have happened.

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I have worked both ER and Med/surg/teley floors..currently er....What is the best choice travel wise, i am very competent in both....Just want to get started traveling...Kinda nervous alone....Is there a travel buddy sight to look at??

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