How much experience is good for a new agency nurse

[RoyalNurse]

Hi everyone,

I started out as a new grad 1.5 years ago in a CVICU, have done a lot of post-op CABG patients, a moderate amount of general ICU patients (septic, vented, on drips), and feel fairly competent handling these types of patients. Recently, we've been getting telemetry patients, b/c the tele floor is constantly packed, and I feel pretty good with these too. But we only get 3 at the most.

I've been thinking about starting as an agency nurse in a huge, teaching hospital in a major city next to me on a telemetry floor on night shift. I've heard the ratio is 1:6-7.

I go to the orientation at this hospital next week, but I wanted to ask: How much experience do I need to think about doing this? Should I think about doing agency in an ICU? I'm worried about that b/c I work in a small community hospital that doesn't see dramatic stuff.

Thanks for any replies! :)

[sewillia]

It really depends on how comfortable you feel working in a different hospital and with different personalities. To be comfortable and confident as a travel nurse I would give it 2 years experience or more. I started out as a travel with 20years of experience and have been hired on a lot of travel contracts because of it. As long as you know your policy and procedures at the hospital and the role of the CNA and LPN, you shouldn't have a problem. Since the economy of the hospital across the US,a lot of hospitals have been cutting back on travel nurses and contracts. I would find if the Travel agency has a job for you before you resign. It's better to be safe and have a job then be sorry.

:)