I need the DIRT on travel nursing!

[RNof2011, ADN, BSN, RN]

I am a student about to graduate and decided to do some research on travel nursing since I hear the process is strenuous and I need experience first. Most posts do not list companies because they scour these forums looking to reprimand someone. Is there anyone out there that can give me a true perspective of travel nursing and a trustworthy company to go with?

[Yosemite, RN, ASN, EMT-I]

Never did traveling nursing, but have worked with a LOT of traveling nurses over the years in regular assignments AND when I was working registry. Most seem to LOVE it! Assignments can be tough, you need to win some staff members over as some are upset that you're making more than they are and some resent it. Like any new person, you're likely to get the crappy assignments on your new unit till you prove yourself and endear yourself to the "cliques."

I remember envying some of their stories of their travels to various places, wondering why they would travel to others. If you're young, single, and get a couple of solid years under your belt, I say "GO FOR IT!" Alaska, Washington State, Maine... see the out of the way places while you can! Pick up memories while you gain even further experience!

Good luck and keep us informed so we can live vicariously through your adventures!

[markostalin]

Whether you are interested in the warm, sunny beaches of Florida, the changing of the seasons in Virginia, or the skiing in Colorado, there is a travel nursing job .

[RNof2011, ADN, BSN, RN]

Thank you so much for your replies. With everything in life, there are always two sides. Sometimes doing immense research before trying something new is not the best thing because it tends to make me sway from things that could have been very positive. I am not single and I do have a son, but he is an infant and I figure better try now before he enrolls in school. Dad has already opted to homeschool him through his nursery years. Thanks so much!

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

legitimate travel companies require 1 year experience.

moved thread to our travel nursing --check out the multitude of threads on this nursing specialty.

[tena64]

read delphi forum travel nurses and therapist

[Argo]

Thank you so much for your replies. With everything in life, there are always two sides. Sometimes doing immense research before trying something new is not the best thing because it tends to make me sway from things that could have been very positive. I am not single and I do have a son, but he is an infant and I figure better try now before he enrolls in school. Dad has already opted to homeschool him through his nursery years. Thanks so much!

why not just home school him all the way. I am enrolling my son in texas tech homeschool, they have k-12. They are accepted by NCAA colleges, there are quite a few homeschool places that are no longer accepted by NCAA schools as of the end of last year. I will be leaving this coming fall when my daughter and niece graduate highschool. I am waiting until fall so I can get them enrolled in college here locally, they I am leaving them in the house while my wife, son and I travel for a few years...

[Rntr]

Ok, I will tell you .. if you can get a regular job after school and experience, a minimun of 1 yr but most hospitals want 2 yrs, do it.

Travel nursing right now is tough even for the most seasoned of us. I have been out there for close to 10 yrs and because of my specialty, I seldom have a problem getting a job. But, hospitals want experience in the specialty and in traveling. Most will ask for it. Get certifications... that helps to get the jobs.

Pay right now is poor... jobs are fewer and if you think for one minute that a company is going to take less cut, your dreaming. The companies will throw you under a bus to keep a contract with a hospital.. it has gotten to be a dog eat dog with them. Recruiter's are fired, leave and jump ship to other companies.

Never consider working with only one company. Get yourself lined up with 3 to 5 companies and shop them.. let them know you work with other companies... there is no such thing as one company that has all you need...

[RNof2011, ADN, BSN, RN]

Thank you so much for your input. This has helped even more! Perhaps by the time I have the specialty and experience to do travel nursing, the economy will be better. Thanks!

[RNof2011, ADN, BSN, RN]

why not just home school him all the way. I am enrolling my son in texas tech homeschool, they have k-12. They are accepted by NCAA colleges, there are quite a few homeschool places that are no longer accepted by NCAA schools as of the end of last year. I will be leaving this coming fall when my daughter and niece graduate highschool. I am waiting until fall so I can get them enrolled in college here locally, they I am leaving them in the house while my wife, son and I travel for a few years...

Argo, I have really been thinking about that with all the negative things I encountered in my town while at school. However, as he is an only child, he needs some sort of interaction with other children. At least until we have more!

[Argo]

Put him in league sports like soccer, basketball, football. That's all the friends you need. Lol.

[GleeGum, BSN, RN]

I'm a traveler with a toddler son and my husband is stay at home dad. it's awesome. yes get your experience. you need to be able to handle things on your own. get certifications. the pay is not great. but the adventure is. i work with three travel agencies and i'm happy to tell you who. just message me. and also, since you will travel with your family, keep the health insurance and pay cobra from your 'permanent' job when you leave. it's worth the expense. believe me. excited for you!