Published Apr 15, 2004
PedsNurse1981
72 Posts
I am in serious need of a change. I've been working in peds hem/onc for a year and a half and am already burned out. I am heavily considering taking a travel assignment but don't know with my personality if I would be cut out for it. I'm more of a reserved type person, I have trouble getting to know people and I'm pretty quiet when I first start a job. However, I'm also getting very tired of all the politics that goes into a permanent staffing job. I would like to make more money to save to buy a house. Also I know that if I didn't like it, I could come back to the job I have now. Do you think I'd be cut out for traveling? Any advice? I'm talking to a recruiter with PPR. Please let me know. I need to make a decision soon.
suzanne4, RN
26,410 Posts
You can try a travel assignment near where you live or only a state away. The assignments are only for thirteen weeks so it is only three months.
Good luck.................I have always loved agency or travel...........
:balloons:
Town & Country
789 Posts
Ruby Vee, BSN
17 Articles; 14,036 Posts
I just finished my first travel assignment. Like you, I'm a bit more quiet and reserved than most of the travelers I've met through the years. I found it a lot easier to interact with folks when I was stuck in a new job in a new city and didn't know anyone except my husband (we travelled together). In fact, I was shocked at how easy it was to meet people!
We went through PPR, and they were very good to us. Their pay was a bit lower than most of the other travelers I talked to, though. They make you sign a statement saying you won't discuss salary (grounds for immediate dismissal) and I never DISCUSSED mine, although couldn't help hearing other travelers discussing theirs.
We saved a bunch of money on our travel assignment. I'd say go for it. Like you said, if you don't like it you can always go back to your present job. OTOH, you might find that you like your travel position so much you'll want to stay!
teeituptom, BSN, RN
4,283 Posts
I love trave;
as long as I dont fly
Cmyst
64 Posts
Another option may be to work in-house registry or float pool for the hospital you already work at. This option has kept me at my present hospital for months longer than I would have stayed had I not looked into it. The pay is much better, my schedule is totally under my control (I only call in 8 hours before a shift I want to work to give my availability; although I *could* submit a monthly availability,too) and since I work in 6 different Med-Surg areas I don't get burnt out on floor politics.