I'm new and curious?

Gompers, BSN, RN · May 4, 2006

I am graduating next week and I have heard travel nursing is a good way to make great money. Should I wait a while or jump right into travel nursing?

You can't jump into travel nursing. You need at least 1 full year of experience before becoming a travel nurse. You need to be comfortable in your job as a nurse first. The reason is that you are a temp worker when you are a travel nurse, so when you start your assignment at a new hospital they don't give you an orientation like you would get if you started at a hospital as a staff member, especially a new grad. As a travel nurse, they'll tell you what is where and what paperwork you need to fill out...and that's about it.

My advice is to start your very first nursing job in the specialty that you like the best, so that you can start traveling in that specialty as soon as possible. Good luck!

beautifulb · May 5, 2006

I would take at least a year of med surg. Many travel companies require at least a year of med surg. With travel nursing you will most likely get one shift orientation and after that you are on your own. So it is important that you are capable and confident in your abilities, as the staff will expect you to function independently.

I did travel nursing for a number of years and it was one of the best experiences that I ever had. The first week can be overwhelming but you will get through it. It is so exciting to travel to different places and see what is out there. Wait until you have the year experience under your belt and then go see what the world has to offer!

bluesky321 · May 9, 2006

Will you be able to give me some advice about the advantages and disadvantages of travel nursing? i am interested on it. thanks :blushkiss

gankans · May 10, 2006

I work for On Assignment Nurse Travel and most hospitals prefer atleast 1-2 years experience. Believe me, you will want to get your feet wet before going out. If you would like to email me further about any questions, I can be reached at [email protected].

nursejllrn · May 15, 2006

are there many travel jobs for post partum? I don't want labor/delivery or mother baby units(because I don't want the labor/delivery part)