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Discussion

Jumping back into travel

Hi all,

I'm probably repeating questions that have been asked before, so please bear with me. I have been an ED RN for the last 2 years, the last year of which has been spent as a charge nurse. Prior to that I was on m/s/oncology floor for 2 years for a total of 4 yrs RN experience. Before that I was an LPN for 11 years, 5 of which were spent as travel nurse. I am currently in the process of jumping back into travel nursing. A couple of questions...

First, is my 2 years ED experience enough to land me an ED job as traveler? I work in a 16 bed (can be increased via beds in the hallways, which has happened on many occasions) level II trauma center and have a quite varied knowledge/skill base. Not looking to jump into a level I center, looking more rural/smaller hospitals. We see a little of everything and ALOT of others. Ideally I would like to have a couple more years under my belt but I have an ex in this town who is making it impossible to stay at the job I love dearly. Staying at my job or in this town is not an option and relocating is not feasible at this time. So figured travel would be the most sensible option. Am I going to have a hard time finding jobs? Should I do m/s instead? It would kill me to leave ED. I'm already having to leave everything I know, really might break me to not be able to work in ED.

Second, I have narrowed companies down to 5 I think. Any thoughts on them? I realize everyone has varying experiences with the same companies, I just need to know if anybody has been completely screwed by any of them. They are Flexcare, OnAssignment, TaleMed, Medical Solutions (out of Omaha, Ne), and Cross Country. They all had recruiters that I liked so am having hard time narrowing it down further.

Third, as this will be my first travel assignment in over 5 years I'm thinking it would be best to let company provide my housing rather than adding stress of finding my own onto my already very stressed plate. Thoughts???

Sorry this is so long, thank you in advance for any answers, advice, words of wisdom or warning.

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    Can't tell you about travel in the ED any more, but can tell you that Travel Nursing has probably changed in the past 5 years. I am currently an atypical travel nurse (at least in my mind) I have been to the same position and location for the past 7 years for the winter only in South Florida. Have worked at the same hospital in Iowa for the past two summers. What I can say is distance doesn't always make things better with a relationship and how it affects your work. Unless you are working in the same job position or have to work together in so way or another, "being out of town" may not affect the issues you are having with the ex. I wish you good luck and check my other posts on some of the travel companies you have listed.

    Rod

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    • Author

    Rod,

    Thanks for your answer. Not worried about my job performance in regards to my ex. I can always leave my life outside the work door. Worried that I've had to call police to my house already and I can only see escalation from here. I have no ties to this place. Don't really like the town. Came here for school and ended up staying cause I love my job. But major management changes are on the way so will probably end up not loving my job soon. Was getting restless being in same town anyway so probably a blessing in disguise.

    Really hope my 2 years ED experience will get my foot in the door.

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    I think you have the makings for a great travel nurse. If you have no ties then I say hit the road. you would be surprised how many companies will love your skills. Do not try to switch specialties because each company wants at least a year in that space. Good luck!!

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    You have a good plan and two years is fine to go traveling. You should be able to travel steadily, especially if you are willing to compromise on location if needed. I wouldn't want to cut down on the number of agencies any further, you want a wide choice of assignments and the ability to compare compensation. You may find yourself ending up with less in practice, but I would keep all in your loop. Recruiters are perhaps the larger part of the equation so finding ones you communicate well with is key to travel. Flexcare gets lots of complaints, but having a good recruiter at a bad agency is far better than the reverse.

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    • Author

    Thank you all so much for your suggestions. Greatly appreciated.

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