L&D travel nursing info please!!!

bagladyrn, RN · Dec 29, 2014

I've traveled in OB for 18+ years now. My previous experience was in a small rural setting. I've had little difficulty in finding assignments (many of them repeats or extended) over the years.

Did you have specific questions I might help with?

guest769224 · Dec 29, 2014

bagladyrn,

My questions are-

Why does L&D seem to be the highest paying specialty, and why are there such a plethora of available assignments compared to other specialties?

Also, would coming from a small community hospital L&D unit, have any hinderance on being a traveler in a large level 1 center, with much more rush going on?

bagladyrn, RN · Dec 30, 2014

ICUman - I'm not sure about the difference in rates as I've never looked for a contract in other specialties. Not sure about the level of needs either although I guess it could be the changes both in standards of care as well as patient expectations for the birth experience which could require more RN staff. I do find also that I am frequently brought in while new grads are undergoing orientation and training which generally takes months in L&D.

It can be a bit rough to make the transition to a large facility when coming from a small setting, although one issue I found was that in small rural facilities you do much more yourself without all the ancillary and specialized staff. I do recommend that new travelers try a first assignment not too much different in size and/or accuity from their previous position just to make the transition a little less stressful.

AMOREHOUSE · Dec 30, 2014

Thanks for the responses! What companies have you used? Which ones should I stay away from? Blended pay or straight pay? Housing or stipend? What type of health insurance do you have? I have a ton of questions sorryí ½í¸€ Ann