Landing that first assignment!

[BecomingNursey]

Alright travel nurses. Attempting to travel, working on obtaining my first travel assignment! I have 2 agencies that are submitting my profile out to hospitals currently in Florida. I'm an ER nurse with a little more than a year of nursing experience. I'm BLS, ACLS, PALS, and NIHSS certified. Working on obtaining TNCC certification.

How long did it take to hear back from facilities and land your first travel assignment? Just anxious/nervous and ready to hear from someone!

[ERpinup]

Hi!! I am just finishing my first travel assignment! I had a pretty good experience with mine. Once my recruiter submitted my info I talked with the facility that night and she told me over the phone she was going to call the agency and get everything started. It was really quick for me. My recruiter was surprised also lol. I really think it all depends on the facility. Best of luck to you!

[ParalyticAgent]

I would really encourage you to wait and get another year of experience. Like Ned frequently suggests, get a pool position at another hospital in your area to broaden your knowledge base and skills set.

[NedRN]

Thanks for the quote, but I recommend local per diem primarily to check your skills and make sure you have the depth and adaptability needed for travel before making the jump. That said, I certainly agree that working in other facilities increases your skills. That's why experienced travelers rule!

[ParalyticAgent]

Sorry Ned! I took your advice to take a pool position, and now I tell everyone to. It was seriously the best advice I got to prepare for traveling. And I got a ton of sometime conflicting advice from many people!

[NedRN]

Glad it worked out for you! There is never a downside to more experience, but in this climate of can't find enough travelers, it is a hard pitch to nurses with itchy feet dealing with recruiter's "jump in, the water is fine".