Length of time between assignments

[Nurse Becky 444]

I am joining on with American traveler for my first assignment soon! I am very excited to begin this part of my career.

One thing that really concerns me, and I am hoping for some advice, is the length of time between assignments. Do you get to go from place to place, or is there usually a long period of time in between?

I'm a psych nurse, but hearing from all specialties is helpful!

Thanks so much!

[NedRN]

You can do it either way! Up to you really, depending on how many assignments are available and how picky you are. One thing to consider is continuity of health insurance.

[Nurse Becky 444]

Thanks for your reply...

I know that the psych travel industry isn't at it's prime, and that obtaining travel jobs might be difficult. Would a travel company hire me without the ability to provide me with a contract?

[NedRN]

"Hire" you is a bit ambiguous. Agencies would be delighted to sign you up, making you deal with all the paperwork hassles and maybe there is an assignment and maybe not. When you talk to them, do your best to find out how many psych assignments they have, and how many they fill every year before signing up.

Consider talking to Supplemental Healthcare - they started in psych and are still very strong (very weak in the health insurance department). I believe Worldwide, a company started by former Supplemental staffers, may also be strong in psych. Otherwise to be fairly secure as a psych traveler, you may need to be signed up with the really large agencies: American Mobile and Cross Country.