Looking to start traveling....need advice!

[shoegalRN, RN]

Hello All!

Ok, so here's the deal. I'm looking to start my dream of becoming a travel nurse in January 2014. I'm excited as well as scared! I've been a RN since 2009 with the last two years in the ER at a level I trauma center.

I am interested in traveling to NC, Texas, and Cali. I am interested in short term assignments, (like 8 weeks). I have a compact license, so I will only have to apply to Cali. I want to only work ER, so I'm in the process of getting my ENPC. I also plan on getting my CEN prior to traveling.

I really don't want to drive across country, so is it best to just rent a car in the location I'm going to? What about living arrangements? I'm really looking for something that is already furnished or nearly furnished.

I have been looking into a couple of agencies locally and I will be taking a local travel assignment this summer. I guess I want to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to travel nursing.

Thanks!

[NedRN]

Consider getting PALS as well if you don't have it. A lot of EDs require it even if you won't be doing peds. Flying and car rental/insurance will eat up much of your income. You want to carve out savings, not spend more.

Also, travel should be about adventure and exploring the country. Stretch yourself a bit. Drive slow, visit some national parks, and stop in small places. You might find somewhere you will want to spend more time and put it on your assignment bucketlist!