LPN travel nursing

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Has anyone out there tried the travel nurse thing as an LPN? I'm thinking about it and would like to hear some other folks experiences first. I realize there are many more travel opps for RN (which I am currently working on thru distance learning). I'm having a hard time making ends meet on my LPN salary and also paying for school. The agency I'm talking to is quoting twice what I make. But I want to know the real scoop from someone who's done it. Anybody?

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Welcome to allnurses.com! I moved your post to the Travel Nurse Forum, where it will get more responses.

Suebird :p

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There is some LPN Travel Nursing; I hope we can here from someone who can speak directly to this issue.

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ooopppssss... forgot to say, "WELCOME", I am so glad you have found us.

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Specializes in Hospice, Pediatric, OB/GYN.

I have also been looking into it myself, but it looks like I still need 6 months more experience before they will consider me. I would love to hear other LPN's experiences as well.

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I am an LPN also and I just did an assignment in Hawaii through Ogrady-peyton.

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I am an LPN also and I just did an assignment in Hawaii through Ogrady-peyton.

Did you enjoy the assignment? Where are you going next?

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It was a great experience and beautiful scenery. I had alot of fun on my days off. Right now I am going to go back to school to get my RN so I will probably not travel again until next summer. Good Luck with your journey's. Sandy

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Did you enjoy the assignment? Where are you going next?

What company are you talking to?

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Has anyone out there tried the travel nurse thing as an LPN? I'm thinking about it and would like to hear some other folks experiences first. I realize there are many more travel opps for RN (which I am currently working on thru distance learning). I'm having a hard time making ends meet on my LPN salary and also paying for school. The agency I'm talking to is quoting twice what I make. But I want to know the real scoop from someone who's done it. Anybody?

What company are you talking to? I am looking also.

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I am a 18 year LPN and have been a traveler for the last 5 years...

Here's what I have found in that time.

1. Be prepared to work to get your next contract..I was signed up with up to 5 companies checking back weekly to line up my next job.They only start looking for you the last 30 days of your present contract.

2.Multiple licensure helps..avoid states that require 60-90 day licensure time frames.

3. Avoid states that require expensive CEU requirements(Florida requires a pharmacology and IV certification CEU that is expensive)

4. Find a company that offers travel assignments for LPN's and stay with them. It is difficult to find another position sometimes and if the company got you one assisnment ..well Thank GOD.

5. Look into pay rates..the south pays $17-$20 an hour but in the North you can get $20-$25 hr..I worked with a LPN in Philly that was suckered for $15hr(CNA pay) and she had a 13 week contract @ that pay rate!

6. ALWAYS do a telephone interview with the manager..I interview them as well..ask questions like ratio, floating,parking,role as a LPN(fancy CNA) or nurse,why they are needing a traveler(turnover?)

7. Ask about those benefits!!Insurance sometimes doesn't start for 31 days.Licensure/travel reimbursement,resign bonuses, missed day penalties.

8. Companies specialize in certain areas of the country ie, Core Medical does the Northeast..pick a company that is concetrated in the area you want to work in..chances of getting that next job are much better if they have "contracts"

9. ALWAYS get references on paper from staff BEFORE you leave a job.You will need references for the next job and managers are nonexistent or vague when asked later to supply you with a reference.

10. Keep in mind that certain states have certain diseases...South Carolina for me was a high population of Sickle Cell, ESRD, Diabetes and HTN.Delaware was cancer, Philly was HIV, Hep C and Mental Health issues(they shut down alot of the free mental institutions due to funding)

11. Language and cultures..I am in Florida... Most of my patients speak Spanish or Creole..Keep in mind that some pts and staff will have racism issues with you. Many staff here are Haitian or Jamacian..different personality and communication than what I was used to..

12. Specialty is great..for a full time job but if you expect to maintain your specialty area make it one that is great demand..cardiology VS pediatrics.

13.Keep all those references and certifications up to date cuz you will need them!In some states LPN's are very limited in practice...Iv pushes, starting IV's,and assessments. Check into what a LPN can perform in that state and it will give you an idea as to your role.

Good Luck!

BBB

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I started travel last year and love it!! What companies are the best for LPN travel? I worked with Bestaff in corrections, and they are fantastic!! Benefits are good start day one, even though you have to pay for insurance. I really enjoy corrections (Med-Surg)

Let me know of other companies.

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