6 months of no work, worried...

[lruby88]

Hello,

I graduated and worked for 1.5 years medsurg and decided to quit my job and take a few months off to travel. A few months has turned into 6, and now I'm worried that I am not marketable as a nurse anymore. Should I be worried when applying to jobs, or do you think I am still able to get a full time position? Im considering travel nursing as well. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Laura

[Extra Pickles]

no one can do anything but guess as to whether you will be able to get a full time position but my own gut guess is that an employer sees you worked 1.5 years and then quit, and now months later want to work again, meaning that they might not see you as a reliable hire. The market is tight for employment without a break in work history, and you have only 1.5 years and then a break so that means it might be harder for you no matter what. Maybe if you get hired for travel work you can at least get back into the swing of things and get in line for a permanent placement. good luck!

[caliotter3]

Don't start worrying until months turn into years. Expect inquiry once you hit the two year mark. Also expect that there are those who would question why one would quit their first job in a new profession in order to travel.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

You could apply to agencies or travel companies and explain your time off. They would likely understand.

However, with only 1.5 years of experience, you're borderline as far as travel nursing is concerned. Most companies expect 2+ years in a specialty area.

Apply to everything.