Need advice

[raej11]

Help,

I have been working in the same hospital--operating room for 30 years. Still have a few years until retirement. Due to hospital restructuring, there is also reduction in our staffing, but we are expected to do the same plus more with less. This has led to a negative working environment with co-workers--poor morale.

Needless to say--I want out--to retire and do travel nursing. I want to work in an environment that is happier with less discord. It is affecting my own working standards and my health.

Just need some encouragement as to if this sounds reasonable and should I go for it? I love to travel, have no family ties or anything to hold me back. Not necessarily in it for the $$$$, just want to be happy again.

Thanks for any advice!

[kellygurl64]

I vote YES! Things happen for a reason and it sounds as if you are long overdue for an adventure. Decide where you want to go first and apply for the state license. If you want to try for a first assignment in your home state, go for it, but apply for the next place you want to go now. It takes time. Sign up with 3 agencies at least. Do LOTS of research on travel nursing. This site is the best to learn from. Realize that flexibility is the name of the game and that may not be so easy being that you have been at the same place for 30 years. Just open your mind to it. Money is really not any more(in fact probably less)than what you make now with so many years experience.It's not about the money, as you said, it's about happiness, new places, new people, and the adventure. YOU CAN DO IT! Just prepare well and don't make rash decisions. I wish you the best!

[krijay1976]

Not yes but HECK YES. One of my favorite things about being a traveler is by the time you are there long enough to start to feel the pressure of the hospital politics, it's time for your next adventure. Talk to several companies, do your homework, find a recruiter that you are comfortable with and have a blast.

The only requirement is being open to different ways of doing things. After so long in one place, that might be your biggest hurdle to overcome. If you are flexible by nature you will do great and the adventure is awesome.

[catlover314]

If you've been one place for 30 years it might be challenging to adapt to new hospitals on a regular basis, but if you studiously avoid the phrase "at my old hospital we never did it that way!" you may find traveling to be refreshing. You certainly get a break from politics, but your voice may not be heard at all, or may be ignored as many places are not into listening to a traveler's input. As with any decision in life, make sure you are moving TOWARD something that appeals to you, not running from something...if you are only running from unpleasantness you may find that other units are going through the exact same thing. If you are in it to experience new places and have freedom from local politics you'll probably be quite happy with it! Best wishes with your decision!