Need advice on travelling.

[lhrn1977]

I have wanted to travel for a good while and have been debating back and forth for the last year whether or not to "get out of my shell" and just do it. I have been a nurse for 4 years (2 years on a PCU/Post-Thoracic Surgery floor, and the last 2 years on a Coronary Care Unit). Looking into going to CA, OR, AZ, or WA with my hubby and dogs.

An ideal time for me to start travelling is in Feb/Mar of next year. I know that EVERYTHING has been slow. Recruiters are telling me that things are starting to pick back up, but I do not want to take their word for it! They are telling me that for my desired time frame, they will be notified by facilities around mid-Jan. Are any of the travellers out there seeing an upswing in needs? Is there a "good" time of the year to find assignments? I just hate to give up the option to renew the lease on my townhouse and end up not being able to get an assignment.

[EmergencyNrse]

First, get your licenses in the states you want to travel.

You don't want to be overlooked because you're still waiting on your license to be approved or arrive.

Many require license "in hand" even to be considered.

Next, Get together with companies that provide travelers to the areas you want to work. Not hard, just ask around. I say affiliate with at least 4 different travel companies because not all of them pull orders off the national database. Some are company specific. You want as many offers as possible so you can pick & choose what's good for you.

Now sit back and wait. Most orders are filled about 3-4 weeks out. Not much in the way of long projected start dates. Most of the contracts come and go so fast. So, about a month before you want to go travel start hounding them for assignments.

Be patient. You might find yourself jumping at the very first opportunity that comes your way and it might be much less than what you expect. You might need to turn down an assignment or two. Remember it's always a negotiation. Do your research about average wages in the area you're traveling in. They're not just going to give you the farm... you got to ask for it.

A good recruiter will maximize your benefits within the parameters of what the contract pays. It's in THEIR interest to make you happy so you will continue to work for them and make them money. The bad ones will stick it to you to maximize profit margins. Unfortunately there are more bad ones than good ones.

Best of Luck and happy trails.

[lhrn1977]

Thanks so much for the advice EmergencyNrse!

I am definitely going to contact more agencies and hold out for the best possible offer!