OR traveling...

Uro-DaVinci · Dec 23, 2007

Thanks for the post - I too am considering traveling for OR positions. Any advice you seasoned travellers have will be of help. I have a friend who has done some travelling as an OR nurse - three times. First contract was a nightmare for him - charge nurse in a busy OR for a year with all the responsbility and no authority - he hated it and swore never to take an inital contract any longer than 13 weeks. His second travel position was wonderful - small 4 OR hospital, worked as a circulator and learned to scrub, took an RNFA class and made friends with some surgeons who taught him lots. He extended his contract at that facility a number of times for about 1.5 years. Third travel assignment turned into a full-time position at Barnes-Jewish in St. Louis. Seems happy. Share people! Thanks and Merry Christmas to all!!

mikethern · Dec 29, 2007

I completed three O.R. travel assignments which were 13 weeks each.

Always get your desired shift and responsibilities in writing.

Ask if you can a 1-week break in the middle of the assignment. You might have to pay for your housing during that week, but it's worth it.

Realize that states have different waiting periods to get a nursing license.

Salaries are highest in California.

I am willing to recommend a good travel nurse agency if you email me directly. I was very happy with them and the housing was top notch.