Per diem to Traveler - Is this allowed?

[liser79]

I currently work a perm full time position. Most travel companies I see want 2 years full time experience. If I decide to do per diem first, will that make it difficult for me to be a traveler if they only see recent per diem experience?

Also, in traveling you are not full time. What if you decide to switch companies? Technically you don't have recent full time experience. Does this matter?

[miam]

why would you say travel nursing is not full time? Most of us ask for guaranteed 36 hour weeks in our contract, which is always considered full time.

[NedRN]

The same is true if you work per diem full time. It counts. Heck, there are a lot of perm staff at percentages of 60 or less. It looks the same on a work history unless someone asks specifically. Truth to tell, it would be hard to tell a difference in competency based on weekly hours. Years, yes.

[dance4life]

I did Per Diem for three years (full-time) for the same company and was accepted into a Travel contract through another company last year. It was difficult because I hadn't done travel or worked in a actual hospital for awhile. Some agencies when they look at my résumé are shocked that I did it, probably why they are so persitent in asking for my references but, anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

[Stacie Hope RN]

I have worked CVICU....ER ...been in manager and now joined force with Travel nursing. I read your other blog....and first thing.....even if you do not like your current position, try not to loose faith in being a Nurse!! The BEST thing about our jobs ....we can change environments reguarly when we get tired of the spot. Plus you said you like to travel!!! Amazing options to cruise around and get paid to do it along with having housing allowance provided to you!! Even though your hubby doesnt have years of experience yet....hang in there, it goes fast!! Travel nurse assignments CAN be Full time....back to back contracts and time off are all up to you. If You are asking what the hottest need in travel is....Cardiac Cath Lab. Per diem can be counted toward the 2 yrs recent experience....its not about the paper trail. It is "are you able to Orient for 8 hrs then take assignment?" That is key....as the travel RN is Highly skilled and Ready to solve shortages. =)

[liser79]

Sorry I meant.. You aren't considered full time status (or staff full time). You are a traveler.

[eymilin]

I went from full time to per diem after working full time for two years. I worked another 3 years as per diem. I recently picked up an additional casual per diem position that only required 2 shifts a month. Now that I am traveling the casual per diem job works towards proving that I have a tax home / permanent residence. That said, I did not have trouble finding a travel position. PS. Most hospitals will not allow you to go from staff (FT, PT or per diem) to accepting a travel position at the same hospital without a select period of time between employment.