Permanent position vs traveling?

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Specializes in Med/tele, Ortho/surgical, transplant.

Hi guys. I have a little dilemma that I was hoping to get advice on. I am an RN with 16 months experience. I was thinking about doing travel nursing in December, which would give me 1 1/2 years of experience. While I was waiting to get my California license, I applied for my Hawaii license as well as a permanent position in Hawaii. Before my CA license was issued to me, I accepted the position in HI which has a start date of 12/21. 2 weeks later, my CA license arrived. I am now rethinking taking this permanent position because my heart has always been set on traveling. The HI position pays 43.64 with a 3.50 differential for nights. It is a rotating shift. Two 12's and two 8's for 40 hrs per week. They are offering a $5000 relocation bonus which I get in my first paycheck. I can keep it all if I stay for 18 months. I already know I don't wan't to stay for 18 months so I would pay it back at a prorated rate.

My issue that I've been having with traveling to CA is that all the recruiters I talk to state that CA looks for nurses with 2+ years experience which I won't have until July 2016. Besides that, the rates that I have been getting offered are kind of low. For example :

Shift (times and any special conditions): 36 hours 07:00-19:00

Insurance:

Full medical, dental, and vision benefits for Self

Licensure Reimbursement:

California - $149.00

Housing provided by Aya

Meals per diem per shift: $160.00

Average taxable hourly rate: $23.33

Total gross weekly pay for 36 hours $1,319.87

Shift (times and any special conditions): 36 hours 07:00-19:00

Insurance:

Full medical, dental, and vision benefits for Self

Housing provided by Aya

Meals per diem per shift: $90.00

Average taxable hourly rate: $23.33

Total gross weekly pay for 36 hours $1,109.87

So, what do you guys think would be the best thing to do right now? Take the position in Hawaii for at least 8 months, or try to find a travel assignment? The last day at my current job is 11/24, my lease ends 11/30. If I go to HI, I will be leaving 12/9. I am trying to save up for an FNP program so I want to take which ever position will be most lucrative. Please let me know what you guys think. Thank you!!

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Just looking at the numbers, I don't need to do the math to tell you that you are giving up a lot of money just to travel.

I would grab that permanent spot and keep it. Wait for your vacation time to come up and take it then. I would also like to add that your position is in Hawaii. That's like a vacation in itself.

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Specializes in NICU.

Keep cost of living in mind. I've heard Hawaii is mind bogglingly expensive, that higher pay rate might not take you as far as you think.

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Specializes in Med/tele, Ortho/surgical, transplant.
Just looking at the numbers, I don't need to do the math to tell you that you are giving up a lot of money just to travel.

I would grab that permanent spot and keep it. Wait for your vacation time to come up and take it then. I would also like to add that your position is in Hawaii. That's like a vacation in itself.

Yes you are right. Plus taking the permanent position will give me more experience for when I do start traveling. I may take the HI position. Thanks for you input.

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Specializes in Med/tele, Ortho/surgical, transplant.
Keep cost of living in mind. I've heard Hawaii is mind bogglingly expensive, that higher pay rate might not take you as far as you think.

You are right. I do have a friend that said its ok for me to stay with her so I may do that for a while until I find something affordable.

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