Pre-nursing Student W/ Vi Question

[modelmama07]

Hi everyone, I'm a pre-nursing student hoping to attend nursing school in an ADN program in Fall '08. I also plan to do my RN to BSN right after that online, while I'm working. I've seem to become very interested in travel nursing. The pay seems amazing, not to mention being able to see different places, meeting new people across the country, and learning at some of the leading hospitals in the country. The problem is I have a 9 month old son currently, and I'm wondering if it would be selfish of me to take him from state to state for a couple of years before you starts kindergarten or grade school? Is travel nursing for nurses with children? I figure I only have one, so it may not be that bad. My family says its not right, but I think it would be interesting. Please...some of advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks

[ERRNTraveler, RN]

You need to consider child care. If you will be traveling alone (just you and your child), you will need to find child care each place you go. Some areas of the country have loooooong waiting lists for day cares, so you might not be able to easily find child care every place you go. Also, by traveling all over, you will not be able to have just one pediatrician to follow your child, which could become a problem if your child gets sick or when he is due for his regular check-ups or vaccines. I know some people do travel with small children, but I personally think it's a bad idea.

[modelmama07]

Thanks, that is definitely something to think about.

[ERRNTraveler, RN]

Also, I see that you are a nursing student- if you want to work as a travel nurse in Peds or OB, you'll need at LEAST 2 years of RN experience in your specialty before you can travel... If you haven't started your ADN program yet, you most likely have around 2 years of schooling left ahead of you. By the time you finish school & get your 2 years of experience, your child will be almost to school-age.

[2bgypsynurse2010]

Hey, I'm a pre-nursing student as well and I fully plan to be a travel nurse with my husband and 2 yr old son. He will almost be school age when we go, but we are going to home school him. My husband is going to be at home with him on the days I work, so that helps a lot. It would be tough if you are on your own, but there are women who do it. Don't give up on a dream because someone tells you that it isn't "right". But you do have to weigh all of your options and plan carefully. I think traveling is a great way for kids to grow up, but that's just my two cents. Your child will get to see things most kids never will. Here's some websites that might help you. www.healthcaretraveler.com has an online magazine with lots of stories about traveling nurses. also, www.familiesontheroad.com is a web site for families who travel in RV's, most of their parents work in some kind of travel job. they also have a great yahoo group called "FOTR" that could give you some insight on having children on the road. Good luck to you in school. feel free to email me anytime, I'm from the east Texas area as well.