Probably a repeat question about a new grad...

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Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.

I am very interested in traveling when I graduate with my ASN...last baby away at college, looking for a challenge, wanting to see some of this great country we live in, etc., etc.....

What is the recommended amount of hospital time before one qualifies for traveling? Does it necessarily have to be on a med/surg floor or can you sign on after working a specialty area?

I'm sure I'll come up with a million more questions, but for now I enjoy reading the posts in this forum!!

Thanks-

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Specializes in High Risk In Patient OB/GYN.

You'll need a minimum of 2 years experience.

ICU nurses are in demand (NICU, PICU, CICU, SICU, ICU, etc), and they tend to pay well. But general med/surg will help you get your foot in the door and allow many opportunities.

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Specializes in Dialysis, neuro, surgical, M/S,tele.

most of the companies i've looked into require at least one year of experience in acute care. But the more the better. You need to make sure you are comfortable with your skills before setting out in traveling.

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Majority of companies require at least 1 year of experience and that's in bold print. What I didn't find out until I started looking for a travel position is that they prefer 2 years of experience for specialty fields.

I'm in ICU, started there as a new grad. I have just over 1.5 years of experience. When I was looking and the recruiters were going down their lists of availabilities, there were dozens and dozens that I didn't qualify for because the client specified at least 2 years of experience.

I just started my assignment 3 weeks ago and I had to sell myself through the recruiter and the nurse manager in my phone interview. She had a lot of specific questions about my capabilities if I were alone in the unit and something bad happened.

It was very scary going for my first few shifts, minimal orientation time since I am on an 8 week assignment. It's worked out fine though.

I guess it just depends on what field you choose, where you want to go and how in demand you are. The bigger and tougher the hospital is where you go to work just after school to gain your experience, the better.

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Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.

Thanks for everyone's responses!! I thought I had heard one year, but two certainly makes more sense! I'm not sure where I will end up post-grad, but am thinking NICU or ER right now...

I'm going to look at that time as an opportunity not only to feel comfortable with the job, but maybe to also complete my BSN!!

I look forward to joining the ranks of the Traveler's!! Thanks again!!

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