UF RN

I've never traveled before but am also considering it. I can tell you that I've been looking for ~4 months (being very picky though) and still haven't found something. I finally thought I found something hopeful (also with CCTC) and the job was "closed" the day my recruiter was supposed to be submitting my file. I'm not saying its CCTC's fault but just wanted to let you know you aren't the only one. If you haven't already I'd try researching and looking into other companies..there a so many to pick from, all with different jobs available.

I can give you my opinion based on experience. I went straight to the NICU as a new grad. I am so happy I did that. I thought that was probably what I wanted to do and taking the job more than confirmed it. It's true that you don't learn most NICU skills in nursing school. It's also true that you don't use a lot of the med surg and adult skills, which can work against you because you sort of "lose" these skills. No matter what you will always have resources available to relearn skills if you were to transfer units. Also, I work nights in a fairly busy level III NICU and never get bored and fall asleep. Like someone else said before, the NICU is pretty much the same around the clock because most of the babies schedules don't change during the night. I also agree that its a good idea to find out how your orientation will work. I had the same preceptor for 12 weeks and learned SO much. Overall I think you've made the right decision. The NICU is a great place to start out.

I think I'm in the same boat as a lot of people here. Travel nursing sounds SO appealing but then I feel like I read so many horror stories on here and other forums. I have a great job now that will be hard to leave but I would love to see some new places and get some new experiences. How do you know what companies are the smaller ones that will look out for you? There are so many to choose from and so many sound good. I'm confused and wonder if maybe I should just stay where I'm at and take vacations whenver possible!

Shands in Jacksonville, FL or Gainesville, FL?

I have heard, but not experienced for myself, that it is called the PBDS. Some people have compared it to a small version of the NCLEX, taken on a computer and mostly fill in the blank.