ALNeuroNurse

@ itsmejuli How did you do it? What are your qualifications? You are about to embark upon my dream! Details?

Hey, I really appreciate your concerne. I'm right on board with you. The thing is all of my career I've been very savvy with my bankroll. Maximum contributions to 401k's, saving far more than I earned , paying off a mortgage early, having zero debt, a years gross income in a savings account for emergencies, etc. My concerne isn't so much the hit to wallet as it is to the career. Jumping ship without a soft place to land is something I've never done before. And despite my less than stellar educational preperation and that public intox charge over ten years ago, I'm a damn good nurse. But no one will see that from a computer application, and that's what scares me. I've played it safe all my life, now it's time to put my trust in the Gods that I'll land on my feet. Even greater doors may open, who knows? At any rate it's Bon Voyage for me! Wish me safe travels and happy job hunting on my return! I only pass this way once.

Thanks to all that reply. I really appreciate the input. But keep in mind I was arrested and jailed a decade ago for public intoxication. Hasn't happened since, but in today's competitive job market with an arrest record and a mere AD in nursing, I'm afraid when I get back from my year of travel, I'll be asking people if they would like fries with that order. Seriously.

Hey Folks, I need some career advice stat! Background information: 50 year old male RN with ADN and 25 years nursing experience. Single, no kids, very stable financially. Currently employed at a large teaching hospital on a 25 bed general neurology unit for the past 13 years. Recently all the stars aligned themselves and I'm in a position to take a year off and travel the world. I feel like it's now or never. I would of course put in a one months notice. I have excellent performance and peer review evaluations at my job. The caveat? I have no job to go to upon my return. My current employer- a Magnet Hospital - is not hiring AD nurses. Even though my boss would take me back with open arms, I can't get around the BSN requirement. And then there is the thorn in my side of a public intoxication charge 10 years ago. I'm willing to try different nursing career paths upon my return from my travels. Any advice? Any warnings? Help please!