Scared! Need Inspiring Travel Nurse Stories!

bagladyrn, RN · Nov 17, 2008

Okay - I'll try to give you some perspective:

I've been a traveler for over 12 years now (and I'm not a masochist!), so no way would I still be doing this if it weren't a positive experience. For every less than ideal contract I'd say I have 3-4 really good ones. I've worked in hospitals from 24 beds to 650 - greatly broadening my skills and experience, as well as comfort level. I've learned not to be intimidated by computer systems (though I still have been known to mutter a few phrases under my breath). I've become much more adaptable and more confident in my own ability to change and learn.

On a non work perspective, I've spent new year's in key west, one year in both AZ and NV (they are on different times so we celebrated in AZ, walked across the bridge to Laughlin, NV and did it again an hour later), hiked in the Grand Canyon, stood looking down into Mt. St. Helen's, gone to broadway shows, watched the space shuttle launch from the space coast, attended the int'l balloon fiesta in ABQ several times, prospected for gold in the NV desert, viewed the leaves changing along the Blue Ridge Pkwy, soaked in natural hot springs, taken my family to Disney, skiing at Tahoe, to the casinos in Las Vegas, touring ghost towns in the west, and trout fishing in the mountains.

All over the country I've met new people and made friend I keep in touch with even years after the contract.

Hope that's some help to you! If you need more I can continue.....

wanderlust99 · Nov 17, 2008

Even though I hate my current assignment with a passion, I wouldn't change my decision to travel. Yesterday I spent my day hiking on a trail overlooking the pacific ocean and felt so lucky to be there. I will cherish my memories of my travels! Even this bad hospital I"m currently at....I learn from it and know better for next time! It's really neat to see different parts of the country & how people live. And our country...it's so beautiful! Who knew? This really is a lucky profession we are in to be able to do this. I'm not making tons & tons of money, but I am making more than I was as a staff nurse, and how I love not to spend the majority of my income on rent & bills each month. It's sooo great being able to pick a city you want to visit and live there 3 months just exploring.

And I've learned a lot about nursing too. I've only been doing it 5 months! Most people say it was one of the best things they ever did, even if you just take 1 or 2 assignments, you won't regret it!

dopaminequeenRN · Nov 17, 2008

Thanks baglady and neurorachel!! You guys sound like really fun people! I'm so glad you shared your stories with me. I feel much less nervous now about traveling and way more excited to jump in there!

:nurse:

brissygal, BSN, RN · Nov 18, 2008

Thanks baglady and neurorachel!! You guys sound like really fun people! I'm so glad you shared your stories with me. I feel much less nervous now about traveling and way more excited to jump in there!

So dopaminequeenRN,

Love the name! Have you taken the plunge and gone into travel nursing?

If so, what are your impressions?

Happy Travels

Cheers

:yeah:

bagladyrn, RN · Nov 18, 2008

Thanks baglady and neurorachel!! You guys sound like really fun people! I'm so glad you shared your stories with me. I feel much less nervous now about traveling and way more excited to jump in there!

Let us know when you decide to "jump in there". We can all probably come up with some fun things to do in whatever place you decide to go.

dopaminequeenRN · Nov 21, 2008

I hope to start sometime this spring. I haven't contacted any agencies yet. I've just been doing some research before I actually start the process. There are so many places that I want to see and I can't decide where to go first! The sad thing is, I really like my current job and all of my co-workers, but I've been wanting to travel for a long time. I will definitely let you guys know when I get an assignment--hopefully some of you will be close by and you can show me all the "must sees!" I'm thinking about Oregon or Washington and I would love to go to New England! Decisions, decisions.....

dkrnusa, BSN · Jul 14, 2017

Hi, I'm an OR nurse and have been at it for 30 years. Yes a long time. The kids are grown and my husband and I really like traveling. So what better way to work and see the country then Travel nursing! I am 15 days from finishing my first assignment in Colorado. I really am having a great time! I was so scared at first, I heard horror stories about being treated badly and people being rude. Not the case at all! For the most part everyone has been helpful and appreciative of my being here. Now your going to always find the few who are rude and mean but that's anywhere you go. They obviously are the ones with a problem so I just move on. I am so glad I made this move! My next contract is on the coast of NC and I can't wait! Life is to short not to live it and enjoy it! I am looking forward to many more travel assignments and seeing this beautiful country with my husband! oh and 2 cats :)

Mvarhegyi · Jul 24, 2017

I'm planning on going into travel nursing in the spring as well. I happen to live in New England (NH) and it's a beautiful area! I'm looking to go out west :-)

dkrnusa, BSN · Jul 24, 2017

That's great! I hope you have as good a time as I am. I'm originally from New England(CT),. New England is beautiful but out here it's really

amazing. Good Luck!

lothrnt · Aug 9, 2017

I am a new travel nurse. I have been on the assignment for 1 week now. I am picking up the computer system, but I feel I am slow. My clinical skills are what they need to be- but I am feeling confused and scared. How long do most facilities give a new nurse time to pick up the pace ? I don't want other nurses complaining about me. I guess I am just worried ! Any advice will help

jive turkey · Aug 10, 2017

I am a new travel nurse. I have been on the assignment for 1 week now. I am picking up the computer system, but I feel I am slow. My clinical skills are what they need to be- but I am feeling confused and scared. How long do most facilities give a new nurse time to pick up the pace ? I don't want other nurses complaining about me. I guess I am just worried ! Any advice will help

Don't worry if they complain. There was a time they were new to their environment and had to ask a lot of questions. Some people will complain due to their negative attitude which you can't fix. As long as your patients are well taken care of and you're supervisors arent complaining about your work, you'll be fine.