scared to travel alone

suzanne4, RN · Apr 15, 2008

I have never taken a travel assignment with anyone else, you always meet people where you will be going. You should select an assignment because it is interesting to you as to where you want to be, and then things will fall into place for you.

You decide first where you wish to go to and then let that be your first item on the plate and then go from there, that is the easiest way to get started.

bagladyrn, RN · Apr 15, 2008

I've been traveling solo for over 11 years now. Anything new is a little scary at first, but it can also be a great adventure.

What is it that scares you? (Driving? Living alone? Lonliness?) If you have some idea maybe we can address the specifics and how to overcome them.

What outdoorsy things do you enjoy doing? From that I may be able to come up with some suggestions.

trvlngstethoscp · Apr 16, 2008

i'm in the same boat. i'm a year and half out of school with a year critcal care experience, and i'm so ready to travel!! however, i'm scared to travel alone. i work with some really awesome nurses and have a great support system at work. i rely on them when i have questions. my biggest concern is not having enough experience and not having anyone to turn to. i've heard horror stories of how travelers are sometimes not treated the best. i'm totally aware that i won't be a part of the "unit family" right off, but i'm very concerned about not having someone to answer questions. anyone have any suggestions??? :eek:

bagladyrn, RN · Apr 19, 2008

i'm in the same boat. i'm a year and half out of school with a year critcal care experience, and i'm so ready to travel!! however, i'm scared to travel alone. i work with some really awesome nurses and have a great support system at work. i rely on them when i have questions. my biggest concern is not having enough experience and not having anyone to turn to. i've heard horror stories of how travelers are sometimes not treated the best. i'm totally aware that i won't be a part of the "unit family" right off, but i'm very concerned about not having someone to answer questions. anyone have any suggestions???

nancynurse: if you feel like you are not experienced enough to be comfortable in the patient care without backup, i'd wait a little longer. many units prefer 2 years experience at a minimum. i've been on some contracts where they wanted 5 years! this is said, not as a putdown, but so you can protect yourself. travelers are expected to handle the full patient load with little orientation.

the way i generally approach the staff when starting a new contract is to tell them i want to perform procedures their way and ask them to let me know how things are done in their hospital. before the first delivery with a doctor i haven't met before, i try to take him/her aside, introduce myself to her/him and ask them to please commicate to me sn psrticular requiremets they have or ways they prefer procedures done.

while you are occasionally get the sour person, i find this helps to break the ice with most coworkers.

Trauma Columnist · Apr 19, 2008

I have done agency (not travel) nursing and if you follow bagladyrn's advice you will do fine. Take the route of being an invited guest who must pull their weight and you will be fine. Believe me, you can't have too much experience before you go agency or travel.

sunshine9403 · Jun 8, 2008

Hello I am a year out of ADN school and have been doing float nursing to ICU, Med/Surg, Tele, Rehabiliation and I wanted to travel but didn't want to go alone either. What areas are you looking to travel too?

josefhrn · Aug 26, 2008

Hello I am a year out of ADN school and have been doing float nursing to ICU, Med/Surg, Tele, Rehabiliation and I wanted to travel but didn't want to go alone either. What areas are you looking to travel too?

I would be interested in traveling with someone. I think the staff made a good point about picking the place for you then things will fall into place (to the first writer). To the writer I'm quoting, I'm going to NYC, Baltimore or Sacremento would you be interested in any of those places? I'm new to it too, my main concern is loneliness. And I thank the second writer for addressing that.

Joe

sunshine9403 · Aug 27, 2008

Hello I would be interested in traveling to any of those places. How long have you been a nurse? Do you have kids? What type of nursing do you do?

josefhrn · Aug 27, 2008

So far it looks like Sacramento is going to be it for me just FYI. I've been a nurse almost 5 years. Have no children. My primary specialty is cardiac telemetry, but I have decided due to more opportunity and options I will take on medical surgical assignments as well. I'd like to keep in touch, I think it would be great to travel with someone less chance for loneliness when you know someone! And wine country is nearby! I have an interview tomorrow. I'll let you know more as to when I'll be going to CA, and/or if I won't be going there. Is there a way to communicate outside of the public board. I can be more specific with less eyes upon me :)

Do you have kids?

Joe

sunshine9403 · Aug 27, 2008

hope your interview goes good is it with a travel agency?

neurorn6 · Aug 30, 2008

Just accepted my first assignment in Nashville, TN. This first time out, I'm staying closer to home for my family. I want them to get comfortable with me not being here. I'm thinking CO in January then AK in the Spring. I'm scaried, excited and everything else but "full speed ahead" as the saying goes. :yeah: