Stressful traveling??

[Nacki, MSN, NP]

So I can say I've been there and done that. I've been traveling for a year now and find the cons outweigh the pros for me. I'm settling down later this summer.

I get soooo stressed out moving to a place and switching apts and hospitals every 13 wks. And don't even get me started on the compentency exams for all the hospitals! I was even out of a job for 6 wks over the holidays, no fault of mine, my recruiter lied to me. I don't like the unpredictiablity about it all. Does anyone else traveling want to hang up their hat and find something permenant?

[amy0123, BSN, RN]

Hey you're not alone. I'm nearly a year into it. Actually your experience is almost exactly like mine except the 6 weeks part happened because the facility waited that long until they called me for the phone interview! (I really wanted to try this hospital, and it was worth the wait)

I think about hanging up my hat all the time. Moving around, switching environments, it takes a lot out of me. However, i don't know where to settle!!!!!! What hospital to settle for? I'm still a walking question mark. I even question the thought of remaining a bedside nurse because almost every hospital work environment I've seen has been toxic to my inner being and I'm just not happy at times.

Having time off between assignments has given me a chance to recoop. I get to go home for a few days or weeks, see family, friends, show pictures, share stories and just be me. That's the big #1 pro for my list.

[Nacki, MSN, NP]

I AM getting out of bedside nursing. I can't do this the rest of my life. I'm settling in Houston with plans to go on for my CRNA. I still like the excitement of the ICU but don't see myself doing this til retirement. I won't be happy.

[ERRNTraveler, RN]

I've been traveling for a little over a year, am on my 4th assignment, and I love it! I think a lot of it depends on your company and recruiter. All of my assignments have been pleasant experiences, and I feel like I am a better nurse because of traveling and the experiences I've had. If it' not working out for you, try a different company or a new recruiter- I really think that makes all the difference!

[belka]

To ERRNTraveler, I have tried to PM you but could not find how. Would you care to share the name of your agency and recruiter, may be PM me. I'm new to traveling and don't want to be disappointed whithin 3-6 months. Thank you.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

To ERRNTraveler, I have tried to PM you but could not find how.

To PM someone, click once on their name. You should get a drop-down menu, and one of the options will be "send a private message to @name". Click on that once and it should take you to the PM function and you'll be able to send messages. Hope that clears up confusion! :)