To see or not to see the world

8-ball, BSN · Sep 23, 2016

I am a traveler and I did 1 year med/surg 3 years ICU and 1 year IR experience. I am getting close to a year as a traveler and see no sign of stopping any time soon. Most travel companies suggest 1 year experience but any traveler will tell you that 2 years minimum is better. Also if you specialize (you should) then you will need 2 years in whatever specality (ICU, ER, L&D, OR). There is big money in L&D as a traveler, as a guy I dont have that option. But there is still good money in other specalities.

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Sep 23, 2016

I really want to be a traveling nurse. I love to travel and see the world!

Just to clarify, you are talking being a travel nurse in the US and see the world on vacation? It would be extremely difficult to be an international travel nurse.

Minimum of 2 yrs specialized experience is recommended since you are expected to hit the ground running at your assignment without much training.

NedRN · Sep 23, 2016

There is big money in L&D as a traveler, as a guy I dont have that option.

It is rare, but there are male L&D nurses. The other guy in my graduating class of 35 was inspired by the birth of his son to become a nurse. Straight into L&D after graduation, 25 years now at UCLA. He says family quickly adjust, and after all, most OB docs are men.

NedRN · Sep 23, 2016

It would be extremely difficult to be an international travel nurse.

But certainly not impossible. I've worked in the UK and the US Virgin Islands (effectively third world). There are a fair number of US nurses that go to the UK, New Zealand, and Australia. The Mideast has lots of opportunities and I believe no license issues. Worldwide has contracts in rare places like BVI.

Then there are civilian nurses working contracts for the armed services in Europe and everywhere else. Cruise lines. There are large corporations that employ industrial nurses (perhaps ED is the best background). I met one nurse who island hopped the Caribbean doing that.

renzlao, MSN, APRN · Oct 2, 2016

I do travel nursing simply because I can take as much time off I want in between contracts. I travel for specific locations I want to live in. Money is simply just part of the package. I travel abroad in between contracts. I've been to 25 countries now and counting! I work ridiculous hours during the contracts though to save money! I am barely home now. Like I don't even know what a real bed feels like anymore haha Perhaps you can do that too, travel nurse in the US and travel the world in between contracts :)

guest769224 · Oct 3, 2016

But certainly not impossible. I've worked in the UK and the US Virgin Islands (effectively third world). There are a fair number of US nurses that go to the UK, New Zealand, and Australia. The Mideast has lots of opportunities and I believe no license issues. Worldwide has contracts in rare places like BVI.

Would these opportunities require a BSN? Or am I able to do them with my ADN?

NedRN · Oct 3, 2016

Some may require a BSN, but first academic credits and clinical time have to be evaluated for minimum local requirements for license. USVI and the middle east will not require a BSN, just a valid RN license.