Transition from staff RN to travel RN

NedRN · Oct 6, 2023

Well, you didn't express any concern as to your clinical skills and adaptability to a new practice environment yet that is the most common failure point of new travelers. Travelers are expected to hit the floor running with minimal orientation to workflow, policies and procedures, and an EMR you may have never used before (they always have some specific facility customization even if you have used it before). Even the best of staff nurses can fail at travel.

This may not be you, but before making a hard to reverse decision, try agency per diem at other hospitals to test how difficult it might be to travel. Or how easy perhaps.

As far as finances go, I'd recommend at least two months of living expenses in a cash account. Considering how strapped hospitals are for staffing, this should be sufficient if something falls through and you have to scramble for a new assignment.

Here is a scary but true statistic industry wide: 1 out of 10 assignments fail for all reasons. I've never seen a number for first time travelers but it has to be a lot higher. Most agencies won't give you their best assignments until you have proven yourself with successfully completed assignments.

Cindycin48 · Oct 6, 2023

Hi, I am not sure why you said "Well, you didn't express any concern as to your clinical skills and adaptability to a new practice environment yet that is the most common failure point of new travelers". I said, "What is the best way to transition from staff nurse to travel nurse?" Well, that includes skills & adaptability; this would be the best way to transition. I do plan on traveling locally and per diem is a good idea. I would make sure that I am capable of "hitting the ground running" before I start traveling. I know that it will be a learning curve in the beginning but I am determined to make it work. Thank you for your input:)