Transitioning from full time nurse to travel nurse

dorie43rn · Apr 8, 2012

I am on my first assignment and was worried about all the things you are. If you are going out of state, get your licence's before you take an assignment. I had exactly two weeks to give my job as a notice. When you pick a company, get a recruiter, talk about where you want to go, and all the paperwork they need, you have plenty of time to get your job ready for your departure. I'm actually staying casual at my job because I'm only three hours away. I have six years in ICU and let me tell you to be ready to take on a patient load after only one to two days of orientation .

Skip219, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2012

Hello, I am a 30 year old with 5 years of experience in an ICU. I have no children and I am not married and I want to begin travel nursing. I am worried about transitioning from my full time nursing job to a travel assignment. I don't want to quit my current job until I have a definite assignment lined up. My current job requires a two week notice and I'm worried that won't be enough time to accept an assignment and travel to the location in time. I wanted to hear other's experiences on how they switched from their old job to travel nursing.

Hi,

I traveled for a year after 20+ yrs of nursing. it takes a while to figure out what company to go with-look at highway hypodermics. it rates the companies and their perks. it takes 3-5 days for background check. Then if traveling where you are currently licensed that will save you time. Otherwise, some states take 6-8 wks or longer for licensure depending if you in a compact state. Many of the companies websites have FAQ section. There are travel nursing websites which offer advise too.

Travel nursing is fun if you are single, you can meet alot of new people and have fun.

Good luck,

Skip

sweetgurly25 · Apr 9, 2012

next skip for your input. i am in the same boat. however i have decided to quit my job so i can take some time off before i start traveling in may. i dont have a job line up yet

RN Zeke · Apr 9, 2012

List yourself with a few companies maybe 4. Check to see how many companies are under the same parent company. That will save you from duplicate forms to fill out. If your Nursing license is in a compact state, you have 24 states to job hunt in. Your license will be verified online. Start looking now so you don't get caught without a job!

dixRN · Apr 9, 2012

It usually is about a 2 week window from accepting the contract to reporting for the 1st day of work. Just tell your travel company that you need 2 weeks before starting a contract because you have to give notice to your current job. The thing I want to stress to you is please do not start travelling without 3 months expenses saved up. Things happen, like contract cancellations & cars breaking down. I have read many a post about running out of money & being far from home. Just be prepared. Check out delphi forums in travel nurses. There is excellent info there. You are going to have a great time seeing this wonderful country of ours. Good Luck.

Mommish · Apr 10, 2012

Perhaps you could go PRN at your current job until you agree and settle into a contract. A friend of mine is doing this and the supervisor took it extremely well. I think her being upfront and honest, but also still willing to work and help out, made the difference. Good luck!