It's been a while since I've posted here, and I really need some advice from fellow nurses on this one. It'll probably be a longer post, so bear with me.
SO. I currently work on a Med/Surg floor at a wonderful (albeit small) hospital. I've been here for over a year and previous to that I work Stepdown/Telemetry. My long term goal is to become a Women's Health NP, and am currently in school towards that, still doing pre-reqs though.
I have always, always, ALWAYS had a burning desire to travel. If I stay in one place for too long I get restless and have this crazy wanderlust about me. It's pretty strong to say the least. So a little while back I submitted a form online to get some information on travel nursing, since I didn't know much about it other than it generally pays pretty well and it's a good way to see the country while making a living.
I talked a recruiter and got some general information, but since I told her I wasn't too sure what I wanted to do, we haven't talked further.
Here's my dilemma...I'm married to an amazing guy who is also in school currently, he's almost done with his degree, maybe a year or so more...no kids yet but we WANT kids. We've actually been trying for a baby for the past year or so, but have had some hardships in that department and are considering taking a break should we decide to travel for a year or two. I'm only 24 so age isn't a factor in that department.
But I'm having a really hard time making up my mind. As I said, traveling is almost imperative to me. I get so much out of it, I love having new experiences and growing as a person, and the idea of getting to work in different hospitals and learn all kinds of new things excites me as well.
But we REALLY want kids. I don't know why I feel so impatient, I have so much time. Probably because hubby and I have been together for a long time and I've always wanted a family.
Also, I really don't care for med/surg too much - was actually considering cross-training or doing an internship in Women's Health if I decide against traveling, because I know I won't be able to do anything else if I travel. I guess I feel like if I'm seeing new things and having awesome experiences I won't mind the med/surg part so much, because I'll always have something to look forward to on my days off, exploring new places and all.
And I worry about school, because I don't want to be in college forever - although I have plenty of classes I could take online.
I worry about the financial part....I have some debts I'm trying to pay off, will this travel nursing thing provide enough income alone to support my husband and I, AND be able to pay our bills? I work weekend nights and make about $30/hour average right now.
I worry about being away from family...even though I know it won't be for the rest of my life and I can still come visit them. And also they're not very supportive which makes it really hard....they'd rather me just stay in Georgia.
How does travel nursing work in the time off department? Do you get PTO? Or vacation/sick time?
ANYWAY. Those are just some of my main concerns. But I feel like in my heart I need to do this. I've never really done something of this caliber for myself, and I feel like it's really important to get this out of the way before we have kids. But I'm so impatient to start my family!
What do you guys think? I know this was totally too personal and more of a stream of consciousness. Hubby is all for this adventure - and excited at the prospect - but it scares the hell out of me! (Although thrills me at the same time!)
Any opinions on all this mess would be greatly appreciated! Or any general information about travel nursing, as I don't really know TONS about it. I just feel like life is pulling me in a million different directions right now, and I don't know where to turn. Figured it would help to get it off my chest.
Thanks in advance if you made it through all of that!!!!
You keep talking like med/surg is all you'll find as a travel nurse... Why?
Also, as PP have mentioned, it's not impossible to take smaller children on the road with you. Better when they're young than school-age and trying to shuffle them around a town you aren't familiar with....
Maybe you could investigate some travel nursing companies. A lot of those websites have FAQ pages .
You can only work as a travel nurse in fields you have experience in, you can't cross train and travel. The only experience I have is med/surg-tele and step down. So I'd have to pick assignments from those two. At least that's what I've been told from everyone I've talked to.
TheBlackDogWaits
208 Posts
You keep talking like med/surg is all you'll find as a travel nurse... Why?
Also, as PP have mentioned, it's not impossible to take smaller children on the road with you. Better when they're young than school-age and trying to shuffle them around a town you aren't familiar with....
Maybe you could investigate some travel nursing companies. A lot of those websites have FAQ pages .