Travel Nursing, suggestions?

RNin'08 · Jul 26, 2006

I'm still a student myself so I haven't worked with travel nursing companies but a few nurses I know have/do and from what I've been told, most companies require 1 to 2 years hospital experience before they'll let you sign on. HTH

RNin'08

~my reality check bounced~

jade82 · Jul 26, 2006

Thanks, I know that alot of the agencies like 1-2 years experience, but i've also heard that some take new grads, so i'll have to find out which ones i guess. I dont' know if these ones would be as good as the ones that like experience, like paywise and all. Anyways, thanks. I was planning on working for about a year here anyways by the time i graduate and then get a working Visa and all that kinda stuff, so i might just go in Jan 2008 to start my travel nursing. Do you know how often the NCLEX is offered every year. The Canadian RN exam is only offtered 3 times a year, and i was hoping to write both of them close together so i only have to study once.

RNin'08 · Jul 26, 2006

I don't know about all states but where I am the NCLEX is offered year round. When you graduate and all paper work has been submitted you're test is scheduled, usually within about 6 weeks (depends how busy the testing centers are, some times it's a longer wait, some times it's less)

RNin'08

~my reality check bounced~

suzanne4, RN · Jul 26, 2006

if you find an agency, or a facility that is willing to take you as a new grad as a travel nurse, run as fast as you can from them.

no reputable facility or agency will place you without experience. your learning curve is only going to beign when you start your first job, school does not prepare you to be on your own in an acute care facility immediately. to work as a travel nurse, you have to have experience to know how things are done, and that there may be differences from wheat you learned in school, etc. you need to be able to start without any type of orientation, and hit the floor running.

and without a good, solid orientation behind you, you have the greatest chance of losing your nursing license. something that you will have worked quite hard to get, but is much easier to lose.

if you are wishing to come to the us as a new grad, and consider that travel nursing, it is not. there ar permanent contracts for a two year period that are available to you in many areas, but not as a travel nurse with 13 week contracts.

jade82 · Jul 26, 2006

Good to know. I guess this stuff is all coming up pretty quick, i should really start looking into it all. Oh well, i need some time first to relax after finishing school, then i will look into everything. Going to California for 3 weeks with one of my girlfriends for my grad present, so excited, 13 more days until i leave!!Thanks for the info

jade82 · Jul 26, 2006

Thanks Suzanne4. I probably will get 1 year experience until i try anyways. I'm sure the company will be much better anyways, i guess i will just have to call around and see what's out there. Taking one of the more well known companies will also probably be a better idea also.

bagladyrn, RN · Jul 26, 2006

There are a couple of Travel nurse companies that have a different sort of "program" for new grads. It involves a longer contract ( I think a year to 18 mos.) with one specific hospital who know they are getting a new grad and are willing to do so in return for the long guarantee.

I'm not recommending this as I'd have doubts about tying myself in for that long.

I'd agree with others that you should run far and fast from any company that wanted you to take a regular travel contract as a new grad!

NurseGuy2006 · Jul 31, 2006

I agree, I wanted to travel also and I thought that it wouldn't be so bad. I started out in an ICU after school and I'm telling you right now. You've learned nothing in school until you've worked. When they tell you, you know the minimum to pass boards, they're right! There is so much to learn. I've been a Nurse (passed boards) for 4 months and have been taking my own patients for 2 now. And I've been out of school and working in this unit for 8 months now. I still don't feel like I know enough to safely take care of everyone. Starting out and contracting for 12-18 months isn't a good idea either. Think about the hospitals that need agency...they need nurses for a reason. You would end up getting trained for a month and thrown out with a load of patients. You will hate yourself for signing and you can't do anything about it. I was a Nurse aide in a hospital for 3 years and thought, "I could do that nurses job. She's pathetic". Think again. I have much more respect that I used to.

Speaking as someone who has had a rought time, stick to the basics even though you want a challenge and have some fun. You'll be begging to kill yourself when you get the responsibilities.

nursprl · Aug 1, 2006

If you want to travel as an ICU nurse; many companies and hospitals prefer a mininmum of 2 years experience. Thats because you obviously don't experience lots in that one year after boards, so 2 years is the preference.

ruthiebaby88 · Aug 4, 2006

hi! Yes come and see us in the states - travel nursing is great! If you want I could get you in touch with a friend of mine I worked with in LA who is Canadian as well and she might be able to talk to you about the transition.

You should get a good solid year of experience before you start traveling though as they expect you to function confidently and independently with only 2 days of orientation in an unfamiliar hospital.

Stella-Ohio · Oct 5, 2006

Even if an agency takes you on, the contracting hospitals often won't. I have had to be less selective about area due to only having 18 months experience. Many hospitals will not budge off of their 'experience requirement' by even a small amount.