Published Nov 8, 2014
danunn67
7 Posts
trying to figure out if travel nursing is right for me. have been an OR nurse for 16 years but have stayed in the same hospital the whole time. how do you decide which travel nursing agency is the right one for you? any tips for a newbie, or soon to be a newbie travel nurse? I would really appreciate your thoughts on that. thanks in advance!
NedRN
1 Article; 5,782 Posts
Every OR is very different yet strangely similar. You might want to start at a hospital the same size as yours for the least culture shock. It takes a while under the best of circumstances to become efficient, learn where everything is, and processes and resources. OR takes longer than any other specialty to orient to a new department by far.
You our will have to learn a new set unique (ahem) personalities and create a virtual preference card for each (including staff here of course).
If possible, see if you can work per diem at another local hospital before you go. That will give you a good idea of how fast you can adapt and if you enjoy the process before you lock in for three months.
That makes sense, thanks!
Steph RN
9 Posts
I am also an OR Nurse of only 3 years, but at the same place. Where I work, we don't necessarily specialize, but rather work in every area. I am ready to start traveling too! I worked Med/Surg for 3 years and OR for 3 years. So I could do either, but would rather do OR. Have you pursued more research on traveling?
I have actually. I am talking to 2 different nurse travrl agencies. Hopefully I'll be on my first assignment in January. So exciting!
I am hesitant to give my 4 week notice without an actual "job" lined out. I would like to start traveling as soon as possible, but of course, need to give my notice. :) What companies are you talking to?
Hey, what state are you in Steph? We have to give 4 weeks notice too! I have given my notice. I'm leaving at the end of the year. Looking forward to the new year and new beginning! Talking to medical solutions and trinity. One of the travel nurse at my hospital told me to talk to her recruiter from soliant. I'll do that and then pick one of the 3.
I have a MO nursing license. I have friends that use: The Right Solutions, Medical Staffing Options, Fastaff, Trustaff, and a few others. I have been trying to research companies that pay for your salary AND housing.
You already gave your 4 week notice without a job lined out? I am nervous about it. :)
PacoUSA, BSN, RN
3,445 Posts
I gave two weeks notice. 4 weeks is ridiculous. Doesn't give enough time to transition from perm to travel since some assignments start a few weeks after getting the job.