Travel Nursing

Silverdragon102, BSN · Aug 16, 2019

Moved to the Travel Nursing forum

NedRN · Aug 16, 2019

6 hours ago, mph53953 said:
1. I currently live in an apartment. Do travel nurses keep some sort of permanent residence somewhere? Or would I be better off ending my lease? If so, is it hard to adjust to not having a “home”?

Don't give it up! Try to minimize costs, perhaps by taking on a roommate. A good part of travel compensation is untaxed, but only if you maintain a permanent residence and follow some other rules related to "tax home"

6 hours ago, mph53953 said:
2. Would my time in the neuro ICU be adequate to prepare me for for being an ICU travel nurse?

No matter your experience, you will always need to get a good fitting assignment. The skills sheets used by all agencies will give a heads up to the hospital if you have what they need. Further questions on either side can be addressed in the interview.

6 hours ago, mph53953 said:
3. My boyfriend is in a respiratory therapy program, and I’d like to travel with him after he graduates. Do Travel Agencies work with RTs too? Would they help us find assignments together? Or would my boyfriend and I have to coordinate that on our own?

Yes, yes, and doing so will increase your options.

6 hours ago, mph53953 said:
4. What are the schedules like? Can you negotiate straight dayshift/nightshift, holidays off, etc?

Yes, but flexibility is generally expected. You are there to fill staffing holes after all. Any such negotiations should be reflected in your final contract for your protection, don't just take the word of the manager who is not scheduling you.

6 hours ago, mph53953 said:
5. Do you really make more money? Between downsizing, moving/travel costs etc? I’m mostly interested in traveling for the adventure, but I’d also like to speed up the process of paying back my student loans!

Maybe. Depends on your location. Deep South, yes. Unionized area, no. But the good news is that travel is cash heavy instead of benefits heavty like permanent staff. So you can pay back loans faster (typically) than a staff job, or build a kitty quickly for buying your own home.

6 hours ago, mph53953 said:
6. Would travel nursing help me learn/grow as an ICU nurse more than a traditional job? I feel like I’d get more exposure to different things in travel nursing, but in a traditional job I’d be able to find mentors in doctors, midlevels, more experienced nurses, etc.

The difference is probably personal discipline which you need not to grow complacent and lazy at a long term staff position. You will get thrown into so many new clinical situations and patient populations as a traveler, there is little choice but professional growth.

Ms. J · Oct 31, 2019

1. Always keep a "permanent" residence, especially if you have a compact state license. If you have a compact state license there are two benefits. First, you do not have to pay another compact state for licensure by endorsement and second, this is how "most" agencies will qualify you to use your compact license to work in another compact state free of charge.

2. As far as your experience goes, always be honest and fill out the agency skills assessment checklist accurately. Let your recruiter(s) know exactly what you are looking for. Tailor your assignment so that is about you, not the assignment. Always ask for an interview with the unit manager of the facility if you are selected. This way you can obtain a clear understanding of what is expected of you. During your conversation try to "flip the script" and always do the interviewing. Don't be fooled into thinking that you are the interviewee. Organizations know your value and if they are relying on agency/travel nurses they do really need you and your expertise.

3. Yes, recruiters work with RT, PT, OT, Radiology Techs, OR Techs, and even Surgical Instrument Sterilization specialists. Make your needs known and your recruiter will search for a facility that requires both of you. If that cannot happen they can search for adjacent facilities so that the two of you might even be able to stay at the same hotel together.

4. Yes, always let your preferred schedule be known. You will be asked what shift(s) you are looking for.

5. It all depends on the facility's need. Ask about the possibility for overtime. I worked 72-80 hours/week for about 4 months and in that situation the answer was an astounding YES!

6. Be careful in seeking others to mentor you as a traveler. Travelers are hired for their ability to hit the ground running with minimal assistance. In most instances, I have been the source of education and information for organizations for which I have traveled to. When you arrive at a facility as a traveler, staff members are quite aware that you are being paid more money. More often than not they are very envious. I would advise you to get as much experience as you can while you are rooted; before you start traveling.

Child1 · Jan 21, 2020

I’m not familiar with TN but I do know people who are currently doing it. And they love it.