Travel nursing vs. Hospital

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I'm going to be moving to central California. Trying to decide on the best course of action for working in the area. Do I go with a travel agency or apply to a specific hospital?

Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

If you look up at the top of the screen where it says "U.S". Click on

that and then scroll down to "California Nurses". Ask in that forum,

they may be able to help you.

I would love to help you, but I've never even been to California,

lol. :)

Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

It depends on the lifestyle/career that you want. Do you mind working in a new place every 3 months, and possibly having a longer commute to get there? Do you need stable income or PTO or are you able to commit to working 12-13 weeks without a break? Do you have the experience required to work in many different areas (ICU, ED, peds) or will your travel options be limited by your past experience? Do you need employer-sponsored health insurance and do the agencies in that area offer plans that are affordable and meet your needs? Are you willing to take day or night positions and work a lot of weekends or do you want a more set schedule? Do you have social support in California or would your colleagues be your source of after-hours friendship? In addition to the pay, benefits, and potential for advancement, these are all things to consider.

Thank you so much for the advice. A lot to think about and consider. I was planning on applying to a hospital similar to where I currently work but many suggested I take a travel assignment. When looking a the vast amount of travel agencies, I think picking a hospital seems much easier.

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