travel nursing w/ a toddler

[ashley45_91]

i will be done with LPN school in july and would really like to do travel nursing after i get some experience. my son will be about 3 by that time, and his father will also be coming. my main concern is, will it be hard having a little one? do the agencies have any way to make child care arrangements?

has anyone travelled w/ their family before and how was it? it's something that i would really like to do and i think it would be good for my son too. but on the other hand i worry about him not being moved around. i know this wouldn't be possible once he started school unless i took longer term assignments.

also, do they have family friendly housing? places that would be big enough? thank you!! :)

[Dixielee, BSN, RN]

I have known quite a few travelers with children. With a young child, it is much easier because you don't have to worry about taking them out of school. I have know some with school age kids who work in one area for the school year and then another shorter assignment for the summer.

If the father is with you, then all the better. I don't think a kid cares one way or another where they live as long as they have the people they love are with them and can provide that security. As they get older and develop friendships it will be harder for them to make the change, so if you are going to travel, then by all means do it!

I don't think you will find a particularly child friendly company, but they will do their best to accomodate your needs. You are always free to take the housing stipend and find your own housing. Most of the housing that I have taken has been in family oriented apartment complexes. Just ask for housing in one that accepts children. You may even be able to find one that has onsite childcare. Be aware though, that most, but not all travel jobs are going to be for off shifts, evening, nights, etc.