Travel, is it safe in this economy?

gnursjr2 · Apr 27, 2011

I would think real, long and hard before quitting a perm job to travel.

I am currently on my first travel job,making excellent money, but no health benefits, no job security except for 13 weeks. Even though I have a nice housing stipend, my job is in a very expensive city in California, and I pay a premium for rent, food, gas, etc.

Travel has been ok, so far, but as a traveler, I am finding the perm staff does not really want any input from you, just be quiet and pass the meds. It is kind of like you are on the outside looking in all the time, and no one can hear what you are saying. I find my self feeling pretty lonely, as I am the only female traveler, and the other two male travelers are married.

So, my advice is think it over carefully. Also, it is not an easy task to find a good recruiter these days, I find it like dealing with used car salesmen. I don't mean to put a negative vibe on things, but this has been my experience.

larniegrl · Apr 29, 2011

Traveling is awesome! Its also challenging, and frustrating. You are expected to hit the ground running with little to no orientation. You get to see the "world", meet new people and find out how nursing changes state to state. Pick your agency with care, you can find some really good ones out there that offer good housing, travel reimbursement and per diem rates. Know that all these numbers bundle into your total pay.

If you enjoy spontaneity, change and finding out whats around the next corner than you should definitely leave your perm. job for travel nursing. I am in CA at the moment, and have spent time on the coast and in San Francisco, and are heading to Yosemite soon. I love getting to see so much. You will work VERY hard, but it stretches you and gives you great experience.

GleeGum, BSN, RN · May 26, 2011

I'm 40 and traveling with my husband (stay at home dad) and 3yo son for the past 16 months and I've been an RN for 5 years. We are only doing this short term (maybe another year) and it's been hard and great.

It's hard work, you need to be confident in what you are doing. Negotiating through travel companies and recruiters takes time and work, but I have three great recruiters (now) and one in particular comes through for me everytime. Jobs can be hard to find if you are specific to some locations. be prepared to not have a job for a few weeks.

It's a great adventure. I'll never look back and wonder what it would have been like if I stayed in one place. visiting places I may never get back to. experiencing different hospitals.

Two years is good I think, it's important to feel confident and knowledgable.

Enjoy it if you do choose to do it! and remember the recruiter really does matter. if you want suggestions PM me.