Travel vs. Permanent relocation

[LuvaBSNRN, BSN, RN]

So I have 2 years experience in a Level III NICU and I would like to try something new possibly next year. I'm a Floridian who experienced the NE area (specifically Washington, DC) when I went away for college to obtain my first Bachelor's degree. I decided to come back to Florida once I completed my studies due to personal reasons.

At this point I would love to return to that area (DMV), but I am having a difficult time deciding whether to take a travel assignment up that way or to just permanently relocate! I have read several threads here and elsewhere about the travel market not being so great right now, but I am thinking things may be different next year.

I guess what I am having difficulty with is say I decide to travel and there's an assignment available in DC for a specified amount of time. If I take the contract, fall in love with the facility and at the end there aren't any permanent positions available I will be devastated, but this is a risk I am taking correct? On the otherhand, if I relocate permanently and find a great hospital then it's all good!!! With that in mind, I would have an advantage with traveling if I am stuck at a not so great facility I know that I only have to be there for the length of my contract!!

UUggghhhhh...I feel so confused about which path to take!! Has anyone ever been in this situation before?? Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!!!!

Thanks in advance :)

[Bella RN, BSN, MSN]

Just try traveling. Make life easier:)

[LuvaBSNRN, BSN, RN]

LOL...ok thanks!!!

[Argo]

Traveling is good if your not sure. So travel because your definitely not sure.

[Phunkywonder]

Here's a great article that will add more fuel to the fire about travel nursing! Hopefully this helps you make a wise decision.

http://travelnursingblogs.com/travel-nursing/travel-nurse-pay/

[msnurse14]

I had the same situation happen to me not too long ago. I decided to relocate permanently in order to gain ICU experience for when I travel. Although I love the hospital, I'm not to crazy about the area. My mind keeps going back to travel nursing. I would do travel nursing which allows you to test the water before you committ to anything.

[PedsNurseLA]

A nurse at my work took a personal leave to go travel. She went to the new state for her 13 week assignment and they asked her to extend. She kept extending until she could not extend (based on her travel contract limit or hospital rules, not sure) and she had to decide to leave or take a permanent position. She took a permanent position and her personal leave from my work was just cancelled. Im sure managers were not all happy but oh well its about you.

I would travel first and make sure it is 100% for you. If they dont extend/ask you to take a permanent position but you want to stay then look for other places in that area through your travel agency or decide then to move there permanently and either apply to other places around there or return to your old job until you can find one and head there again.

Thats what I would do, hopefully you do not have a family/kids that will be going back and forth though, then this idea wont work well.

[LuvaBSNRN, BSN, RN]

Thanks everyone for your responses...I think I'm going to take the plunge next year :)

[bbedit]

Thanks for the thoughts. I am also on the fence about taking a travel assignment or moving permanently. I am looking at DC specifically b/c my family is there. I am concerned about getting placed on a bad assignment or in a weaker hospital. I have worked in a hospital for 3+ yrs with computerized charting and am trying to get prepared that the travel hosp will only have paper. Anyway. Thanks for the thoughts, everyone!