Traveler in PACU without PACU experience?

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Hey guys!

My husband and I are planning on doing travel nursing next year before we finally "settle down" and start having kids. BY the time we travel, I will have about 14 months experience in a neuro ICU at a level 1 trauma center. I also have about 3 years experience on a step down unit in the same facility. My plan is just to work ICU during my travel assignments. But here's my question: How hard would it be to get a travel RN position in PACU? I realize I wouldn't be as desirable as someone with PACU experience, but I feel like my other experience would make up for it? I'm asking because I'm planning on working PACU anyway when I come back after a year, but I wanted to get some insight from you all to see if it would be a possibility before then. Thank you all for you time!!

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You can always ask agencies if they can place you in a recovery position, but 14 months in an ICU barely qualifies you for ICU along with your step down experience. Staff first for a year in the PACU, then yes.

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Specializes in ICU, and IR.

I do get offered jobs in PACU all the time but I have years of ICU experience. Also Neuro is limiting you as well, so PACU might not work. I agree with Ned stick it out for a while then consider traveling. Or move to the specality you want put in at least 2 years then travel.

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That's good advice. Thanks for the insight! I think I would agree with you both.

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I'm an ER nurse. My first travel job was a PACU position. I had NO experience.

Good luck

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