traveling in this economy

[PrettyinPink1234]

ok i know this has been widely discussed on this board but i still don't quite know what i should do....so advice would be appreciated.

i currently have a job in a CVICU where i have been over 1.5 years, plus i have a PRN job in another ICU. I feel very fortunate to have two jobs right now, because all i see when i turn on the news is more people losing their jobs.

i would love love love to travel and have been planning on travelling this coming august for quite a while, until i started talking to people who know travelers who are getting cancelled left and right and can't find good jobs where they want to travel. so i really need to know first hand how it is working out for you guys....and can someone also explain to me if the "guarenteed pay" even if you are called off works.

thanks you guys!

[Cali]

In my opinion...right now is NOT a good time to start travel nursing. If you have a job, KEEP IT. I've been a traveler for about a year and as soon as my assignment is over, I'm looking for a permanent job. There just aren't alot of travel positions or nursing jobs period. My hospital is starting to cancel shifts due to low census. Lots of contracts are getting canceled and nurses with permanent jobs are getting laid off. My current contract is over in 9 weeks and I'm scared to death that I won't be able to find a job. I had a hard time getting my current contract.

[crystal013]

i agree. My assignment is over tomorrow and I am taking a full time job starting next week and feel fortunate that my old hospital is taking me back.

Now is NOT a good time to start traveling. If you have a job, stay in it for now. Things will change hopefully down the road.

[neurorn6]

From the listings that I have seen posted, things seem to be picking up. If you want to travel, you need to be very flexible. I am getting calls daily. While the economy is slow, people still get sick and still need healthcare. You need to be able to weather the current storm.

[eriksoln, BSN, RN]

Well, as far as gauranteed pay goes, the hospital I am at cut my contract short by 5 weeks (gave me 4 weeks notice). A few GNs were hired (this floor is suitable for GNs) and the need for travelers diminished greatly. There is no replacement job in sight.

[crystal013]

Yes, neuro RN I am sure that you have some choices out there now. You have several areas that you can work in, but there is not much out there for L&D nurses.

I'm going home.

[wanderlust99]

Since you don't want to travel until August, HOPEFULLY things will pick up by then! If you wanted to do it right now, I would say no...it's just not the same anymore. I know many ICU nurses who can't find jobs. I am praying things pick up by spring time this year.

And guaranteed pay even if you don't work. You are required to work a certain number of hours per week. Usually 36. If the hospital cancels you, your company will probably take out some money out of your paycheck for unearned housing. They are paying your housing, so you are expected to work a certain number of hours.

I have gotten put on call by my hospital several times and have been unable to make up the shifts, so my paychecks recently haven't been as great as they should be.

[caliotter3]

Based upon people's stories about what is happening out there I would change my plans to travel and hold on tightly to the jobs I already have.

[RNontheroad]

I agree. It would be wise to stay put for now. I know it is disappointing, especially if you have been planning this for awhile.

Unfortunately the lack of jobs and the stress of finding a good assignment, is taking alot of the fun out of travel. It would be even harder for someone who is new to travel and just starting out with a new agency. Dont put yourself thru that!

The timing will be right eventually. They will always need us, just not as much right now.