Traveling Nurse Couple+Kids

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Specializes in Neuro ICU, SICU.

Looking for tips on husband/wife travel nursing with small kids. I know some people do it....I would like to hear first hand experiences from people who do. How do you ensure you get to work opposite shifts in order to make sure someone is always off with the kids. Is nights or days easier for schedule? How do you manage with 1 vehicle? Find your own housing or take the provided housing? Do you have to find new pediatricians in every city? Take agency health coverage or do your own policy?

I could probably think of a thousand more questions, but I just really want to get the feel of others that are doing this?

My wife is currently doing first assignment but it's not far from home and Im currently in a staff nurse position, but we are really wanting to travel further away after her contract is over.

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No kids yet but my husband and I are both RNs and possibly interested in traveling so I will be following this thread!

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Specializes in Peri-Op.

That will be tough but if you find the right recruiter they can help you. You will have to pick assignments carefully as some specifically say you can pick your schedule or that they are flexible. Also if you can get in a place looking for 8 RNs in the same dept you are likely to get the schedule you want.

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Personally, I think you have awesome potential here to work opposite days. I would ask for guaranteed stacked shifts for both good work flow and parenting (with one day off together for family time). Make sure the interviewing manager knows the if the schedule is deviated in the slightest, you will be taking that day off. Family first.

You may also be able to pull this off at two different hospitals in the same urban area. But it seems to me that a manager would be delighted to have the consistency of two nurses working opposite days, especially if you are willing to do the weekend. Assuming they need two travelers and that you both work the same specialty.

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Specializes in ICU, and IR.

not only do I think this is possible but I think its ideal, one can take the housing and one can take the stipend. Your schedule would be the most important thing to negotiate for.

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Specializes in L&D.

currently traveling with our 2 y/o, i haven't taken her to a pedi here because she is super healthy and just needs routine immunizations. If your kids get sick though would be good to establish a pedi in each place.

agency health insurance is ridiculous- the ones i have seen charge astronomical premiums, so good luck with that part... HEALTH INSURANCE IS A MESS.

my husband stays home with our child- which obviously is ideal , but with both parents working you would definetely have to negotiate your contract with a set schedule, have a day off where the whole family can be together, if you work nights it would get difficult because you HAVE TO SLEEP or your parenting and nursing and whole life will suffer. if She works 3 nights in a row and you're off those 3 nights and then vice versa ... A good recruiter will be able to help you, but HOW THE F DO YOU FIND THE RIGHT RECRUITER FOR YOUR SITUATION!

I think you should go for it, the money is great, you could even do where she works a 13 week contract and you stay home, then you work a 13 week contract and she stays home (the money is good!!!) BUY A BICYCLE- you will only need 1 vehicle if you COMMUTE TO WORK VIA BICYCLE. We make it work with one vehicle no problem, but because i LOVE riding bike-rain or shine, snow or sleet :).

so i don't know if I gave you any help?

GET YOUR OWN HOUSING. you will take home a lot more $$ if you get your own rental.

You'll figure it out, if all is meant to be it will be.

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I currently travel with my spouse and child. I switched to a different agency which actually has a small focus on assisting traveling families as well. It has been a good experience thus far. Second assignment with them. I hope to go I.C. eventually but that's an entirely different story. To answer some of your questions:

1. My spouse works from home so if you all could alternate assignments so someone is home with the kiddos that would be ideal.

2. I work nights and it is great.

3. One vehicle is all we've needed and has been fine.

4. We took company insurance at first but are now on a private policy. Works just fine.

5. I work in OB so if they need a check up before we get back to our home state physician we just get recommendations from staff. Benefit of working in healthcare. So just visit or call the OB or Peds floor and ask.

Hope this helped a little. There is a lot more I could say but I'll leave it at that. All in all its a great experience for the entire family. 1.5 years in! Best of luck.

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Do tell us the name of this agency. Allnurses allows agency names, just not recruiter names. What do they do special for families?

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Specializes in Peri-Op.
Do tell us the name of this agency. Allnurses allows agency names, just not recruiter names. What do they do special for families?

They say they do special things for them.... ;)

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May I ask which company you are working with? I look to start my first travel position soon and would love to check into a company that is family friendly.

I currently travel with my spouse and child. I switched to a different agency which actually has a small focus on assisting traveling families as well. It has been a good experience thus far. Second assignment with them. I hope to go I.C. eventually but that's an entirely different story. To answer some of your questions:

1. My spouse works from home so if you all could alternate assignments so someone is home with the kiddos that would be ideal.

2. I work nights and it is great.

3. One vehicle is all we've needed and has been fine.

4. We took company insurance at first but are now on a private policy. Works just fine.

5. I work in OB so if they need a check up before we get back to our home state physician we just get recommendations from staff. Benefit of working in healthcare. So just visit or call the OB or Peds floor and ask.

Hope this helped a little. There is a lot more I could say but I'll leave it at that. All in all its a great experience for the entire family. 1.5 years in! Best of luck.

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