Traveling Nurse

[BIGBRO71]

Hi. I'm curious about the traveling nuses. What is this about? The New grads can do it? What are tha benefits? Does anyone knows? Thanks

[bagladyrn, RN]

Hi. I'm curious about the traveling nuses. What is this about? The New grads can do it? What are tha benefits? Does anyone knows? Thanks

There are multiple threads on these questions on the Travel Nurse section of the board.

In a nutshell:

No - this is NOT a job for new grads. You need to be able to walk onto a unit in a new hospital for the first time and be ready to take on a full load immediately. At the most you may get 1-2 shifts of orientation (paperwork and where things are located - NOT how to perform patient care)

The money can range from slightly less to somewhat more than the staff nurses, you don't generally get vacation or sick pay, you may have insurance benefits (but not including dependents), your housing costs may be tax free - if you have a qualifying tax home.

The biggest benefit for the experienced nurse is the opportunity to see the country and stay out of hospital politics.