Traveling Nurses?

[MaggieMai]

Hello,

I am a volunteer at a hospital with a BA in art. I was planning on getting my masters in nutrition, however, have absolutely fallen in love with my volunteer position and know for sure that I want to be a nurse. I am applying for an accelerated BSN program and some community college programs, I will take whatever I can get for now because all I want to do is be a nurse. I just have this curiosity about becoming a traveling nurse and would love to know anything anyone would like to offer about it. I am a 25 year old single woman who has not fulfilled my traveling itch yet and think that it would be perfect for me. I would just like to know facts about it, if anyone has any to offer. Or if anyone has advice about there being no jobs right now? I thought nursing schools were opening up more programs like accelerated BSNs and getting rid of wait lists at community colleges because of the need for nurses? I know I sound naive for asking this because I think thats just the way it always is with everything government-run, slow and backwards, but really? I don't mean to offend those of you looking for jobs, but is it really as bad as everyone is saying? And traveling nurses are those jobs in demand at all? Thank you for your responses

[gonzo1, ASN, RN]

Right now nursing jobs are very hard to come by, esp for new grads. Many nurses have come back into the field to support their families as spouses lose jobs. However, this cycle comes and goes on a regular basis. Nursing is a great job and the market will open up again, so if you want to be a nurse, go for it.

Same thing for traveling. Hospitals are pulling in their belts and right now there are very few travel jobs open around the country. But this will change for the better again too.

Traveling is a great thing. You learn a lot, about the job, other people and yourself. You must have great skills and be able to reallly stand on your own two feet. The truth about traveling though is that it is not as great money wise as the myth would have you believe, but it is great for the adventure.

You shouldn't travel though unless you have at least 6 months worth of money saved because many nurses find themselves with canceled contracts and no money to go back home.

When you are a nurse, get a couple of years experience and then go for it. When you are ready there is a lot of info out there to get yourself started. And you can private message me if you ever want more info

[brownbook]

Even with nurses being out of work, our surgical clinic is currently using a traveler who is an experienced OR circulating nurse. Circulating nurses are specialized, kind of hard to get your foot in the OR door, and because of that in demand.

[LevitateMe, RN]

i agree with gonzo, get some experience and money saved up 1st. i have seen other posts about contracts cancelled or not having a new one to sign and being stuck somewhere, so having the cash to fly home on is important. and as i posted somewhere else, if you are worried about finding a job to get experience, (esp since you are already a volunteer) go talk to HR at the hosp you volunteer at and see if what they say. they may be more apt to hire you on seeing your dedication as a volunteer.

[tonebudsid]

A lot of people think that Nursing or any profession in the medical field are immune to our disastrous economy. Nursing is a profession that looks good on the outside, but it can be a nightmare on the inside. I had no idea that there are so much caddy, power-hungry people in a severely politicized career. I would advise everyone to start off working as a CNA, Med-aid..something. 6 people from my graduating class (RN-ADN) are without work. Jobs are scarce and most employers want some kind of Nursing experience before consideration. Since you volunteer, that will definitely help you out.