Traveling nursing

Editorial Team / Admin · Nov 8, 2015

Welcome to allnurses.com

Thread moved to Travel Nursing.

pinktermite · Nov 9, 2015

You should have at least two years experience. Ideally be in an area in demand. In no particular order OR ICU L and D or ER. Those four give the most choices and the better pay. Beyond that have fun it's a great lifestyle!

8-ball, BSN · Nov 9, 2015

Also keep your living cost to minimum and don't get too tied down. I don't know where you are located but if you can get into a compact state that may help too.

NedRN · Nov 9, 2015

Also keep your living cost to minimum and don't get too tied down. I don't know where you are located but if you can get into a compact state that may help too.

Until Massachusetts joined compact licensure, it was easy enough to say that pay is better in non-compact states. It is still generally true, but not as easy to through out there as a general rule.

The reason is that many states not in the compact are heavy union states where staff nurses are paid better and so are travelers. Restricted ability to practice increases pay. A nursing license does that generally, and when it is harder to get, it has to pay more. The obvious example of this is California where it now can take several months to get a license. Clear example of restricted ability to practice.

There is almost no restricted ability to practice in compact states. Thus any demand is easily met by holders of compact licenses and keeps bill rates down.

I'd have to say now that having a compact license generally keeps travelers looking in just other compact states and lowers their income. Thus having a compact license may not be a benefit especially if you are working medsurg or other entry level specialites. Hot specialties can be well compensated for travelers in every state.

8-ball, BSN · Nov 10, 2015

I see what you mean...My plan was to get liscence in other states as well especially California, but to reside in my home state of TN where I fall under a compact liscence. I think I learn something new every day on this forum.

NedRN · Nov 10, 2015

No harm living in a compact state especially as it is more likely that housing is affordable. It does give you more options on states you are ready to go to at the drop of a hat. It is just my contention that because of that ease (it is a pain to get additional licenses for those of us who do not live in compact states), it is human nature to take the path with the least friction. Which may not be best for your income.

Entravel · Nov 10, 2015

My three large pieces of advice would be:

1. Get 2 years of experience

2. Specialize, specialize, specialize (like the previous poster mentioned; L&D, OR, ER, ICU preferably)

3. Remain flexible (marriage, kids, animals, etc.) You can still travel with any of these and it can even be an amazingly fulfilling experience, but it can imped on your flexibility.

Travel nursing is great!