Traveling to relocate permanently.

[Cammack, RN]

I have been a nurse for 3yrs now. I have done PCU/Stepdown, Med/Tele and outpatient Family practice (for the Army). I am going through a divorce and have moved from NY to CA to get back on my feet. I'm living with my family and its driving my crazy. I know for a fact I do not want to live and raise my girls in the CA. I am looking to move to WA for now. Unfortunately, we pretty much have nothing and are starting from the ground up.

Long story short, I have been thinking about travel nursing as a means to relocate and start new. Just trying to see what others opinions are as I have never traveled before....keeping in mind it is just me and my 2 girls (2 and 6).

Thanks for any input!!!

[NedRN]

In your shoes, I think I would focus on perm positions (you say you want to end up there anyway). For travel, you are competing with a lot of other nurses in your specialty for limited assignment and with no travel experience yet, you don't have a lot to work with. Going to WA will pay more permanent, and get you relocation expenses most likely. With no money, I think it is a lot safer for your family.

[Cammack, RN]

Thanks!

Has anyone used these travel agencies for permanent placement?

[NedRN]

A lot of agencies increased permanent placement during the downturn, but not too many made a go of it - just not enough hospitals hiring. Right now, we are in a transition where hospitals are afraid to hire permanent so travel is much better business for agencies and they cannot find enough travelers in specialties. This is probably going to be the case through 2014 when hospitals will have a better idea how the ACA (Obamacare) is going to play out.

You can try larger agencies, but since you want to go to WA, I'd try going through all the hospital websites to find open positions. You can also try HRN, an agency with a strong presence (and main office) in WA for travel and perm.