Traveling RN agencies?

[NEH08]

Can anyone share experiences with these? I am hopefully going to be entering an accelerated BSN program soon. I have a friend who recommended looking into traveling agencies, but I don't really know where to begin. I'd appreciate it!

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

You need experience to be a traveler. You are expected to jump in to a unit with minimal training and perform up to par.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

I have been a nurse for 29 years. Recently traveled to the Mayo Clinic, AZ and Kaiser in Honolulu. Wonderful opportunities,,,, however, yes. you need to perform to their standards with minimal orientation. Took all I had.

You will need to learn their electronic documentation, the staff, the doctors.

You will need superior clinical and interpersonal skills. I am done with the effort, not worth the experience, best of luck.:redbeathe

[himilayaneyes]

Most travel agencies require 1-2 years of acute care experience in your specialty before they'll even consider hiring you. I work agency per-diem and you're expected to jump in and do everything right with little to no direction. I definitely wouldn't suggest it for a new grad...you'd risk your license if you did.

[NEH08]

Thanks all! I will have to ask him about his experiences, as he jumped right into it out of school. It does sound like a pretty high-stress environment.