Trouble Finding a Travel Nurse Job

NedRN · May 9, 2013

If you were a manager, and you are presented with someone like you, or someone with 10 years of big city experience and 3 years travel, which one would you pick? Why?

You need to get a first assignment under your belt, anywhere, and then you will be more marketable. Right now, no one, and I mean no one, knows if you can adapt quickly and hit the ground running with minimal orientation. So you are a big risk. You'll have to start with a crappy hospital or a location no one wants to get your foot in the door in your specialty and your level of experience. Then you will have more location choices. Good luck!

adpnurse · May 10, 2013

Thank you for the advice! It sounds like that's what I'll have to do in order to reach my goal of working in a big city.

Traveldee · May 12, 2013

Hi! I have a little over two years experience in PCU and am looking into travel nursing for the first time. I want to work in a big city, but I'm having trouble finding a job because a lot of the hospitals do not want a first time traveler. Is this something common? I was under the naive impression that I could just pick any city and go. Anyone else have trouble finding jobs in their desired location?

I agree with what NedRN says. Also, are you signed up with at least a few travel agencies? I'm an LD nurse and moving to Arizona for my first travel job next week. I have an up to date profile with four different travel agencies. Some had better opportunities than others for a first time traveler. Also, if you are still having trouble finding an assignment, consider signing up with one of the larger travel agencies that typically have more contracts. Arizona wasn't my first choice on location, but I liked the other aspects of the assignment, and I really wanted a first assignment under my belt. Hopefully I'll enjoy this one and in the future have more opportunities for locations. Anyways, good luck with your search!