What is it like?

Hello everyone, I am new to this website. When I was in high school & found out about this career (travel nurse) I became fascinated with the idea of living in different places & working. I thought of it as a journey full of different people and a lifetime full of memories. I have an Associates in Applied Sciences, and I plan to apply to nursing school for the Fall 2014.

I would love to hear any experiences/advice/suggestions, as to how it is to be a travel nurse. I want to know how you handle the moving part, if you're currently in a relationship (and how you manage) *I never really took this into consideration, and it has made me think twice this career*. Also, any cities/places that you liked/disliked, and what type of opportunities being a travel nurse can open up (like would you be able to participate in the Red Cross, or Peace Corps?)

Thanks for all the feedback, God bless.

Find a partner who either can work from home or is also a healthcare traveler. Also someone who shares the same dreams and desire to travel! If you've already got someone, well I don't know if I would want to do this by myself. My husband works from home and comes with me everywhere. I am sure nurses could join peace corps, but probably not paid, I have never considered this. I love traveling! The only downside I Have noticed is that it's hard to find good benefits. Hardly anyone seems to do paid vacation time, bonuses, or offer affordable quality health insurance. But you do get 401k and free rent, so I guess you take the good with the bad.

My advice is to decide on a specialty first and work towards getting really good at one particular type of nursing. You will need 1-2 years of nursing experience before you can travel. As a travel nurse, we often have 1 week or less of orientation at a new job, so they expect you to be an expert at your specialty. Good specialties to have can be anything from ICU, ER, labor and delivery, OR, PACU, Peds, Tele, cath lab, etc. But don't expect that people are eager to hire into these specialties right out of nursing school. So I guess if you're starting school I'm 2014. Maybe can graduate by 2017, and then by 2019, you should have enough experience to land a travel nurse job! Plenty of time to learn about different specialties and this field as a sub specify. Look through some old forums for more advice/experience. Good luck!

I just completed my first contract which I extended for another 10 weeks. Difficulties were transportation, mail, personal relationships. I flew to CA from KY. Hospital was only 2 miles away, and alot was within walking distance. But if you wanted to go anywhere else city bus, Bart, Rent car, or don't go. Had to depend on my daughter at home to read mail and let my know of anything important to address immediately. I am lucky to have a very supportive boyfriend, we talked everyday. But it can still get lonely. I've met some really great people along the way though. Learning as I go. making changes as needed as I go. Love it!