What if you want to take a long trip?

tencat · Jan 20, 2006

Good for you! You should enjoy life because you never know what the future holds. My hubby and I did the travel thing, and when we were both in our early 30's we had a kid. I don't regret waiting. But, we were both in education, which allows for large chunks of time off. It worked well. How about school nursing? Or PRN nursing? With PRN you wouldn't have the benefits, but it might be worth it, from what I've heard from a friend of mine who did PRN for several years. I'm a student right now, so probably not the best source of info!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2006

I'm envious. I hope you have a good time.

We have per diem positions that are "no committment". Meaning if they want three months off, they take three months off. Ask your manager about a position such as this.

TazziRN, RN · Jan 20, 2006

Just ask your NM if you can take a leave of absence to do this. If you give her a definite return date she could very well be willing to work with you.

shammy · Jan 20, 2006

Ask your manager about a leave of absence, it that doesn't work ask about changing to per diem (you would have some good experience to make per diem work for you)... and if all else fails, there is agency nursing.

And have fun traveling around!

NJLPN · Jan 20, 2006

I say go for it. in three months there will still be a need for nurses. If you leave on good standing maybe you can be rehired when you return. Good luck!! :)

mom23RN · Jan 20, 2006

Oh, how much fun!!!!!! My brother and his wife both quit their IT jobs the summer before they married and spent 4 months backpacking in Europe!! They had such a GREAT time!!! Actually when they got back my brother's company hired him right back (gave him his seniority and everything) and my SIL found a better job!

Go for it! You will NEVER regret it!!!

MarySunshine · Jan 20, 2006

Wow, thanks for much for all of the encouragement! We're totally going to go for it. I'll let you all know how it works out. I was just a bit worried that I was going to be throwing a real wrench in my career. I know that they always need nurses though, and my nurse manager appears to be a reasonable sort of person.

We want to do Western Europe and the Middle East. Of course, we want to do the whole globe, but that will have to wait a little bit. We're figuring out the logistics now. :)

llg, PhD, RN · Jan 20, 2006

Obviously, there is nothing wrong with what you want to do. However, just as obviously, it probably doesn't "fit" well with your employer's need for staff members who work consistent schedules. Previous posters have given you good advice about some options that might be available for you.

However, if those options are not available to you, be prepared to do a little negotiating with your current employer. Understand that you might have to actually resign your job and get re-hired when you return -- and that might mean a loss of seniority and the benefits that come with it. Also, understand that your employer might be willing to be flexible every few years, but not on a yearly basis. The cost of "re-orienting you" needs to be taken into consideration and they will want to minimize that. So, if you are going to be asking them to be maximally flexible to meet your desires, you'll need to understand their perspective and be flexible enough to help them minimize the problems your "comings and goings" will cause for them.

Good luck,

llg

funnygirl_rn2 · Jan 20, 2006

Wow, thanks for much for all of the encouragement! We're totally going to go for it. I'll let you all know how it works out. I was just a bit worried that I was going to be throwing a real wrench in my career. I know that they always need nurses though, and my nurse manager appears to be a reasonable sort of person.
We want to do Western Europe and the Middle East. Of course, we want to do the whole globe, but that will have to wait a little bit. We're figuring out the logistics now. :)

Hi MarySunshine. I hope you are able to obtain a sabbatical or like Tweety said, work per diem. I love to travel & I too, like to play hard/work hard. You are right about your youth & you never know how much travelling you can do when you get older & may not have the good health to enjoy it. I say.....GO FOR IT!! Start saving now for that trip!

Also, you mention you wanted to see the Middle East as well. Please send me a pm if you are interested in visiting Turkey. There are some wonderful & awesome places to sight-see in Turkey. I lived in Turkey for a little over a year & travelled throughout the country. Turkey is relatively cheap, lots of history, historical ruins, great food, lovely carpets & way too many "gold" shops, not to mention nice/friendly people.

Lizzie

funnygirl_rn2 · Jan 20, 2006

I'm envious. I hope you have a good time.
Me too Tweety...I have got the urge now to travel!

gypsyatheart · Jan 21, 2006

You have lots of options:

Per diem employment

Agency nursing

Leave of Absence

Quit and start working again when you return

I say go for it and have the time of your life!