When can I apply?

[DeLynn, RN]

I'm looking to start an assignment this winter, how soon do I start applying to agencies? How long does the whole process take before your assigned?

Also, I had 1 year on a Med-surg floor as an LPN before getting my RN, do they include that time with your experience?

Thanks!

[IdahoNurse]

I'm looking to start an assignment this winter, how soon do I start applying to agencies? How long does the whole process take before your assigned?

Also, I had 1 year on a Med-surg floor as an LPN before getting my RN, do they include that time with your experience?

Thanks!

You can usually be on the road within a few dys once all your paperwork is completed and you've interviewed with the hospital. I personally, would give yourself a month cushion to be safe, but usually two weeks from the time you start looking for an assignment until you hit the road. You will need one year as an RN before taking a travel assignment. Experience doesn't make as much of a difference in travel nursing, it depends mostly on location. Your LPN will look good on your resume in helping you obtain a position.

[Billy5949]

You can usually be on the road within a few dys once all your paperwork is completed and you've interviewed with the hospital. I personally, would give yourself a month cushion to be safe, but usually two weeks from the time you start looking for an assignment until you hit the road. You will need one year as an RN before taking a travel assignment. Experience doesn't make as much of a difference in travel nursing, it depends mostly on location. Your LPN will look good on your resume in helping you obtain a position.

what does that mean 'experience doesn't make much difference'?

I am getting ready to start traveling, and I am nervous as heck -

nervous that I am getting in over my head. But I keep telling myself that you never know until you try!

[IdahoNurse]

what does that mean 'experience doesn't make much difference'?

Doesn't make much difference in that staff jobs are "pro-rated" according to how much experience you have where travel nursing jobs are "pro-rated" more on the location of the assignment, not how much experience the nurse has. To travel to med-surg and lower level areas you need one years of experience, and with ICU and ER you really need two years.

Hope that this explains it better!