Where is the money at?

TJG618 · Oct 1, 2008

Just to give you a little perspective (and a good laugh!) - when I started as a new grad in Amarillo TX in 1998 I worked for $12.50/hr. It seems pretty awesome to be starting out at over $20/hr! My base is now $30/hr after 10 years. Good luck to you!!

gonzo1, ASN, RN · Oct 1, 2008

Travel nursing can be lucrative for some. If you don't already own a home and can move easily every 3 months.

I have done some travel assignments and spoken with many travel nurses. Most agree that the money is usually a wash and that the real "pay" from traveling is getting to see new places, people, and work experiences.

Many travel to be near relatives etc.

If you try to travel before you are experienced and comfortable with allmost all procedures, ie: chest tubes, intubation, drips such as dopamine, foleys, vents, cpap, etc then you are risking your license and patients lives.

My travel experiences were mostly positive and I would actually return to the same places.

At one place I was given 4 hours orientation, at another 2 days. Staff may (did) give you a hard time until and unless they decide they like you. Assistive personen will put you on the last of who to help list because they know you will be gone in 3 months and they won't get in trouble if you complain about them.

Also your posting may be full of other travelers who are nice and helpful, but don't know how to do half the stuff because they haven't been there long either.

I have found nursing to be the best paying job I have ever had, but I had to start at the bottom and work my way up like everyone else.

Most nurses I know have a staff job and do a day or two agency for extra cash after they are experienced.

Most money is earned on nights, weekends and overtime of which there is an ample surplus.