1 year med/tele experience looking to travel in LA

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I will have 1 year of med/tele experience by October this year and would like to start doing travel nursing as soon as possible (will be 31 by then!). I would preferably like to work in the LA area initially. If anyone can help out with any of these questions, that would be great!

1. Anyone have a feel for how "marketable" I would be as a travel nurse? I know 1 year is the minimum required experience and specialty areas like ICU and ER are in much higher demand. I have looked at some travel agencies' openings and have seen a few med/tele positions. Would I be better off switching to an ICU position here in town and then traveling after 1 year? Or are there ample positions for a med/tele RN with 1 year experience?

2. Any particular agencies to recommend for LA?

3. My husband will also be traveling with me. How often does agency housing place you with a roommate?

Thank you!!

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1. Not very marketable or competitive. Yes, you would be better off as an ICU nurse with two years (not one) of experience.

2. Nope. Call lots of agencies and pick several you like to work with.

3. Never. If you take the housing stipend, you can certainly choose any housing you like.

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Thanks for the quick reply @NedRN. I know I wouldn't be very marketable, but is it possible for me to find an assignment? I know it's hard to say but would appreciate your opinion

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Dunno. Try calling some agencies. Chances are you won't be very happy with the crap hospital that will take you.

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While I've worked with some travelers who only have a year of experience, they tell me their options have been limited because a lot of hospitals insist on two years (or five). And the listings on the agency websites don't always correspond with reality anyway. But you don't have much to lose by signing on with agencies and explaining that you'd need to give three weeks' notice to your current job if they find what you're looking for. Still, if you get that first job, no guarantee there'll be a second one waiting for you, and so on. I think you'll be better served by another year in your current position, if not two more in ICU. In my experience a nurse with one year is just beginning to be competent. Use the next year to get charge nurse experience and ACLS, if you don't have those.

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My former roommate has 13 mos of m/s experience and she received a traveling assignment in Oakland. My coworker has 18 mos of ICU experience and received numerous offers all over Cali. There's definitely hope! Good luck

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Specializes in ICU/PACU.

I think 2 yrs is the minimum. You may be able to find a contract with 1 year, but think what happens after. You're a nurse with 1 yr and 3 months experience and will still have trouble finding a job. Not having steady work as a traveler can really hurt you financially.

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