only 1 year PICU experience... can I start traveling?

[lonestar88]

Hello,

I've been reading a lot of the threads about travel nursing because I've been seriously considering it lately. I've always wanted to travel but obviously did not have the experience as a new grad and had a lot of obligations in my hometown that kept me from leaving. I am coming up on my 1 year at a pediatric intensive care unit and I really want to travel now. The threads are a bit overwhelming and I'm a bit intimidated by some of the contract terms (I'm not really understanding all of it and I'm scared I might sign myself into a bad contract). I guess my question is, one year good enough? I don't necessarily need to do intensive care. I am open to intermediate care or even general pediatrics. Are there any agencies that tend to have more pediatric assignment than others?

What is my first step? I've already narrowed to 3 agencies (Preferred Healthcare, NursesRX, and Medical Solutions). Should I just apply to them as my first step or is there more preparation to be done? I currently have a license in Maryland and from my understanding, as long as I am a resident here I can practice in all the compact states?

My plan is to talk to all these agencies and see if I can even secure any assignments before talking to my current manager about leaving...

[KayleighTravelNurse, RN]

Hey,

Yes you can travel as long as you have one have one year of experience. I work with Flexcare Medical Staffing and my recruiter is great. I also only started with one year of experience and love it! Where are you intersted in traveling to? I am in CA now the money is bet out here.

[lonestar88]

How long does the entire process take before you can get an assignment? I think CA will be a great place to start for me... where in CA are you? If you don't mind PM Aubrey's information, it'll be great. Thanks.+

[KayleighTravelNurse, RN]

It depends if you have your licenese or not. Could be a a week could be a couple months.