1 yr & 4 months of exp, should I do travel?

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jun 6, 2012

You are expect to hit the ground running. That is what they have hired you for. There won't be lengthy orientations and the staff will expect you to be competent and not need much guidance...that is what they are paying for. That is usually why agencies prefer at least 2 years experience.

Good luck on your journey!!!

sauconyrunner · Jun 6, 2012

The idea of hiring a traveler is to have someone who is able to walk in to the facility, be taught any hospital specific policies, and any special computer systems, and take an assignment. They will expect you to know how to handle most normal situations. Some facilities will not treat you very well, others will be really happy to have help.

I've been a traveler, and worked with travelers. The way you are treated has a lot to do with how you handle your assignments, carry your work load etc. It can be difficult, and also at times, lonely...as you blow into town, and then right out of town. The more assignments I did, the "better" I got at functioning in the role of a traveller. I had come from a Level one trauma center that was very heavy on protocol, and went to so many institutions where policies were much more lax than I was used to...so I had a lot of surprises. Patients were all the same, and staff personalities were essentially the same, but being sure to do something the way your institution wants you to...is sometimes a challenge!

I recommend you sign on with a local agency and work some shifts at a few different locations, so you can get a taste of what it is like before you quit your job, or travel across country. I'm glad I did the travel nursing thing, but I also admit, I am now much happier to travel on Vacation!

RNewbie · Jun 7, 2012

I agree with the above posters. I think you can do it if you are confident in your skills and are adaptable. I had around the same amount of exp when I first traveled, and I did fine. I think it helped that I came fr a level one trauma teaching hospital and was exposed to just about every thing in my specialty. Now I work per diem at local facilities and it can be a challenge sometimes. I usually get sent to various units, diff policies and procedures on each unit. Things are stored in diff places. I always get a quick tour and ask about policies and procedures pertaining to my patients in report. Then i hit the floor running. I think if you try a local contract or per diem agency work you will know if you are ready. Good luck.

overtonis · Jun 9, 2012

JW, I'm nervous about taking on traveling nursing assignments mainly bc I do not have much exp. I feel like as travel nurses, you should know a lot of things already, am I'm right? I appreciate any inputs.
I know most places want at least 2 years of exp but there are some places that 1 year exp that they would still consider...

Your at the same point I was when I started traveling. I was fine and you will be too. Just be team player on road and they will help you out.