[1chris]

I was an LPN for 5 years now, I just finished my ASN, in fact my RN licence just came in the mail. I was hired by this local agency but they offer very few shifts per week. I am thinking about traveling nurses, any one have any opinions on agency work or travel nursing? I heard the incentives for travel nurses are excellent so Im anxious to hear your opinion. Thank you so much.

[Anonymous]

First off you really need a full year of experience in your speciality before you travel..If not for your own piece of mind but usually it's required by the hospitals. IMHO that's good.

So maybe you could use this year to hone your skills and research travel nursing.

You'll be surprised at how much difference there is in the role of an LPN and an RN...If you are getting in the $40's for agency you probably won't do as well traveling.. Of course traveling offers guaranteed hours ( get that in your contract) and has bennies i.e health insurance, pension tools etc.

Good luck


WR,,, three commas for Becca

[Shelly Levitt]

Congratulations. Have you ever thought of what you would like to specialize in? And what about a new grad program to jump start your career? Just a suggestion.

[Anonymous]

I've been doing hemodialysis for 7 years now.. Don't think I need a new grad program. But thanks for the suggestion.


WR,,, three commas for Becca


P.S. Been a nurse for 24 years in total.....

[nurse4eva]

Hi just wanted to respond about Travel nursing...I have done Travel and there are perks and negatives as in any area of practice. First, you really do need a year of med-surg at least to hone your clinical skills.Travel nurses get very minimal orientation...the saying is "you hit the floor running"...so your skills must be strong and you must be able to work independently.Travel nurses are not the most welcomed staff members in a facility and are not well accepted by permanent staff for the most part. You have to be confident and assured in order to survive 12 weeks on an assignment in hostile territory.Ok now what are the perks? Well the pay can be phenomenal..especially for critical care...medical surgical as well depending on the contract. Many travel registries pay bonuses for completion...they provide housing which can be very luxurious and well equipped for your use.Travel nurses usually have medical insurance from day one...direct deposit pay...utility allowance for the housing..and reimbursement for reciprocal licensure and travel costs up to a certain amount.I enjoyed seeing new places and having new experiences but had a recruiter that didn't keep me busy so was sent home without a contract a few times.I liked working in neighboring states because otherwise you will need a car rental to get around.If your single and have no responibilites tying you down, travel is great.I even took my cat with me on assignments...paying a security deposit to the housing I was given.Be prepared for the process though...everything is done through overnight mail...contract...physical etc. Interviews are done by phone from the hospital you will contract with.All in all when you first start it takes time getting al the paperwork completed but once it is on file your on your way and the next contract you won't be required to complete that paperwork.Licensing can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 weeks depending on the state and some require specific CEUs...although there are "walk through" states that you can work with your home liscensure. I hope I gave you a little insight...and good luck!