Experience

[jlsmithaustin@yahoo.com]

I am have currently been working for an overflow Med/Surg floor since becoming an RN 8 months ago. I was an LVN who did Nursing Homes/SNF since 1995 and went back to school to enhance my career. I am wanting to start traveling ASAP. Does anyone know of any travel companies that would accept me with my current experience?

[onetraveler]

I am have currently been working for an overflow Med/Surg floor since becoming an RN 8 months ago. I was an LVN who did Nursing Homes/SNF since 1995 and went back to school to enhance my career. I am wanting to start traveling ASAP. Does anyone know of any travel companies that would accept me with my current experience?

I'm sure there are some who would, but they shouldn't.
Many travel positions give you the bare bones orientation, i.e. fire safety, HIPPA, etc. And you are on your own. You might end up working nights, weekends etc with no back up. NO aides etc.

Hospitals are paying a premium for travel nurses they want their money's worth. Are you ready to float? That can be a big part of your assignment. Some don't worry about floating but with only 8 months as an RN you might be overwhelmed.

I was an LPN for 17 years. I thought being an RN would be a walk in the park at that time. What I found out is: you don't know what you don't know.

Are you ready to be in charge of a large M/S unit. That might happen too. And please don't forget that just because they have hired a traveler that they will be well staffed then. The unit could still be understaffed. I've been working 55-60/week since last May. Albeit in different areas but all the same every where I've been lately there is no core staff. All travelers.

Good luck. I'm glad you feel confident but get that next 4 months under your belt. I believe you'll be glad you did.

:luck: :luck: :luck:

[sandy740]

I agree, please don't jeopardize your license by letting a money hungry company take you before your 1 year of experience. Wait it out, it's not that much longer. That will also prevent you from doing travel to certain states in the future. If you ever want to travel to AZ, you should wait 2 years. The registry out there requires 2 years of a core staff position to qualify for their hospitals, and they are strict about it.

~A Friendly Recruiter

[CBartley123]

I would say that another avenue that you may want to go is to pursue another permanent opportunity in another place. I recruit for full time positions across the country and I could name a few places that I know would be happy to have you on board full-time, and some will pay you a large sign on bonus with direct-billed relocation. As hospitals begin to focus their staffing efforts toward full-time staff instead of the quick fix with travel nurses, this may be a great way to stay in a place for a year or two, collect some extra money and get some valuable experience at the same time.

Connor Bartley
cbartley@martinfletcher.com