from new RN to Travel Nursing...what are the steps?

[vinnyp1]

I am in an AS Nursing program and will be looking to travel asap...how can I get this done in the shortest amount of time?

[AmandaWIRN]

You need to have at LEAST 1-2 years experience in your chosen specialty before you think about traveling.

[HeyFraydo]

For new nurses that want to Travel a compromise you can make is to look for a job with a large sign on bonus and maybe relocation pay. Possibly as part of an internship for a year.

This way you can get away, get paid well, get some good training and some bonus money.

All the Companies/Hospital require one year minimum in your specialty and some want more. I've heard stories outside of these parameters but it is not advisable.

CJ www.TravelNurseToolbox.com

[Anmutasc]

I also wanted the fast track from new nurse to travel nurse and realized after leaving my first hospital and started up at a new hospital that I had a really hard transition learning a new way of doing things and new policies, and took me at least 6 months to get used to a new hospital and I was a nurse for almost 1 1/2years in the ICU when I switched. that made me realize that as a newer nurse it would NOT be smart to start traveling until you felt completely comfortable in whatever your specialty was. I started traveling after being a nurse for 3 1/2 years and still had a very difficult time with only 2 days of orientation and having to learn everything so quickly and with not much support from the permanent staff. So I suggest waiting until you are really good at what you do, maybe had the ability to work at another hospital as well before starting traveling. its your license at risk... and your patients life, so definetly worth it to wait to travel until you are comfortable with your skills and adapting to change.