too early to travel?

[JenRN]

I have been an RN for 3 years now. I started as a vascular surgical nurse (med/surg type) for 2 years, and then began in the NICU in July 05 (off orientation Oct 05).

So, it is now Sept so technically I have been in the NICU over a year, which is the minimum most companies want. I am just about to give my notice to my mgr (who I am so afraid of- she has no respect for novice nurses that jump jobs after a yr!) and sign with a company to begin in November.

I am just anxious. Have any of you traveled in such a specialty like NICU after just a year of experience? My recruiters (from CCTC and rn network) have both told me that "most" companies want more experience but "not to worry". I am worried of course! I dont want to quit my job here and be jobless or restricted out in southern California (where we are headed).

Any advice?

[maggiedanurse]

don't quit your job until you have a contract in hand. if at all possible take a three month loa. i work with rn network and they don't have a habit of deceiving. i agree not to worry cuz they let the potential hospital know your experience and the hospital not the travel company make the decision. if you are scared go to a smaller hospital, just to get the feel of it. then you have more experience and you can advance upon it. i think what you did was the right way to go and encourage everyone to do what you did!