[zerka]

I am an RN with a master's in public health nursing. I graduated in 1997. I finished studying the clinical nursing part about 1995. I became a psych nurse for a year and a half at a psych hospital and then went into public health (desk job) for 4-5 years. Now, I dream of becoming a travel nurse. I thought I'd take a nurse refresher course, get a med-surg job for at least a year. Does anyone have other ideas about what would be necessary for me to make myself ready to become a travel nurse?

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I am on my 6th assignment as a travel nurse. One thing you should be careful of is choosing a refresher course that is approved for your state. I was researching the Alaska license application and noticed that they don't accept "just any ole course". Med/surg, IMHO, is a great foundation for nursing. You should be prepared to work nights as a traveler the majority of the time. Yes, there are day jobs out there but they are few. And M/S, unfortunately,doesn't pay as well as some of the other specialities. You could always take another year and specialize if you want to. I believe M/S nurses work hard and deserve premium pay.. But then again I believe all nurses deserve more pay.

WR,,, three commas for Becca

The name's changed but I will always be WindingRoad

A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and sings it back to you when you have forgotten how it goes.

[CCHADWI]

Most companies and most hospitals want at least a year of current nursing in a hospital for travelers. Once you have this you can go anywhere, and get licensed anywhere.

I agree with WR there about MS won't pay as much as a specialty will, but some hospitals will cross train you if you're lucky while you're doing MS.

The more flexible you are with where you want to go, and the more flexible you are with shifts you'll work, the better your chance at finding a position is.

Although, be very careful, because there are companies out there that will take advantage of your lieniency (sp?). Make sure you trust your company, and make sure you research companies, and ask around for advice, and background of them.

Best of luck. Keep us posted, and if there is anything we can do to help, let us know.