[parkl3]

I'm currently in my 3rd semester of nursing school working towards my BSN and I currently work as a NAP in the ICU. I am interested in travel nursing, is there a company I can join as a new grad? If so, how soon should I start applying?

parkl3

[AmandaWIRN]

I highly doubt you will find any company that will take you as a new grad, and any company that would is one I would question their integrity as a travel company. Please remember that you will learn more in your first 1-2 years as a nurse than you ever did in nursing school. For this reason, new grads need to have an extensive orientation with a preceptor- usually at least 3 months of orientation, more in areas like ICU, OR, or ER. As a traveler you will get 1-2 DAYS of orientation- that's it (and that includes learning the hospital's charting system). After 1-2 shifts of orientation, as a traveler, you will be expected to function completely on your own as an RN. You will have to take a full load of patients, and will not have a preceptor to go to all the time with questions or help. Traveling as a new grad would be VERY dangerous for both your patients & your license! Take the time to get at LEAST 1-2 years of experience in your chosen specialty before traveling (that's the minimum requirement for travel companies anyways).