I am in my 2nd year as an RN and want to start travel next year. I have been on M/S floor but would really like to change to the ED or OR. I dont want to shoot myself in the foot by changing depts and then finding out that hospitals/agencies do not feel that one year is enough experience to work in those areas(mainly the ED). Any advice?
PMRN,
The only advice I would offer is that you would need to determine yourself which you would rather do, travel or change specialty. If your decision is money motivated, it has been my experience that it isn't worth being miserable going to work every day. Probably not much help but I wish you the best with whatever direction you choose.
Adam
I started traveling after 1 year of ED experience, after switching from Peds. I didn't have any problems finding an assignment, but you might need to be a little more flexible with locations for your first few assignments. I have 2 years of ER experience now, & have more options available to me now, but there are assignments available for nurses with only 1 year in.
I did not enjoy M/S nursing as much as I have enjoyed ICU or CCU.
A few years ago, I worked a 5 year period in M/S and it does help with time management and I liked seeing my patients discharged with a smile on their faces(You don't see that often in Intensive Care, unfortunately)-but I don't regret changing and getting experience so I could travel with my present specialty.
:cool:
From a recruiting stand point; Most travel assignments will only hire you in the current specialty your in. I've gotten some nurses in with as little as 6 mos experience. If you want to make a transition into the ER, do it now.
I say switch! It will make you a more rounded nurse, having both M/S and ER experience. You will find a job as a travel RN after 1 year experience...it might not be the location you want but after several assignments (like AmandaWIRN said) you will have more to choose from. Where did you want to travel to?
Thanks for the advice. I have put in my transfer to the OR but its not looking too promising due to my lack of experience. Its one of those catch 22type situations. Cant get a job without experience/Cant get experience without a job. Im going to stay hopeful. As far as travel destinations go I am pretty open at this point.
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