I am a new RN with 1 yr postpartum/mother-baby couplet care experience and I was interested in getting opinions from travelers on how long I should wait before traveling as a postpartum nurse. I transferred to NICU two months ago to gain some ICU experience; however, I'm now interested in traveling as a postpartum nurse beginning in June. Does this sound reasonable? The threads I've read suggest 1-2 years and I'm wondering if I should wait another year. All feedback helpful!
Thanks,
Ciela
It depends on if you feel like you have a strong, solid base. Did you work in an intense/busy position. I have worked with travel nurses who were used to a quieter setting with less demands that have just about drowned at a assignment that is demanding. I only had 1 year of intensive care experience before I started traveling but had 3 years as a med/surg/truama nurse before that. It just depends on you and your situation. Many companies only require 1 year experience. Just my opinion. Good luck and keep us posted!
It all depends on how comfortable you feel. If you feel comfortable enough to be able to go into a new facility and work on your own with only a day or two of orientation, then go for it. If you're not sure if you're ready or not, then give it another year.
