New RN: When Should I Travel???

Hey there!

My name is Garrett. I am an RN in the Medical ICU of a 250 bed hospital in East Texas. I got my license in June or 2005 and have about 6 months of ICU experience.

My wife's parrents are both travel nurses with extensive experience and lots of good stories about traveling.

My wife and I are planning on relocating when my 2 year contract is complete at the hospital where I am now. We were thinking of taking some travel assignments to the area we plan to move. My wife is very eager to move and is asking me to leave after 1 year at this hospital and start tavelling then.

My question is this: How much experience do most nurses suggest that a new RN have before travelling? Some agencies are taking nurses with as little as 6 months experience.

I feel very aprehensive about traveling with only 1 year ICU experience because of the stories I've heard from fellow nurses.

What do you suggest? Please Help!!

Thanks!!
Garrett

I started traveling 1 year out of school. I worked on an oncology unit and haven't had any problems with experience or lack of. I have learn tons and tons of skills while traveing. So far, hospitals have been great for me. I am sure you have gotten tons of experience working in ICU, but you do need to feel comfortable with your knowledge thus far.