Travel Nursing -Lots of questions!!

7 posts · started Feb 12, 2010

pottenlr Feb 12, 2010, 5:51 AM
I just was wondering what the criteria is for a travelling nurse? I am getting my BSN in another year, I will be 21 when I graduate. My boyfriend, who I will most likely find myself married to is going to be a physicist and says that he will need to move around a lot, because he plans to most likely work with military bases...

Is it possible a travelling nurse would work out in that situation? Just how often does a traveling nurse move around?


I'd love to hear more! Please please please, reply!

Thanks! :) :banana:
AmandaWIRN Feb 12, 2010, 12:01 PM
Like other nursing jobs, travel nursing positions have gotten more competitive lately. The minimum requirements are at least 2-3 years of experience as an RN in your chosen specialty area. In the past, you could get an assignment with only one year of experience, but with less jobs available, hospitals are requiring more experience nowadays. The typical travel contract is for 13 weeks. If the hospital has a need, and they like you, they may ask you to stay longer, if you want. There are some shorter contracts available (as short as 8 weeks), but most contracts are for 13 weeks.
AmandaWIRN Feb 13, 2010, 8:43 AM
I am not traveling anymore, but I have traveled to Naples, FL; Salisbury, NC; Cedar Rapids, IA (twice); San Diego, CA; Ft. Lauderdale, FL; & San Antonio, TX. I traveled with RN Network for all of my assignments.
pottenlr Feb 14, 2010, 7:33 PM
AmandaWIRN wrote:I am not traveling anymore, but I have traveled to Naples, FL; Salisbury, NC; Cedar Rapids, IA (twice); San Diego, CA; Ft. Lauderdale, FL; & San Antonio, TX. I traveled with RN Network for all of my assignments.
Wow, that's just awesome! :)

And I'm not surprised, really. I was thinking some form of experience would be necessary.

Do they pay a lot more in comparison to nursing on a med-surge floor routinely, as in for years? I mean money isn't a huge factor to me at the moment, but I am curious.
AmandaWIRN Feb 15, 2010, 8:57 AM
Travel positions generally pay more, plus you should be getting free housing, travel reimbursement, and free benefits. You are making more as a traveler because you are expected to function independently with only 1-2 days of orientation, and you will often be given the more difficult assignments. Traveling can be financially beneficial, but is sometimes more stressful than working as a regular staff nurse.