3 answers
Aliyah
Student
Frederick, Maryland
1
Question
Asked
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My dream is to become a Pediatric travel nurse, if during my journey I realize this isn't the unit I want to work in what is the process of switching units?
I am a senior in High School, I've always had an interest on working with kids especially in the medical field.
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3 answers
Christine R.
Registered Nurse
47
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Christine’s Answer
That is a great question, since you haven't started nursing school the great thing is you will get exposure to different areas during your course of study, med-surg, psych, pediatrics, OB and probably others. Generally a lot of nursing students will gravitate towards a certain area while they are completing their studies. The other plus is that once you pass your NCLEX and get licensed you never know where you might end up. Generally once you are working and have some experience its easier to move around so lets say you gravitate towards peds, work in that area for a bit and decide well, its not for me...you can always look for other jobs in different areas. So it's not necessarily one of those things where you pick a speciality and you're stuck with that forever (unless you want to be).
One other side note about travel nursing, is generally at least when I had a stint as a travel nurse the assignments were only 3 months. Some might be longer and some might opt to extend your contract. The thing I did enjoy about being a travel nurse was if I didn't love the city or the facility I was working in 3 months can go by rather quickly so keep that in mind. That's great you are thinking about these things ahead of time, but just remember keep an open mind while you are in school and when you eventually start your job search. Wishing you the very best!
One other side note about travel nursing, is generally at least when I had a stint as a travel nurse the assignments were only 3 months. Some might be longer and some might opt to extend your contract. The thing I did enjoy about being a travel nurse was if I didn't love the city or the facility I was working in 3 months can go by rather quickly so keep that in mind. That's great you are thinking about these things ahead of time, but just remember keep an open mind while you are in school and when you eventually start your job search. Wishing you the very best!
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Aliyah !
This is some information for you to be more informed about the career you're interested in.
You would first obtain your degree in Nursing and your license or credential according to your state's requirement. You would then need to work in a clinical setting 2 - 5 years as a nurse. Some Travel Nurse Agencies require different lengths of time for clinical experience, but you must go into Travel Nursing with a broad range of experience.
What you have described is not Travel Nursing, rather it is termed "floater". That means you work for one hospital or facility and they send you to different departments within the same facility. That isn't travel nursing. You'd have to be open to working in any department they need you at. There should be no reason a nurse would end up not liking a specific department unless there is an employee situation and then you'd go to the employee Human Resources Department to talk out the issue.
As a Nurse working anywhere, if there are any issues, you would go to your manager or supervisor to communicate what is happening. If you start working someplace and decide you don't like it, it's not going to look good if you say "I don't like working in that unit send me to a different unit", so be prepared to work with all patients in all units as a nurse and as a floater nurse.
As for Travel Nursing, you may not be sent to Pediatrics, you'd have to be open to working in any department with all patients of all ages. Travel Agencies send Nurses where they are needed. It could be the hospital around the corner, a different city or state or overseas.
After you're credentialed, start applying for Pediatric Nurse positions and you may be able to get a position for your first job. Get the experience and eventually you'll get the feel of what you prefer, but the training is multi-faceted and the positions for work are in a wide range. and if you need work, you should apply for all openings.
I just wanted to let you know all this so you'd be informed. Your nursing school will be a source of support for you with all the information about Nursing and the careers. Best wishes to you in all you do !
This is some information for you to be more informed about the career you're interested in.
You would first obtain your degree in Nursing and your license or credential according to your state's requirement. You would then need to work in a clinical setting 2 - 5 years as a nurse. Some Travel Nurse Agencies require different lengths of time for clinical experience, but you must go into Travel Nursing with a broad range of experience.
What you have described is not Travel Nursing, rather it is termed "floater". That means you work for one hospital or facility and they send you to different departments within the same facility. That isn't travel nursing. You'd have to be open to working in any department they need you at. There should be no reason a nurse would end up not liking a specific department unless there is an employee situation and then you'd go to the employee Human Resources Department to talk out the issue.
As a Nurse working anywhere, if there are any issues, you would go to your manager or supervisor to communicate what is happening. If you start working someplace and decide you don't like it, it's not going to look good if you say "I don't like working in that unit send me to a different unit", so be prepared to work with all patients in all units as a nurse and as a floater nurse.
As for Travel Nursing, you may not be sent to Pediatrics, you'd have to be open to working in any department with all patients of all ages. Travel Agencies send Nurses where they are needed. It could be the hospital around the corner, a different city or state or overseas.
After you're credentialed, start applying for Pediatric Nurse positions and you may be able to get a position for your first job. Get the experience and eventually you'll get the feel of what you prefer, but the training is multi-faceted and the positions for work are in a wide range. and if you need work, you should apply for all openings.
I just wanted to let you know all this so you'd be informed. Your nursing school will be a source of support for you with all the information about Nursing and the careers. Best wishes to you in all you do !
Miha B
Academic and Career Counselor | Human Resources Specialist | Internal Auditor
30
Answers
Winter Park, Florida
Updated
Miha’s Answer
Hi Aliyah,
That's an exciting dream to pursue!
Gain Experience in Pediatric Nursing: Before switching to a different unit, you'll first need to gain experience in the pediatric unit, as most nurses start by working in a specialized unit like pediatrics to build their skillset.
Speak with Your Nurse Manager: If you realize that pediatrics isn't the right fit for you, the first step would be to talk to your nurse manager or supervisor. They can guide you on what the process looks like at your specific facility and whether a transfer is possible.
Check Travel Nursing Agency Policies: If you're working as a travel nurse through an agency, they usually have a process for switching assignments. You would need to inform your recruiter about your preference to move to another unit, and they’ll help you find opportunities that match your new interests.
Assess Your Skills & Qualifications: Sometimes switching units requires additional training or certifications (e.g., critical care or emergency room nursing). Be open to expanding your knowledge and skills, and consider pursuing courses or certifications that would allow you to transition to a different specialty.
Explore Other Specialties: If pediatrics isn’t your thing, you could consider other fields like neonatal care, labor and delivery, or emergency nursing. Travel nursing offers lots of flexibility, so you'll have opportunities to try different units and find the one that feels like the best fit.
Network with Other Nurses: Connecting with nurses who have worked in different units can be really helpful. They can share their experiences and give advice on what to expect in other units.
It's totally okay to shift your focus as you grow and learn more about yourself. Nursing is such a versatile field, and your career path can take many exciting directions!
That's an exciting dream to pursue!
Gain Experience in Pediatric Nursing: Before switching to a different unit, you'll first need to gain experience in the pediatric unit, as most nurses start by working in a specialized unit like pediatrics to build their skillset.
Speak with Your Nurse Manager: If you realize that pediatrics isn't the right fit for you, the first step would be to talk to your nurse manager or supervisor. They can guide you on what the process looks like at your specific facility and whether a transfer is possible.
Check Travel Nursing Agency Policies: If you're working as a travel nurse through an agency, they usually have a process for switching assignments. You would need to inform your recruiter about your preference to move to another unit, and they’ll help you find opportunities that match your new interests.
Assess Your Skills & Qualifications: Sometimes switching units requires additional training or certifications (e.g., critical care or emergency room nursing). Be open to expanding your knowledge and skills, and consider pursuing courses or certifications that would allow you to transition to a different specialty.
Explore Other Specialties: If pediatrics isn’t your thing, you could consider other fields like neonatal care, labor and delivery, or emergency nursing. Travel nursing offers lots of flexibility, so you'll have opportunities to try different units and find the one that feels like the best fit.
Network with Other Nurses: Connecting with nurses who have worked in different units can be really helpful. They can share their experiences and give advice on what to expect in other units.
It's totally okay to shift your focus as you grow and learn more about yourself. Nursing is such a versatile field, and your career path can take many exciting directions!