2 answers
5
Updated 530 views

What is some good advice for a current nursing student who eventually wants to work in pediatrics as a travel nurse?

I am starting the ABSN program at UNC Chapel Hill this summer and my dream is to work as a pediatric travel nurse. Right now, I am not entirely sure what department or specialty I want to work in. I am curious what the best unit to choose is, if my goal is to work as a travel nurse. Any advice about this at all would be appreciated. For example: What would be a good unit to work in for travel nursing? How many years of experience should I gain first before working as a travel nurse?

nursing healthcare nurse spring26 pediatric-nursing travel-nurse
Answer This
5

2 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Maria’s Answer

Hi there! You've set a great goal for yourself. If you're a nursing student, don't worry about having your entire career planned out right now. The best pediatric travel nurses develop their skills gradually, step by step. Most agencies prefer pediatric travel nurses to have 1–2 years of recent bedside experience before they start traveling. So, your first aim should be to become a confident and skilled pediatric nurse. You've got this!

Maria recommends the following next steps:

Focus on becoming excellent before becoming mobile. Travel nurses often get short orientation and are expected to adapt quickly, so your future freedom will come from having a really solid clinical foundation.
Try to get pediatric exposure during school whenever you can. If you can choose rotations, externships, tech jobs, volunteering, or capstones, lean toward pediatrics, NICU, PICU, pediatric ED, or children’s hospitals. That helps you confirm you truly enjoy working with kids and families.
After graduation, aim for a staff RN role in pediatrics first. That first full-time job matters a lot more than people think. It’s where you build assessment skills, medication safety habits, family communication, and confidence under pressure.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Maryann’s Answer

Hi Eliza! Congratulations on starting your ABSN journey! It's a great idea to explore different areas like PACU, Pediatrics, NICU, and Emergency while you're on the floors. This will help you become a well-rounded nurse. Travel nurses have the chance to work in various departments based on hospital needs. I suggest getting 1-2 years of bedside nursing experience before diving into travel nursing. Wishing you the best of luck!
0