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What is it like being a traveling nurse?

What is it like being a traveling nurse? What is the schedule like? Are your coworkers nice and do you infect with them a lot? Is it fun meeting the new people you help?

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Hediye’s Answer

What is it like being a traveling nurse?
Well it was many years ago I did this. I had 4 years of experience on various medical surgical floors before I traveled. I worked with two different travel nurse companies over a period of 2 years. I typically took 3 month contracts. Three in a year so I have at least one week off in between to travel back home to see family. I was mostly in the south east during fall, winter early spring seasons in smaller hospitals. on 8-hour shifts, evenings or nights, and every other weekend of course. I got housing with a new roommate each rotation in each new location.

What is the schedule like?
Back in the day 8 hour shifts evenings, nights every other weekend, holidays.

Are your coworkers nice and do you infect with them a lot?
Yes I made friends with fellow travelers and permanent staff. Kept up with many of them for years afterwards.

Is it fun meeting the new people you help?
I enjoyed new people, new systems, new topography, I love travel and exporing. But after two years of a new "home" every 3 months and always being the new kid, it got a bit old.

Hope this gives you a bit of a different perspective.
Good Luck
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Joan’s Answer

Hello Cathrine,

Embarking on a journey as a traveling nurse is indeed an exhilarating prospect!

Originating from the nursing deficit in the United States during the 1970s, travel nursing emerged as a unique specialty. Travel nurses, who are Registered Nurses (RNs) with diverse clinical experience, are employed by independent staffing firms. They are temporarily assigned to various care sectors to bridge the gap in short-term employment needs.

As a travel nurse, you have the privilege to serve in different states or even venture abroad as an international travel nurse. The thrill of exploring new opportunities, coupled with the benefit of earning a higher-than-average salary, makes travel nursing an appealing choice for many RNs.

However, it's important to note that travel nursing also presents its share of challenges. Constantly relocating to different states or countries and frequently adapting to the role of "the new nurse" can be demanding. The need to familiarize yourself with new organizational structures and workflows can be particularly daunting.

If the idea of becoming a travel nurse intrigues you, a good starting point would be to investigate staffing agencies that focus on travel nursing. The American Nurses Association (ANA) is also a valuable resource for more detailed information about this career path.

I trust this information will assist you in weighing the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing a career as a traveling nurse.

Wishing you all the best on your journey!
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hi Cathrine,

Here's some friendly advice from www.iAsk.ai Ask Ai Search Engine:

Travel nursing is a thrilling and enriching career path, but like any other, it comes with its own set of unique experiences and challenges.

The work schedule of a travel nurse can be quite diverse, influenced by factors like the assignment and location. Some assignments might last a few weeks, while others could extend to several months. The unpredictability of the schedule might mean working long hours, night shifts, weekends, and even holidays. Adapting to different time zones and cultures is also part of the job.

Coworkers

One of the most delightful parts of being a travel nurse is the opportunity to work with new colleagues from diverse backgrounds and cultures. It's a chance to collaborate with different healthcare professionals. But remember, it's crucial to maintain professional boundaries and adhere to infection control protocols to keep everyone safe.

Meeting new people

As a travel nurse, you'll meet and assist new people regularly. It's a rewarding experience to make a positive difference in people's lives and help them recover from their ailments. But it can also tug at your heartstrings, as you may form bonds with patients and have to bid them farewell when your assignment ends.

In a nutshell, travel nursing is a fulfilling yet challenging career. It offers the chance to meet new people, work in various locations, and gain invaluable experience. But it's important to stay professional, follow infection control protocols, and be ready for the unpredictability of schedules and assignments.

Here are some authoritative references that might help:

1. "Travel Nursing: A Guide to the Profession" by the American Nurses Association (ANA)
2. "The Travel Nurse's Guide to Success" by the National Association of Travel Health Nurses (NATHO)
3. "Travel Nursing: A Career Guide" by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN)

Wishing you all the best,
Take care,
James.
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Amy’s Answer

Travel nursing is not just a job, it's an exciting journey filled with rewarding experiences. Imagine having the world as your workplace, getting to explore and experience new places. Many travel nursing assignments even offer housing provisions or allowances, making it an even more appealing choice.

When you embark on a travel nursing career, you have the freedom to choose your preferred locations. You can start locally to test the waters, or dive right into distant places you've always dreamt of exploring. From my personal experience, the locations and units you'll be working in are genuinely grateful for the extra help. They're not just workplaces, but welcoming communities.

Before you set off on this adventure, it's beneficial to have a few years of nursing experience under your belt, specifically in med-surg or ER. This way, you'll have refined your assessment and nursing skills, preparing you for the journey ahead. Remember, adventure is waiting for you just around the corner!
Thank you comment icon Thanks so much for responding! I will remember this in the future! Cathrine
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