3 answers
Niah
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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Travel Nurse Or ER nurse?
I want to be a nurse. There are so many paths I can take to go into this feild, so, I was thinking about travel nursing or working in the ER. Can someone in either of these feilds tell me how they feel about working in this enviroment? What do you enjoy and what are some things that you don't really like.
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3 answers
Martin Schoen
APRN
223
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Great question, and the good news is, you don't have to pick one over the other. A traveling nurse is a professional who signs a contract to fill in at places experiencing staff shortages. This role has its pros and cons. As a traveling nurse, you typically commit to a 12-week or longer contract at a designated location, giving you the chance to explore places you might not otherwise visit. It can be quite an adventure!
Depending on your contract, you might be assigned to a specific department in the hospital or asked to "float" between areas. You could also be required to work any shift unless your contract states otherwise. Your responsibilities will be the same as any other full-time nurse.
Most hospitals provide nearby housing, which may or may not involve sharing with roommates. Some even offer transportation to and from work. However, in bustling cities like New York, having a car can be more of a hassle due to parking issues. In more rural areas, a car is essential. You'll be away from home for the duration of your contract, which could mean being away from loved ones for several months. Some nurses love this arrangement, while others find it challenging. Once you arrive at your assigned location, you're somewhat at the mercy of the facility for the length of your contract. But if you're adaptable, this experience can be incredibly rewarding.
Working in the Emergency Department (ED), whether locally or as a traveler, requires experience, quick thinking, and the ability to handle pressure. It's a thrilling role but also has the potential to lead to burnout. Unlike working on the wards where you get to know your patients and their visitors during their hospital stay, in the ED, you're focused on addressing the immediate emergency. It's a fast-paced environment that changes daily. If the ED is busy, it's nothing like what you see on TV. The Covid-19 pandemic was a particularly stressful time, with long hours and high pressure. However, working in the ED can also be fun and rewarding, offering new challenges every day.
Depending on your contract, you might be assigned to a specific department in the hospital or asked to "float" between areas. You could also be required to work any shift unless your contract states otherwise. Your responsibilities will be the same as any other full-time nurse.
Most hospitals provide nearby housing, which may or may not involve sharing with roommates. Some even offer transportation to and from work. However, in bustling cities like New York, having a car can be more of a hassle due to parking issues. In more rural areas, a car is essential. You'll be away from home for the duration of your contract, which could mean being away from loved ones for several months. Some nurses love this arrangement, while others find it challenging. Once you arrive at your assigned location, you're somewhat at the mercy of the facility for the length of your contract. But if you're adaptable, this experience can be incredibly rewarding.
Working in the Emergency Department (ED), whether locally or as a traveler, requires experience, quick thinking, and the ability to handle pressure. It's a thrilling role but also has the potential to lead to burnout. Unlike working on the wards where you get to know your patients and their visitors during their hospital stay, in the ED, you're focused on addressing the immediate emergency. It's a fast-paced environment that changes daily. If the ED is busy, it's nothing like what you see on TV. The Covid-19 pandemic was a particularly stressful time, with long hours and high pressure. However, working in the ED can also be fun and rewarding, offering new challenges every day.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Niah
Maureen Komperda
Nurse Practitioner
25
Answers
Elmhurst, Illinois
Updated
Maureen’s Answer
Hey Niah, you are adventurous!
I loved emergency nursing. I was an ED nurse the first 3 years out of school. I worked as a nursing assistant for 3 years on the night shift in the same Emergency Department. There was a nursing shortage and the head nurse signed off on me performing skills done by RNs: IVs, vaccinations, lab draws. I was in heaven.
Before becoming a traveling nurse, I agree with others. You need to sharpen your nursing skill set, learn how to prioritize your patients and the work and learn to handle emergencies with knowledge and skill. No seasoned RN wants to have to "teach" a new nurse who travels. You are expected to "jump right in". Traveling is hard enough learning the culture, social norms, hospital or clinic without adding skills that should be brought to the table.
I was only allowed to go straight to ED nursing as I had 3 years student nurse experience. I asked and was immediately given an interview. Good luck on your journey.
I loved emergency nursing. I was an ED nurse the first 3 years out of school. I worked as a nursing assistant for 3 years on the night shift in the same Emergency Department. There was a nursing shortage and the head nurse signed off on me performing skills done by RNs: IVs, vaccinations, lab draws. I was in heaven.
Before becoming a traveling nurse, I agree with others. You need to sharpen your nursing skill set, learn how to prioritize your patients and the work and learn to handle emergencies with knowledge and skill. No seasoned RN wants to have to "teach" a new nurse who travels. You are expected to "jump right in". Traveling is hard enough learning the culture, social norms, hospital or clinic without adding skills that should be brought to the table.
I was only allowed to go straight to ED nursing as I had 3 years student nurse experience. I asked and was immediately given an interview. Good luck on your journey.
Erin Lee DiCiolla
registered nurse
5
Answers
Arlington, Virginia
Updated
Erin Lee’s Answer
Hello Niah,
You are interested in unique areas of nursing!
A word of caution about travel nursing - as a new nurse, I would choose a job that you could stay in for 1 full year. It takes about a year to feel comfortable with basic nursing once you graduate. That could definitely be in the ER. Whichever job you have, I urge you to consider staying for 1 year before getting into travel nursing.
You are interested in unique areas of nursing!
A word of caution about travel nursing - as a new nurse, I would choose a job that you could stay in for 1 full year. It takes about a year to feel comfortable with basic nursing once you graduate. That could definitely be in the ER. Whichever job you have, I urge you to consider staying for 1 year before getting into travel nursing.
Erin is right. You need to get the hang of prioritizing, your skill set, and emergencies.
Maureen Komperda