Photo Credit: PereSoto Media ™
Taken in the Mojave Desert
The decision to go into travel nursing was a difficult one for me. Leaving my “secure” full time position as a staff nurse in the emergency department, which offered health insurance and benefits, to go into the unknown world of travel nursing is not an easy choice to make. I contemplated the pros and cons of this decision based on my lifestyle and goals. I’ve always considered travel nursing as one of my professional goals but never really thought of “when is the right time?”. I’d come to a point as a staff nurse where the staffing crisis was trending upward, more travelers making a significant amount of more money than I was were coming into my department to do the same job, and the allure of traveling and working was becoming hard to resist. A big consideration for going into #travelnursing was the amount I was traveling on my time off. If I had a stretch of at least three days off, I was off to my next travel destination.
Coming closer to my “decision” day where I handed in my resignation, I had massive anxiety and doubts regarding my decision. “Am I making a mistake?”, “What if I can’t find work where I want?”, “Will I be homesick?”. Hundreds of unanswered questions were running through my head and because I am a type-A personality, a dive into the unknown is terrifying. I did A LOT of research into #travelnursing, travel nursing agencies, different state taxes, short term living, #moneymanagement, the list goes on. After picking an agency and getting in contact with my #nurserecruiter, I felt more secure about my decision. This was right for me.
" Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore" - Andre Gide
#Jobsecurity is every nurse’s concern when it comes to travel nursing. In travel nursing, you might not get your desired #assignment or state. Have an open mind and prepare to take assignments out of your specialty. It's only 13 weeks or less. If you have a good recruiter, they will work out these kinks for you and reach to get the assignment of your liking, in the area of your liking. Make sure your recruiter is working for you and is accessible. If the recruiter you’re working with is not responsive, run for the hills! Reach out to the agency and request another recruiter. Another detail that factors into making you marketable for travel nursing is education and experience. I suggest having a minimum of 2 years experience in your specialty and your BSN. Many agencies take nurses with 1 year but remember you’re expected to know everything regarding your specialty without much guidance (you get one day of orientation, if that).
The week prior to my start date, those anxiety filled thoughts crept up again. “Was the money worth the cross country move?”. After sitting down with my financial advisor at #Krakenfinancialservices I was able to quell those doubtfilled feelings. We created a budget based on the income and cost of living in the state I was traveling to. We also created an emergency fund in case the contracted assignment went ary and to cover emergency expenses. I also applied for the health insurance provided by the nursing agency and opened an #Acorns account to start my own retirement fund. I suggest a short disability plan (optional) in case you get sick and can’t work while on an assignment. Travel nursing has its pros: more money, travel to different places, absence of hospital politics, etc., etc., but the cons are there as well. Depending on your contracted agency you will accumulate sick time (approx 1 hour per pay week) as you work. If you’re working the typical 13 week assignment, this gives you ONE full sick day after completing your first assignment. I got sick during my first assignment (screw COVID) but luckily (or not) it was during my 4 day stretch of nights off. I also suggest liability insurance, depending on the agency you might be covered or you might not be. Better safe than sorry.
Another huge factor into the decision making is having a support system. Leaving to an assignment for an average of 13 weeks is hard on the psyche depending on your emotional attachments. Thankfully I have a great support system which I kept in contact with during my time zone different assignment. Having friends and family to talk to during my assignment helped me get through the time away from home. Having my significant other come with me on my assignment, enormous bonus. 10/10 recommend, if possible.
My last week as a staff nurse I spoke to my manager in regards to staying per diem. I felt it was necessary to keep a safety net back home in case I chose not to travel again. I explained my travel assignment to my manager, and because she’s awesome, they switched my status to per diem. I recommend keeping a per diem job if you’re new to travel nursing because it gives you, not only the sense of security, but an out if this lifestyle is not for you. I know many hospitals have per diem requirements so talk to your management and see if they’ll work with you.
My first assignment in California was filled with travel nurses who took me under their wings and gave me a massive amount of advice. I noticed that travelers recognize travelers and we all kind of just stick together. I was able to travel within the state and see all the beauty California has to offer. I met people from different walks of life, ate different foods, and learned about the community I was working in. California was amazing. Where am I now? I’m currently on my second assignment in my home state. Travel nursing has given me the opportunity to work in different level ERs and meet different calibers of nurses. I feel secure and happy about my decision to go into travel nursing. #Travelnursing is for me.
I will be posting in depth the experience in California soon. Sign up on my website to get the latest updates on #SojournRN.
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