Should I Travel Nurse?

[ontheEdgeof17]

Well. Here I am. In Morgantown, WV. Medicore friends. A BF, whom I haven't talked to since I've been back from Vegas. A job I am comfortable in, with great co-workers. Freedom. Lonliness. A dead-in.

All my life, I have wanted to explore. I have yearned for lifelong friends. People that I can invite over for dinner and drinks. I don't have that here. I haven't found someone to be there for me. Although my work gives me the time and resources to travel, it's just not the same by myself.

I feel like travel nursing is a good opportunity to venture out on my own, maintain a job, and meet new people and have new experiences. But I'm afraid. What if that doesn't happen? What if I want to come back here, but my job will be gone? What if I get really homesick? What if my parents become ill? What if my jobs suck and are difficult to handle? What if it's me that needs to change and not my enviroment?

There are sooo many "what ifs". I'm so depressed here. I want to move on. On the other side, I would leave a good job behind for one that could be more stressful. Is it worth it? Is it worth leaving what I know for the unknown? Is it worth leaving so called friend for the possibilty of meeting new ones? Will traveling around the nation actually make me more happy and content?

Help me.

[DrummerDeanna]

Wow...looks like you're looking a big life change there.

The way you set it up though it sounds like you are wanting a change like travel nursing. There are lots of questions, but only you can answer those....

Ultimately you should not stay put in a situation who feel you are settling for or which does not make you happy. And if the travel nursing thing doesn't work out - there must be other options, I'd think there would be lots of permanent nursing positions available...if you were to return.

It WILL probably be hard at first, you will be homesick...but you get past those things and it gets easier :nod:

Good luck with your decision!!

[irishgrl]

I agree with Deanna, there will be a transition period, and lots of uncertainty but I sense that you are ready for a change, and that your current situation leaves much to be desired.....at least you picked a field that has a constant need for skilled workers, so no matter what, I think you should be able to find a job...and I knew a gal who did travel nursing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. She LOVED it! had a beautiful home close to the California/Nevada border, got to make GOOD $$$$ and didnt get stagnant doing the same old thing with the same old people in the same old place. Always new challenges and faces and places and yes, it was the right thing for her, maybe it will be for you too :nod:

[markolas]

There are sooo many "what ifs". I'm so depressed here. I want to move on. On the other side, I would leave a good job behind for one that could be more stressful. Is it worth it? Is it worth leaving what I know for the unknown? Is it worth leaving so called friend for the possibilty of meeting new ones? Will traveling around the nation actually make me more happy and content?

Help me.

There's no way you can know the answers to any of these questions in advance. In reality, a lot of it will probably be ****ty, and there will be some good things about it as well. And even if you totally hate it, in a few years you will have some interesting experiences to share, and that really does count for a lot. I don't think you want to be sitting in Morgantown five years from now, still wondering what it would've been like if you'd taken the opportunity when it came your way.

I know that when I look back on some of my past experiences, I never think "You know, I wish I had been more afraid to do things." Looking back on missed opportunities and wishing you had taken some chances instead of being so ****ing timid is one of the most painful things ever.

[ontheEdgeof17]

My biggest fear is wondering if my nursing skills are up to par with the rest of America. What if I suck ass? :laugh: Here, I'm at the top of my game. Hell, I've been Charge Nurse for more than half of my nursing career....and I've been a nurse for only 1 1/2 years. I'm pretty good with hands on skills. I fear that patients could be more critical and difficult. But they are probably the same throughout....:shrug:


Anyhow, I was accepted into a Travel Nurse agency this past spring, but passed on the chance due to personal changes. I don't regret that, persay, but I've been wondering how different life would be now if I took a chance.

[DrummerDeanna]

The fears you have are totally natural, I'm sure most of us would feel that way going into a new job - it's just a scary thing. BUT you will not suck. Of that I'm confident, I mean nursing skills sort of transfer -so you're good where you are - you'll be good wherever you are :nod:

[ontheEdgeof17]

D, You're right. I just got to be confident. Most assignments range from 13-24 weeks. I can handle that.


13 weeks in San Fran......:]

[michelle2677]

Curtis, i wish you the best of luck. You have to be confident that you are the shiz-nit :nod: if you're that damn good there you will still be brilliant elsewhere. And if it doesnt work out -think of how much better you'll be just from the experience... that made me stronger...it made me hold onto me :nod: and hey! I thought we were moving to vegas :distress: you would meet fine peeps there :thumbsup:

[michelle2677]

There's no way you can know the answers to any of these questions in advance. In reality, a lot of it will probably be ****ty, and there will be some good things about it as well. And even if you totally hate it, in a few years you will have some interesting experiences to share, and that really does count for a lot. I don't think you want to be sitting in Morgantown five years from now, still wondering what it would've been like if you'd taken the opportunity when it came your way.

I know that when I look back on some of my past experiences, I never think "You know, I wish I had been more afraid to do things." Looking back on missed opportunities and wishing you had taken some chances instead of being so ****ing timid is one of the most painful things ever.
:nod: let me just tell you how much you rock for that post. Well, it's a lot ! :thumbsup:

[amber]

No big risk = no big wonderful change.

I don't think you will need to worry about having enough jobs or your nursing skills not being up to par, that is for sure.
Do it! Go now when you are young! :wavey:

Oh, and yeah, what Markolas said.

[sasja]

Yes you should. I immigrated by myself to this country when I was 23 and even though it was scary and hard, I am now so proud of the challenges I overcame and the woman I have become because of it. Bravery brings such rewards.

It sounds like right now you are merely existing, where as you could be living. With all the challenges and obstacles and rewards that living entails. Do it.
Take it from one who did.

Sasja

[macfanken]

Do you get to decide where you go or do you just go where you're told? You're still young, I think you should do it. It seems like there are more and more obligations as you get older and it makes big life changes more difficult.

[irishgrl]

Yes you should. I immigrated by myself to this country when I was 23 and even though it was scary and hard, I am now so proud of the challenges I overcame and the woman I have become because of it. Bravery brings such rewards.

It sounds like right now you are merely existing, where as you could be living. With all the challenges and obstacles and rewards that living entails. Do it.
Take it from one who did.

Sasja
Hooboy! even MORE to admire about you! Curtie! what she said!

[PsychCat]

First of all.... STOP making excuses not to do it and how bad you just "know" it will be. Instead, focus on the wonderful new aspects that come with it. Ever hear that we create our own reality? It's so true.... if you believe it'll all suck and you'll fail... you're right. If you believe it's going to be new and exciting.... you're right. It ALL starts with your thoughts! :nod:

Go for it. Life is much too short to play "what if" every day.
As the saying goes, "if nothing changes, nothing changes". :wavey:

[markolas]

:nod: let me just tell you how much you rock for that post. Well, it's a lot ! :thumbsup:

I'm mainly talking about all the cute/hot guys I could've ****ed, but I think it applies to Curtis's situation as well. :D

[irishgrl]

First of all.... STOP making excuses not to do it and how bad you just "know" it will be. Instead, focus on the wonderful new aspects that come with it. Ever hear that we create our own reality? It's so true.... if you believe it'll all suck and you'll fail... you're right. If you believe it's going to be new and exciting.... you're right. It ALL starts with your thoughts! :nod:

Go for it. Life is much too short to play "what if" every day.
As the saying goes, "if nothing changes, nothing changes". :wavey:
I've heard that we shape our own reality.....do you suppose I could "thinnk" myself out of financial hell? Man, wouldnt that be nice.......

[irishgrl]

I'm mainly talking about all the cute/hot guys I could've ****ed, but I think it applies to Curtis's situation as well. :D
Proof positive that there is NO subject that cant be made sexual by a Ledgie.

[markolas]

Proof positive that there is NO subject that cant be made sexual by a Ledgie.

Now, you knew that somebody was gonna go there sooner or later, so it might as well have been me. :shrug: :laugh:

[irishgrl]

Now, you knew that somebody was gonna go there sooner or later, so it might as well have been me. :shrug: :laugh:
Well, to be honest, I really wasnt expecting that but it WAS funny!

[sasja]

:lol: :thumbsup:
You guys are great.

So Curtis what are you thinking about doing?

Sas

[jannieC]

Hey Curtis- no one can tell you what to do but I agree with everyone else when they say that you could try it and certainly would be able to find a good job if your old one wasn't available. But on that note, could you talk to your boss about the whole thing and see how she/he feels about you taking leave and coming back?

It's so interesting to me how we doubt our abilities. You are obviously outstanding in what you do, yet are worried you won't be up to par. :xoxo:

I say, you're young- you have no serious attachments right now- do it! Nothing ever happens until we take chances- I'm living proof of that.

Let us know what you decide. xoxo

[JazmenFlowers]

Curty, I say go for it. the post you wrote could have been my exact words of how I feel. and it gets so effin depressing sometimes. I mean, I know how you feel...that's what I'm trying to say. I truly do. and I have no opportunity really to do what you can do. I'm stuck with too much responsibility. I have no doubt your nursing skills are top notch...but don't worry if they aren't, it's nothing you can't learn. you will have a blast.

let's look at some of your "what ifs":
What if that doesn't happen?
- it will happen for sure. you can't stay huddled up in your house. you have to make a little effort.
What if I want to come back here, but my job will be gone?
- then you'll find another
What if I get really homesick?
- it'll pass. use the phone, write emails.
What if my parents become ill?
- you can't worry about things like this (I know it's hard). deal with it when it happens.
What if my jobs suck and are difficult to handle?
- you can!
What if it's me that needs to change and not my enviroment?
- child...I wonder the same thing. but I'm too perfect to think I need to change. :nod:

I just had to come out of seclusion for you. now, I must return. until next time my dears.

[michelle2677]

Now, you knew that somebody was gonna go there sooner or later, so it might as well have been me. :shrug: :laugh:
might as well be since its usually me :lol:

[PsychCat]

I've heard that we shape our own reality.....do you suppose I could "thinnk" myself out of financial hell? Man, wouldnt that be nice.......

It's not about just thinking... it's the behaviors that follow.
And yes, I absolutely do believe you could if you truly wanted to. :wavey:

[Rickypt]

Curtis, you are young enough and have the right attitude, that you really can't go wrong by doing the travel nurse thing. You will be just fine and with your personality, you will wind up with close friends all around the country. When I was your age, my dream was to live in London. I never did it and I regret it.

Hope you wind up in California for one of your gigs. :wavey:

[Rickypt]

13 weeks in San Fran......:]

...and you have tons of friends here already.

[skcin]

What if that doesn't happen? It will if you want it to.

What if I want to come back here, but my job will be gone? We're nurses, sweetie. There will always be a job open. Your specific job on the same floor same shift? Perhaps not, but it only took you a year to get to where you are, so it wouldn't take long to get back if that's what you wanted.

What if I get really homesick? You will be a little homesick, esp. at first, but there are tons of opportunities to come home & visit. Ryan's only been travelling for 10 months & he's already been back home twice. Most agencies know they are lucky to have you, and are very flexible with scheduling & time off.

What if my parents become ill? This is always a possiblity whether or not you travel. Again, most agencies are very flexible, and you'd undoubtedly be able to go home if you had a family emergency.

What if my jobs suck and are difficult to handle? Suck it up for the 3 months, and then get the hell out. If it's that bad, you can ask to transfer to another unit.

What if it's me that needs to change and not my enviroment? You will change - you'll gain knowledge, expand your horizons, meet new people & see the country. :D

Is it worth it? Well, it's not worth it to stay stuck where you are unhappy.

Is it worth leaving what I know for the unknown? YES! You may find a place you like better, or meet the love of your life.

Is it worth leaving so called friend for the possibilty of meeting new ones? You're not leaving them forever. You can & will keep in touch with those that matter most - trust me, I know. Email, letters, phone calls, visits...don't worry.

Will traveling around the nation actually make me more happy and content? Maybe, maybe not. But you'll never know unless you try.



Curty - I think you can do this, and do it well. You're young & you have no husband or kids keeping you stuck where you are at this moment. If I were single & still doing hospital nursing, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Your skills are fesh, you'll be at least up to par with the rest of the U.S. :nod:

According Ryan, it's awesome. The pay is good, your housing/utilities/cable are paid for, you get a very nice furnished apartment in every city you're assigned, you can work at a site as little as 13 weeks all the way up to 2 years. A good friend of mine from high school also tried it, went a few places & liked a hospital in Cali so much she's been there for the entire 2 years. But again, you can choose to move, and you have your pick of whichever cities the agency contracts out to. I'll pm you Ry's email again so you can ask him more specific questions.

:xoxo:

[bikerchic]

Dude, it's a no-brainer. Do it.

[DavidMn]

My biggest fear is wondering if my nursing skills are up to par with the rest of America. What if I suck ass? :laugh: Here, I'm at the top of my game. Hell, I've been Charge Nurse for more than half of my nursing career....and I've been a nurse for only 1 1/2 years. I'm pretty good with hands on skills. I fear that patients could be more critical and difficult. But they are probably the same throughout....:shrug:


Anyhow, I was accepted into a Travel Nurse agency this past spring, but passed on the chance due to personal changes. I don't regret that, persay, but I've been wondering how different life would be now if I took a chance.Here's the way I see it? If youre only 24 and your doing as well as you are, I hardly think you suck ass. One of the hardest things is to really believe in yourself. I suffer fomr that all the time. I certainly believe you caould do it. Good luck.:)

[ontheEdgeof17]

I just had to come out of seclusion for you. now, I must return. until next time my dears.

Why are you leaving the Ledge? We will miss you greatly. :distress:

[ontheEdgeof17]

So Curtis what are you thinking about doing?

Sas

Nursing. Just nursing. In fabulous cities. :D

[ontheEdgeof17]

...and you have tons of friends here already.

:nod: That, I do. I just don't want to stay out there too too long. Ya know....earthquakes and all.

[Rickypt]

:nod: That, I do. I just don't want to stay out there too too long. Ya know....earthquakes and all.

Well, I moved to SF two days before the '89 earthquake. And even though I missed one of the OTOSM shows because of it, that was 17 years ago. And I'm fine. If it's not an earthquake, then it's a hurricane, or it's a tornado, or it's a bus crash, or it's cancer. In other words...live the way you want to live. Maybe you're joking above and this is unnecessary....

[irishgrl]

Well, I moved to SF two days before the '89 earthquake. And even though I missed one of the OTOSM shows because of it, that was 17 years ago. And I'm fine. If it's not an earthquake, then it's a hurricane, or it's a tornado, or it's a bus crash, or it's cancer. In other words...live the way you want to live. Maybe you're joking above and this is unnecessary....
I dont know, a lot of people get all freaked out about earthquakes but as a native Californian, Im not worried really....I think a Tornado or Hurricane would be really miserable, so I guess its all relative...

[Rickypt]

:

I just had to come out of seclusion for you. now, I must return. until next time my dears.

Why are you secluded? I miss you. I have so many questions.

[amber]

Why are you secluded? I miss you. I have so many questions.

About love and about pain?
About strained relationships?
About fame as only he could explain it to [you]?

[Rickypt]

About love and about pain?
About strained relationships?
About fame as only he could explain it to [you]?

Exactly! ;)

[GypsySorcerer]

Do it while you're young, Curty. You don't want to wake up one day regretting not going for it. Best wishes. :xoxo:

[ontheEdgeof17]

If it's not an earthquake, then it's a hurricane, or it's a tornado, or it's a bus crash, or it's cancer. In other words...live the way you want to live. Maybe you're joking above and this is unnecessary....

Thanks for the positivity. :laugh:


And no, I wasn't joking. Earthquakes scare the bejeebus out of me. I'm not scared of many things, but this natural disaster does.

[Rickypt]

Thanks for the positivity. :laugh:


Sorry, I was in a funk last night. I thought I was being encouraging but failed pretty miserably! :lol:

[ontheEdgeof17]

Sorry, I was in a funk last night. I thought I was being encouraging but failed pretty miserably! :lol:

It's because you're "old". :laugh:

[Rickypt]

It's because you're "old". :laugh:

I wish I could use that as my excuse, but it's actually because I was "drunk". :o

[ontheEdgeof17]

I wish I could use that as my excuse, but it's actually because I was "drunk". :o

You're not a Ledgie, you're a Lushie.


(oy. that was lame)

[SuzeQuze]

Curtis, you are young enough and have the right attitude, that you really can't go wrong by doing the travel nurse thing. You will be just fine and with your personality, you will wind up with close friends all around the country. When I was your age, my dream was to live in London. I never did it and I regret it.

Hope you wind up in California for one of your gigs. :wavey:

I agree. When I look back I wish I'd taken more risks. But I forgive myself for not. With the level of anxiety I had it is kind of amazing how many I actually did take.

If you think your anxiety level might be clinical consider getting treated for that and then these life changes won't seem so impossible.

Go for it!

[BlackWidow]

Curty, I say go for it. the post you wrote could have been my exact words of how I feel. and it gets so effin depressing sometimes. I mean, I know how you feel...that's what I'm trying to say. I truly do. and I have no opportunity really to do what you can do. I'm stuck with too much responsibility. I have no doubt your nursing skills are top notch...but don't worry if they aren't, it's nothing you can't learn. you will have a blast.

let's look at some of your "what ifs":
What if that doesn't happen?
- it will happen for sure. you can't stay huddled up in your house. you have to make a little effort.
What if I want to come back here, but my job will be gone?
- then you'll find another
What if I get really homesick?
- it'll pass. use the phone, write emails.
What if my parents become ill?
- you can't worry about things like this (I know it's hard). deal with it when it happens.
What if my jobs suck and are difficult to handle?
- you can!
What if it's me that needs to change and not my enviroment?
- child...I wonder the same thing. but I'm too perfect to think I need to change. :nod:

I just had to come out of seclusion for you. now, I must return. until next time my dears.

It reminds me of a line from the play "The Woolgatherer"

"If..if..if!!!! If my aunt had balls she'd be my Uncle!"
Meaning..you can mind **** anything and waste your life doing so in the process!