Should I Travel Nurse?

[irishgrl]

Originally Posted by 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!

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

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]

Originally Posted by markolas

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.

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

[markolas]

Originally Posted by irishgrl

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.

[irishgrl]

Originally Posted by markolas

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

Well, to be honest, I really wasnt expecting that but it WAS funny!

[sasja]

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.

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.

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

[michelle2677]

Originally Posted by markolas

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

might as well be since its usually me

[PsychCat]

Originally Posted by irishgrl

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.

[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.

[Rickypt]

Originally Posted by ontheEdgeof17

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.

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.

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.

[bikerchic]

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

[DavidMn]

Originally Posted by ontheEdgeof17

My biggest fear is wondering if my nursing skills are up to par with the rest of America. What if I suck ass? 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....


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]

Originally Posted by JazmenFlowers

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.