What are the pros and cons of doing travel nursing ? I am coming up on my one year in the ER and thinking of whether staying longer to do possible travel or change specialities and try something different

It’s lonely. Housing is difficult to find (especially if you have pets) the places you go don’t necessarily have the best equipment and you just get thrown in. A lot of co workers won’t be willing to help you because they know you are getting paid more. Pro is of course the money.

In my 30 year career, I changed position/specialties every 5 years until I went to Hospice. I followed my mentor who was qualified to work ALL units in a hospital.

It made her very versatile and marketable. So, I advise you to stay in the ER for 2 more years and then go to ICU, pediatrics ICU. Then move on to whatever interests you. In 10 years you will have a large knocontinuous. And be worth your weight in gold.

I did Float pool for many years. I took care of people across all age groups and across all disease continuoums.

Plan your career. Don't get stuck working the same unit for 20 years.

Good luck

So

My daughter's friend does it. He works for a great agency but I don't know the name of it. They provide his housing and pay his mileage to get there to where he is doing his assignment. If you are single and can move about the country it is a great experience to see the country before you settle down. Added bonus, his friends from the hospital have a place to stay when they come visit and they try to at least every other assignment he has.

I love traveling nursing best thing I could have ever done. 13 weeks and you learn so much. I've been traveling for 2 years now and I feel I am a much better nurse. It has taught me how to deal with different types of people.

Don't do traveling yet. Get far more experience.

I highly recommend getting at least another year if experience in your specialty, especially working in ED.

Travel nursing definitely has it's hardships but what I will say is that it will teach you how to be resourceful, which in of itself as an ER nurse is an indispensable trait.

You gain a knack for knowing how to find the answers you need and who to go to.