I recently received an inquiry from a radiology technician as to traveling after graduation as opposed to getting 1 to 2 years experience before looking into a travel assignment.  There was mention of an article which you might find enlightening if you are a therapist, technologist or technician that appeared in the Healthcare Traveler (March 2008) entitled “Traveling after graduation: An exciting way to start your career as a therapist or technologist” .  I wanted to blog on this because, although it may be acceptable for therapists or technologists to travel straight from school, I would not recommend it for nurses.  Of the 10 years that I did travel nursing, I had one experience working with a travel nurse whose first job out of nursing school was the travel assignment we worked together.   She struggled with something every shift–whether it was with equipment, policies, nursing procedures, documentation, patient/family interventions, etc.  We all helped her when we could, however, I feel she should have had more experience.  I would recommend at least 2 years experience as a full time staff nurse in one location (and 1 year at the very LEAST), before considering travel nursing (most hospitals require 1-2 years nursing experience for their travel nurses anyway).  You will find that hospitals across the country do procedures differently, have different policies, different ways to document, use different equipment (computer systems, beds, call lights, IV pumps, dressings, IV kits, central lines, etc.) and this can be overwhelming for even an experienced nurse!  Keep in mind that you worked very hard to obtain your nursing license and you do not want to do anything to jeopardize it.  However, when you feel you ARE ready to start traveling and make the decision to do it — you will be so-o-o-o glad you did!