AB Staffing Solutions provided this article.
When it comes to the timeline of a travel nurse from expressing interest to orientation, there are a lot of steps, but they all lead to an exciting new job. The best part is that even if the position isn’t perfect, you’re there 13 weeks and can let your recruiter know if you’d like to extend your stay, if possible, or look for another opportunity. While we’d love to meet every one of the items on your wish list, and we try hard to do so, there are times when the need for your skills is greater in a different place, or there are simply no positions currently available. Working closely with your recruiter and knowing what you want will help us find the best place for you.
Where does the timeline of a travel nurse begin?
If you’re new to travel nursing, remember that the timeline of a travel nurse begins and ends with your recruiter. Begin the search process by researching travel nurse agencies and, like with so much of the rest of our lives, asking friends and colleagues for referrals. Then it’s time to call to inquire or apply online.
The recruiter will ask questions like these to get to know you.
- In which state(s) are you willing to work?
- How many years of nursing experience do you have?
- Are you traveling with family or pets?
- What is the hourly or weekly rate you’re looking to earn?
- When are you available?
This gives you an idea of the style at the agency and if their opportunities align with your career aspirations. Once you decide to work with an agency, the recruiter will ask you to complete a profile that includes contact information, resume, skills checklist, and certifications. They then send your profile to clients on your behalf.
Phone Interview
Once accepted, the recruiter will set up a phone interview with the facility, or they may automatically offer you the position. This is the time to ask questions specifically about the position and the facility. If declined, the recruiter will continue the search if you so desire.
Credentialing Process
When you accept an offer, you will then go through the credentialing process. You will be asked to provide documents like a driver’s license, certifications, immunization records, urine analysis, fingerprinting, and a background check. Once this is completed, your recruiter will review the contract with you, and you will sign it or ask any questions you may have.
Where will you live?
The next step is finding a place to live during your contract. Reach out to your housing department, if your agency has one, to help you find your home away from home. You may be able to stay at onsite housing or at the facility’s contracted hotel. You may opt, like some travelers do, to bring your own RV or use a short-term rental. It really depends on where you are located as to what is available for housing, so being flexible is key.
Your first day-
On your first day, your recruiter will send you reporting instructions for orientation. We encourage our travelers to reach out to their recruiters with feedback and questions. We want to understand how we can improve the experience for you. Of course, we want to know if there are challenges as well as the good news from every assignment you have with us.
Contract extension-
If the facility would like to extend your contract, your recruiter will reach out to you about 4 weeks before your initial contract ends to give you the option of staying. You may choose to stay or decide that you’d like to go somewhere else, and your recruiter will go back to work to find you another assignment.
As you can see, the timeline of a travel nurse begins and ends with your recruiter. We are here to support you through the process, understand what’s happening once you’re placed, and find your next assignment for you. Happy Traveling!
Are you looking for your next travel nursing assignment? Click here to view our job board. Are you looking for housing for your next travel assignment? Click here to search our housing page.
