To many people, becoming a travel nurse sounds like a dream, and it most certainly is. And fortunately, finding a job as a travel nurse isn’t as hard as it sounds. As more and more hospitals become understaffed, travel nurses are the light at the end of the tunnel for their patients.
With that said, no hospital, care home, or practice is going to hand you a job. You’ll need to follow some highly curated job-hunting tips if you want your application to stand out.
In this article, we’ll show you the many do’s and don’ts of job hunting for new travel nurses.
10 Useful Job-Hunting Tips for Travel Nurses
You’re about to embark on a career as a travel nurse, and that’s exciting! But before you start your job hunt, here are 10 tips to keep in mind while searching for work as a travel nurse.
1. Do: Research the Company First
Always research a company before applying. Take the steps to understand their culture and what they offer nurses. Not only will researching help you figure out if the employer is right for you, but it’ll also help you tailor your resume and application according to that specific role.
2. Don’t: Let Anxiety Get the Best of You
If you’re scared to break into the world of travel nursing, you’re not alone. New routines throw everyone off, but many travel nurses adjust after a few days on the job. If you think travel nursing is a great avenue to explore, focus on the positive and getting a good placement.
3. Do: Make an Eye-Catching Resume
Create an eye-catching resume highlighting your skill set, education history, certifications, awards, and more. With the right resume, employers can easily see why you’d be a great fit for their team. But if you don’t know how to start writing it, check out this nursing resume guide.
4. Don’t: Forget to Provide References
Many applicants make the mistake of putting “references available upon request” at the end of their resume. Instead of taking up valuable space, include your references on another page. Be sure to call all your references and see if they can vouch for you and your professional abilities.
5. Do: Use Job Search Engines Like Indeed
Do consider using job search engines like Indeed or Glassdoor to narrow down opportunities that fit your specific criteria (location/pay/benefits). While online search engines aren’t the end-all-be-all, they’re really helpful for finding international careers or jobs in the medical field.
6. Don’t: Forget to Join Professional Organizations
Don’t forget to join professional organizations before you go all-in on the job search. These organizations, like The American Nurse Association, can give you access to extra resources when looking for a job, help you network, and set you up with mentorship opportunities.
7. Do: Use LinkedIn to Find Great Employers
If you’re interested in getting hired quickly, consider making connections on LinkedIn. Thanks to the accessibility of social media, you can find employers that match your interest. And if you create a professional-looking profile, you’ll start attracting employers from all over the world.
8. Don’t: Neglect to Join Agencies
Travel nursing agencies match nurses with recruiters to help them find jobs. They also walk new nurses through the process of getting hired and starting work. Agencies can be beneficial to new travel nurses who aren’t familiar with the industry, but do your research before signing up.
9. Do: Take Advantage of All Available Resources
Take advantage of all available resources, such as state nursing associations or local hospitals that may have programs or grants available specifically for travel nurses. Not only will they help you pay for your expenses, but they can also get you acquainted with gainful employers.
10. Don’t: Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Whether the world of travel nursing is new or completely familiar, you need to make a habit of asking questions. Ask about the job’s hourly pay, benefits, housing, and whether they offer tuition reimbursement. Don’t settle for a company that doesn’t offer the things you need.
In Conclusion…
By following these tips, you’ll have an easy time navigating the complex world of travel nursing and finding rewarding opportunities quickly! But if you’re still struggling to find a role that fits your needs, consider upgrading your education or placing in an international country.
Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.
