April 17, 2023

3968 Views

Job Outlook: Why Start Travel Nursing Now?

Posted on April 17, 2023April 17, 2023 by Covelo Group

Covelo Group provided this article.

If you’re a registered nurse looking for a unique career opportunity, now is an ideal time to try travel nursing. Experienced nurses are in high demand due to the persistent shortage of healthcare workers in the U.S., and the shortage[i] of RNs is projected to continue through 2030. In response to this shortage, many hospitals and medical centers are turning to travel nurses to fill their staffing needs.

Travel nursing contracts can last from several weeks to a year or longer. Some hospitals will even opt to extend contracts beyond the original term when a placement is a great match. Whether you’re thinking about making travel nursing your full-time career or are open to trying it on a case-by-case basis, travel nursing can be a rewarding choice for RNs in all stages of their careers.

Fresh Perspective

One great reason to give travel nursing a try is for the adventure. It’s an ideal way to see new places, enjoy different cultures, or experience another climate, all while making a great living. The fresh perspective gained from traveling can also help you avoid the burnout[ii] that nurses and other healthcare workers commonly report experiencing.

Whether a bustling city interests you, or you want to experience a winter without snow finally, there are plenty of travel nursing opportunities to meet your needs. Remember that no matter where you end up, each new contract comes with a fresh group of coworkers, so new friendships are an added advantage.

Generous Compensation

It’s no secret that travel nurses receive generous compensation. Pandemic pay for travelers increased dramatically due to the stress that was placed on hospital systems at the time. While this spike has leveled out in 2023, traveling wages remain very competitive. Full-time RNs may wonder if the grass is greener for travel nurses, and it’s not hard to see why. Hourly pay varies greatly from state to state, but the reality is that travel nurses do make substantially more per hour than their full-time counterparts.

Keep in mind your high hourly pay also comes with fewer professional responsibilities beyond direct patient care. Full-time staff may be required to serve on committees or attend meetings outside of their regular shifts. In contrast, when you clock out as a travel nurse, you’re free to pursue your favorite hobbies and pastimes. In fact, many travel nurses can make enough in a 12 to 13-week assignment to take some time off between contracts for personal travel.

Speaking of travel, your staffing agency will likely pay for your airfare upfront and reimburse you for mileage or rideshare expenses. Depending on your contract, your housing may be covered by a housing stipend, or affordable housing arrangements may be offered. Some employers even offer signing bonuses to attract qualified nursing talent.

Manage Career Transitions

Whether you’re a recent nursing school graduate exploring career paths, in between full-time positions with time to fill, or a veteran RN pondering retirement, travel nursing is an ideal way to bridge your career transition.

Travel nursing also presents an excellent pathway to experiencing a variety of healthcare systems, specialties, and clinical settings within a timeframe that meets your needs. Communicating your goals to your staffing partner upfront will help you land the contracts that align with your professional aspirations and advance your nursing career.

Make a Difference

Travel nursing is an excellent way to put your skills and education to work to treat patients in underserved communities. If hospitals in every major U.S. city are strapped for good nursing talent, just imagine how dire the staffing needs of medical centers in remote communities must be.

Commonly referred to as healthcare deserts[iii], remote rural communities often struggle to staff enough qualified doctors and nurses to meet the needs of their patients. In fact, many of these facilities rely on a constant rotation of travel nurses in place of permanent full-time employees.

Nurses make a positive impact on the health and well-being of their patients, whether they work in cities big or small. Your willingness to accept travel nursing contracts in underserved communities can truly make a meaningful difference to patients who might otherwise lack access to the healthcare providers they need and deserve.

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.

[i] https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-information/fact-sheets/nursing-shortage

[ii] https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2023/04/05/US-healthcare-workers-face-rising-levels-of-burnout/8191680634238/

[iii] https://hitconsultant.net/2021/09/10/healthcare-deserts-goodrx-report/

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

March 20, 2023

1716 Views

Insights From Experienced Travel Nurses on Navigating Today’s Job Market

Posted on March 20, 2023March 20, 2023 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

TNAA Healthcare provided this article.

Travel nursing is constantly evolving. With several factors affecting the industry, travel nurses must be adaptable, organized, and constantly communicating with their recruiter to get the jobs they want. As you look for your next assignment, hear from experienced travel nurses who share their best advice for navigating the current job market.

Advice From Experienced Travel Nurses

Leah R.

“Definitely make sure your file is completely done. Jobs are still filling fast, so once they post, it’s important that your recruiter is able to submit you right away. Also, have that conversation with your recruiter on what parameters you have for being submitted so they can get you in ASAP instead of waiting for you to get back to them and risking the job filling in the meantime.”

Dylan L.

“I would say definitely be open and flexible to different types of units other than what you would usually work in. If you qualify for the job and it’s in a location or hospital that you’re interested in, go for it. Some of my favorite contracts ever were in units that I wouldn’t have picked for myself, but my recruiters found because they were in hospitals that I had my eyes on!”

Ally F.

“Be flexible. Prioritize your needs, whether that’s money, location, shift, etc. Start looking early, and be patient. Most importantly, don’t be discouraged. The jobs ebb and flow. It’ll work out.”

Melissa L.

“I was actually asked to step in as the interim clinical educator at my current assignment. And I will do an extension like this as well because of the job market.”

Angie N.

“Flexibility is a must. Also, right now, hospitals are looking at who can work and not make many demands. If you have to have a set schedule for a variety of necessary reasons, that’s ok. But if a set schedule is just because you only want to work ‘XYZ,’ then some managers are not calling – or if extensive time off requests are added to the contract. There are 40-120 nurses applying for the same position through many companies, and most managers I have talked to are looking for the ones who can be there when needed. Having said that, take the time off and set your schedule. We have earned it!!! Just be aware and be flexible because it may take you a little longer to get the jobs. Don’t give up!!

“Make sure when you accept the job to get everything done quickly and efficiently so your file can be cleared by the hospital and you can start when you are supposed to. I have been doing this for 10+ years and have yet not to find a job!”

By staying in communication, being open to different types of assignments and locations, and adapting to changes, travel nurses can stay competitive in the industry and enjoy a fulfilling career.

We hope you found these tips from experienced travel nurses for navigating today’s job market helpful.

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.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By AMN Healthcare

March 6, 2023

3612 Views

Becoming a Travel Nurse: Steps To Get Started

Posted on March 6, 2023March 6, 2023 by AMN Healthcare

AMN Healthcare provided this article.

A travel nursing career offers numerous advantages, including excellent compensation, the opportunity to travel the country, and the fulfillment that comes from assisting patients in a variety of settings. However, there may be a lot of you who are wondering how to become a travel nurse.

We’ve made it simple to understand the procedure, so it doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate just starting out in nursing. You’ve come to the right place if you want to learn how to work as a travel nurse.

Who are travel nurses?

Travel nursing originated as a response to a nursing shortage in the late 1970s and spread throughout the subsequent decade. Travel nursing has developed into a lucrative career for nurses worldwide in recent years.

To summarize, travel nurses are registered nurses who are deployed to various hospitals and other healthcare facilities as replacements for permanent nursing staff. They are employed by travel nursing agencies.

When the facility is simply short-staffed due to expansions, seasonal increases in the patient count, or other factors, travel nurses are utilized on a temporary basis to assist. Travelers can also provide assistance during labor disputes or natural disasters.

Derick J., BSN, RN, CCRN, who travels with Onward (AMN) Healthcare, says that travel nursing requires flexibility.

He stated, “I like that we have the flexibility you won’t find in many other fields.” I just need to get my license and talk to my recruiter if I want to go somewhere specific. If I work for three months and decide I want a break, I simply wait until I’m ready to accept my next contract. There are a lot of friends in other professions who lack this flexibility. They can’t just take a month or two off like we can because they have to work a 9-to-5 job.

Other fantastic benefits of becoming a travel nurse include free housing paid for by the employer, comprehensive health insurance plans, travel reimbursements, 401(k) retirement plans, free continuing education, and numerous other benefits.

Five Steps to Becoming a Travel Nurse

It is now easier than ever to become a travel nurse thanks to agencies like AMN Healthcare that have simplified the application process. With the steps below, we’ve also taken the guesswork out of learning how to become a travel nurse. Learn how to get started in the field of travel nursing by reading on.

Step 1. Get Your Nursing Degree

If you want to work as a travel nurse, now is the time to study for a nursing degree. A registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) is also more marketable than a nurse with only an associate’s degree (ADN) or diploma. For instance, the majority of large academic teaching hospitals and ANCC Magnet hospitals require BSN-holding travel nurses.

Step 2. Pass the NCLEX

After receiving your nursing degree, it is time to study for and successfully complete the NCLEX-RN exam. The NCLEX was created by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to assess nursing school graduates in the United States and Canada. The exam is administered using computerized adaptive testing (CAT) technology, and the NCSBN provides a variety of testing resources and frequently asked questions. After you take the test, you will receive your results in about five days.

Step 3. Obtain an RN license

Congratulations on passing the NCLEX! It’s time to get your RN license now. You will need to provide documentation to your state board of nursing before you can take the test. Although the procedure varies from state to state, it typically entails submitting an application, providing fingerprints, and passing a criminal background check. Your RN license number will be generated once your state board receives confirmation that you passed the NCLEX, and then you can start working as a nurse in your state!

Step 4. Get out there and gain experience as a nurse

After meeting all of the educational requirements, the final preparation step for becoming a travel nurse is to gain some clinical experience in the real world. Onward Healthcare’s experts on new graduates say that you can start applying for travel nursing jobs after just six to nine months of experience. But keep in mind that you won’t be able to start your first assignment with a travel nurse agency until you have one year of experience. Even more, nursing experience may be required in some facilities or specialties.

Step 5. Talk to a recruiter

If you’re interested in starting a career as a travel nurse. You can easily get on the road right away. Take it from Derick, who says his recruiter helped him become a successful travel nurse:

Derek stated, “Finding a recruiter who really understands you, what you’re looking for, and is willing to do what they can for you is one of the most important things in traveling.” I’ve been extremely fortunate in that my recruiter has always tried her best to fit me into an assignment. She has collaborated with me brilliantly.”

Your personal recruiter will get to know you and your requirements after you apply to our travel nurse agency. They will also help you find assignments that are right for you and walk you through the next steps to get you working.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Staffmax Healthcare Staffing & Recruiting

March 5, 2023

3134 Views

Writing Your Novel; “My Ticket To Travel Nursing”

Posted on March 5, 2023March 5, 2023 by Staffmax Healthcare Staffing & Recruiting

Staffmax Healthcare Staffing and Recruiting provided this article.

Article was written by: Julie Hesseltine, RN, CNO, and Sr. Recruiter for Staffmax.

The New York Best Sellers is a list I have always wanted to be on. I was certain that I had a wonderful book hiding in the attic of my mind, just waiting to be thrown onto a computer screen and shared with the world. Everyone would want to read it. I could then retire and simply sit at my computer or under a tree by the pond watching the ducks and listening to the birds chirping as I wrote my next and then another. However, I realized that not everyone wanted to read my first book. But it has been one of the most incredible books I have ever written because of all that it contained.

After months of hesitation and talking things over with friends, family, and one trusted dog who listens to everything you have to say, all the while writing the pros and cons on paper, the decision has been made. It is time to give up that trusted full-time job, hit the road, and start traveling. After talking to several recruiters, at least that is narrowed down to a few for the time being. But what should be done in the meantime? Having given the professional notice of four weeks, what needs to be done in order to start?

It was a decision that may have been made well over a year ago or something you had thought about for years, but in order to make things as easy as possible for the future, it is time to gather your documents and write your book. A book? Today, it is time that you write your own book!

The title for your new book is simply “My Ticket to Travel Nursing.”

In life, as we know it anymore, there is always that hidden sense of urgency, and this book is going to throw away the need for anxiety and last-minute phone calls. This book is special; you will write two copies because one is your backup! Each page and each chapter have probably already been written. Oh, and you will also want to have a couple of additional backups to your book stored on external hard drives too.

What is this book?

A book of documents, everything, and anything related to travel nursing. What materials are needed to create this masterpiece? A binder, plastic sleeves, paper and printer, and time. Now, gather everything that a recruiter is going to request from you. One document in each plastic sleeve, and keep things orderly. Be certain that you have also taken a digital picture to keep on your phone or to be uploaded to the external hard drive.

Here is a list of all that will be contained in your book;

Resume; Kept up to date with no time gaps with the facility names and city, and state of each place you work.
References; You will always have a list of at least 2 charge nurses and supervisors with their phone numbers and email addresses from each facility you work
Immunizations; These documents will have, at a minimum, your Covid, Flu, MMR, Varicella, Hep B, and Tdap information. These may be copies of the actual vaccinations, pharmacy receipts with the lot and expiration numbers, or titers.
TB Testing; State laws require different tests as well as timeframes in which the test can be done. Individual agencies will also let you know what is acceptable.
Copy of your driver’s license, social security card, and all of your nursing credentials; BLS, ACLS, etc.
Copies of your continuing education that you have been able to complete for future license renewals.
Copies of any licensing information sent in for individual licenses
Copy of your License Verification.
Copy of your College transcripts or a copy of your diploma
Copy of your marriage certificate and divorce papers
Copy of your assignment contracts so you can go back and review

Your book has been written

Now that you have managed to gather all of these, insert them in a protective plastic sleeve, and save them in your binder, your book has been written. Make sure there are two; one goes with you on all of your travel adventures, and the other stays home in a safe place. In each book, tape that external drive to the book so that you have your book saved electronically too.

The greatest part about your book is that it changes with every travel contract you take. Each new assignment and each contract means you get to add to your book. While this book will never be on the New York Times Best Seller list, this book will chase away the anxiety of not having documents when you are on the road. Time is of the essence, and when it is time for a travel adventure, nobody has time to look for all of that other stuff.

Now, it is time to start on that novel about your Adventures of Traveling.

We hope you found this article on Writing Your Novel, “My Ticket To Travel Nursing,” helpful. Are there any other items you would include in your “My Ticket To Travel Nursing” novel? Comment them below.

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.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Geraldine Mills

February 3, 2023

4580 Views

7 Simple Steps to Start Your Travel Nursing Journey

Posted on February 3, 2023December 27, 2023 by Geraldine Mills

Becoming a travel nurse is an exciting and rewarding career path for registered nurses. As a travel nurse, you’ll be able to experience new places and cultures while providing medical care to those in need.

Travel nursing also offers excellent financial benefits and the opportunity to gain valuable experience in different medical settings.

They have the opportunity to work in diverse settings, gain valuable experience, and make an impact on the lives of those they serve. Additionally, they can enjoy the benefits of flexible scheduling, higher pay rates, and more opportunities for career advancement.

If you are interested in taking on this travel nursing journey for yourself, here are a few simple steps that can lead you to that path.

Clarify your needs and wants

To become a travel nurse, you need to connect with a recruiter or an agency. With your chosen recruiter or agency, you should clarify with them what you’re looking to get out of this travel nursing journey.

By clearly defining what you need, you will be able to ensure that the recruiter or agency has the resources and capabilities to meet your requirements. You should also make sure that they understand your expectations so that they can provide you with the best possible service.

Clarifying your needs and wants will help ensure you have a successful experience as a travel nurse. This step will help the recruiter or agency match you with a job that meets your criteria, from the desired location to salary.

Understand how travel nursing will affect your life

Travel nursing is an increasingly popular career choice for nurses, offering the opportunity to travel and gain experience in various healthcare settings. However, it is crucial to understand the implications of this lifestyle on your life before you decide to become a travel nurse.

As a travel nurse, you must make sacrifices and compromises to pursue a career that offers great rewards and opportunities.

One of the most significant changes would be the amount of traveling you’re doing since you’re going to at least travel from place to place four times a year. By mentally preparing for that, you will have a much better experience regarding your travel nursing journey.

Connect with a recruiter

Finding the right recruiter for your travel nursing journey can be daunting. It is essential to take the time to research and compare different recruiters to find the one that best suits your needs.

When selecting a recruiter, it would be best to consider factors such as experience, reputation, and customer service. Additionally, it is beneficial to read reviews from other travel nurses who have worked with the recruiter to understand their service quality.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that you are working with a reliable and experienced recruiter who will help make your travel nursing journey successful.

Figuring out where to go

If you are considering becoming a travel nurse, planning your journey before starting is crucial. Knowing where to go and what to expect will make your travel nursing journey much easier and more enjoyable.

It can also help you save money by getting the best deals on accommodations, transportation, and other essentials.

Planning will also ensure you have a safe and successful experience as a travel nurse. Taking the time to figure out where to go before starting your journey will give you the best chance of having an enjoyable experience as a travel nurse.

Submit an application

Once you’re sure you’re going to pursue this travel nursing gig, don’t hesitate to apply. Many online applications are available, so you can start using them today. There might be times when you’ll have to hop on a call with a recruiter.

If you fit the specialization and have the years of experience they need, then submitting that application shouldn’t be an issue.

Finding a place to live on assignment

Are you a travel nurse looking for the best place to live on assignment? With so many places to choose from, it can take time to figure out where to start. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to make sure you find the perfect place for your travel nursing journey.

By researching the area’s housing market and amenities, talking with other travel nurses who have been there before, and utilizing online resources like reviews and ratings, you can make sure that you find the best place to live while on assignment. With a little bit of effort and research, you’ll be able to enjoy your travel nursing journey in a comfortable and safe environment.

Get packing!

Since you’re always going to be on the go, it’s a good idea to know how to reduce overpacking when you’re getting ready. It might take some time to get used to not having a lot of items whenever you can travel, but it will be helpful for you as a travel nurse to know how to survive with as minimal baggage as possible.

Conclusion

These steps can help you start your travel nursing journey sooner than later with the help of this article. Thus, if you’re interested in creating it more quickly, consider following the steps in this article to enjoy a new chapter in your career that you will remember for a long time.

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.

By Skyler Zinn

January 3, 2023

3212 Views

Can I Become a Travel Nurse With One Year of Experience?

Posted on January 3, 2023January 3, 2023 by Skyler Zinn

Is one year of experience enough to become a travel nurse? Technically, yes. Some hospitals will accept new travelers with one year of experience in their chosen specialty. These contracts can be challenging to find, especially in high-acuity specialties, but they do exist. Most contracts require two years of nursing experience and at least one year in the contract’s specialty.

I am frequently asked by newer nurses whether or not they SHOULD choose to travel without two years of experience. That question is more complex than it appears, so here are some aspects of travel nursing to keep in mind.

Aspects of travel nursing to keep in mind:

Do you feel competent in the role you are in?
Travel nurses get minimal orientation at a new facility. Three shifts are typical for an orientation period, but I’ve heard plenty of stories about nurses getting less than two hours of training or being put directly on the unit as soon as they arrive. New travel nurses must feel comfortable with their role and be able to start on the floor with minimal help. When I started my last contract, I had to track down and start an IV medication for my critical ICU patient before I even got my computer login information! If you don’t feel ready for that yet, you might need more experience before becoming a travel nurse.
Do you have good communication skills?
As a traveler, you are expected to step up and seek answers independently. Do you need labs ordered? A medication dosage changed? A bedside commode for your patient? The phone number for the night shift cardiologist? While charge nurses and other staff members may try to help you, a travel nurse must be able to communicate those needs and advocate for their patients. If you can’t do that yet, you might not be prepared to be a travel nurse.
Are you flexible?
We joke about travel nursing being “the wild west,” but it’s true! I’ve shown up to take a patient load and had completely different patients by the end of the shift. We step in and out of different roles and are the first to be floated to other units. Flexibility is the name of the game! The ability to adjust to new situations is crucial as a traveler.
Outside of the hospital setting, travel nurses tend to jump between housing options, drive across the country for assignments, and occasionally get contracts cut short unexpectedly. Are you mentally prepared to step out of your comfort zone? If not, you might still need to prepare to be a travel nurse.

However, if your answer is yes to the above questions, welcome to the show!

Travel nursing has equipped me to follow my professional and personal dreams. I left my staff job to become a travel nurse just a few months after hitting my one-year mark. I worked hard to build my communication skills, put myself in new situations, and purposefully prepared myself to become a travel nurse.

During my first contracts, I learned how important it was to know my role and perform well in my specialty. I enjoyed my first contract and wished that I could’ve started sooner!

However, I worked with another nurse who only had one year of experience, and she dreaded coming to work every day. She realized that she had started traveling because the pay was attractive but that she hadn’t given herself enough time to develop her skills properly. She finished her contract but returned to her staff job when she finished her contract. I am grateful that I gave myself the time I deserved to become a good nurse before I started traveling. I’ve seen countless nurses come and go who had the minimum experience required, and it’s honestly a mixed bag. Successfully traveling with one year of experience is possible if you prepare yourself!

If you’re considering becoming a travel nurse and only have one year of experience, I highly recommend you ask yourselves the above three questions. You are the only person who can decide if you’re truly ready to make the leap!

Did you start travel nursing with one year of experience? How has your journey been? Comment below.

To read more from Skyler, you can visit her website: The Zinn Diaries.

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.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Katie Fitts

December 25, 2022

2248 Views

Navigating The Road to Travel Nursing- Part 3

Posted on December 25, 2022January 4, 2023 by Katie Fitts

In parts one and two of this article series, we discussed the history of travel nursing, when you can or should start thinking about travel nursing, and finding a travel nurse agency and recruiter. In this part of navigating the road to travel nursing, we will discuss finding the job, credentialling, and preparing for the journey.

Finding a job

The next step to travel nursing is to start applying for jobs! In the travel nursing world, this is called submitting for jobs. Your recruiter will ask you about your job location preferences and shift preferences and match you according to your specialty. Now, are you going to always get the exact location, for the exact shift, for the right pay? Likely not, but hopefully, you can get close!

In applying for jobs, you also want to make sure it makes sense for you financially. Recruiters will start sending you job openings, and they are typically going to quote you in GROSS pay. Before applying, make sure your recruiter either quotes you in the NET pay or gives you a pay package ahead of time so you can calculate it yourself.

What’s gross pay versus net pay, you may ask? Gross pay is the total pay, including hourly, stipends, and any other pay allotments, while net pay is AFTER taxes. Assuming you maintain a tax home residence, travel nurses are taxed only on hourly wages. Stipends are for housing and meals, and incidentals while on assignment are UNTAXED and where we make a significant amount of our money. However, it really depends on how your pay package is broken down for how you are taxed. Sometimes there are other “bonuses” or pay allotments that may seem nice but, in the end, are taxed. So be sure to either have your recruiter quote your net pay or calculate it yourself based on your tax bracket.

After finding out the net pay, you want to make sure that it aligns with your budget. I always suggest nurses determine their budgets before starting travel nursing to be able to understand what makes sense for them financially. In order to get the untaxed stipends, you must maintain a permanent home somewhere. Personally, I have a home. So I have to account for all my normal monthly bills and expenses, my mortgage, and any associated costs. Once I determine that sum, then I subtract that from my monthly earnings and determine how much I can allot for housing on the road. Housing has gotten VERY expensive! Is that allotment doable? Am I going to be losing money or making money? Sometimes, it just doesn’t make sense!

Another important aspect is, of course, making sure the job meets your skillsets. There may be some specialties that can have cross-training in different areas. Most recruiters don’t have a nursing background and may only sometimes be familiar with the different nursing subspecialties. If there’s any question or doubt, ask to see if they have a job description. And again, do NOT let any recruiter pressure you into any contract you don’t feel comfortable with!

Credentialing

After accepting the job, things will start happening quickly. You will go through the credentialing process. Credentialing is also known as the onboarding process to get you vetted for the job. This is fairly similar to what you would do for a regular nursing job, but there may be some differences.

Typical items for credentialing may be drug screens, fit tests, physicals, competency tests (such as EKG tests, medication tests, and specialty-specific tests), and other miscellaneous items. Different hospitals have different regulations. Additionally, there may be other requirements for your state nursing license if it’s outside of your home state. For example, I had to go get a set of fingerprints for a Minnesota license as well as TWO background checks!

After accepting the job, you typically only have 4-6 weeks until you start, so it’s important to prioritize the credentialing requirements so you can start on time. If there’s any delay, that may push back your start date, which really stinks if you are banking on that start date.

The fun thing is we get to do this every three months! If I had a dollar (we are adjusting the dime for inflation 😂) for every drug screen, I have done… I’d be rich!

Preparing for the Journey

Now it’s time to prepare for the journey! Planning to be away for a while takes some work!

If you are maintaining a tax home, what will you do with your residence? Sublease or rent out? Leave vacant? I personally rent out my house. Not only is it a valuable source of income, but my house is lived in and taken care of, and I don’t have to worry about coming home to any surprises like my house flooded while I was gone! I also use a property manager to take care of the yard and handle any mishaps while I’m on the road. My property manager helps coordinate repairs or whatever may be needed during the time I am on the road.

If you are traveling cross country, now’s the time to make sure your car is road ready as well! I make sure to get an inspection, including tires and general points of interest, prior to making the drive, as well as getting my oil changed with high mileage oil that lasts longer. You also want to consider how you are going to pack your car. Items you would want to include would be emergency items like flashlights, flares, battery chargers, tire pumper, tire changing tools, and extra water.

If you are traveling with a pet, don’t forget their necessities too! Keep in mind you may be away from your regular vet for an extended period of time. Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations and has sufficient medications for the trip. I travel with my dog and use the Banfield wellness plan, which allows me free office visits in many places across the U.S.

And, of course, one of the most fun parts of the journey is mapping out the road trip! Make it fun! But also determine the max amount of time you want to be driving a day. Personally, my max is 10 hours a day in the car. But everyone is different! I know some nurses who recruit a friend to drive straight through with them and then fly them back. I like to meander and not hurry on my drive and see the sites. I always try to incorporate visiting any friends or family on the way as well. Check out the roadtripper’s website/app to help plan your trip by seeing U.S. landmarks on the way!

In Summary

Phew! That’s a lot, right? Navigating the road to travel nursing can certainly be overwhelming! It takes a lot of time, research, and planning to start travel nursing. Travel nurses also have to be fast learners, readily adaptable, versatile, and adventurous!

It starts with getting your experience and then finding a company with whom to work. The recruiters will then match you with jobs according to your skillset and job preferences. Once you accept the job, it’s off to the races with the credentialing process and preparing for your journey!

Travel nursing offers an exciting and unique opportunity to get paid to travel the country! I myself have done over 17 assignments and traveled through numerous states, seen the U.S.’s never-ending beauty, spent time in dozens of national parks, and made friends all over the country!

For part 1 of Navigating The Road to Travel Nursing, click here; for Part 2 of Navigating The Road to Travel Nursing, click here.

If you are tired of endlessly researching answers about travel nursing with nothing to show, skip the overwhelm and let me Teach You How to Travel Nurse!

By Katie Fitts

December 24, 2022

1330 Views

Navigating The Road to Travel Nursing- Part 2

Posted on December 24, 2022December 5, 2022 by Katie Fitts

In part one of this article series, we talked about the history of travel nursing and when you can or should start thinking about travel nursing. In this part of navigating the road to travel nursing, we will talk about finding a travel nurse agency and finding a recruiter.

Finding a travel nurse agency

Once you have your experience and are ready to entertain travel nursing seriously, it’s time to find a travel nurse agency to work with. A lot of picking a travel nurse agency to work with depends on where you want to go, what benefits you are looking for, and even your specialty.

People often ask me if I recommend one travel nurse agency over another, and I do not. Certainly, it’s nice to have a referral from a friend who has a good experience with a certain travel nurse agency. However, the reason I don’t always recommend companies is because I work with multiple companies at a time, around 2-3 at a time. I suggest you do the same, but not too many to overwhelm you. Working with more than one travel nurse agency allows you to compare and contrast offers and be exposed to a wider variety of jobs.

Not every travel nurse agency is created equal. Different companies have different jobs and offer different pay. Some of the larger companies, for example, Aya, has access to a LOT of contracts with major hospitals, but they may not have the smaller hospitals and likely will not have any smaller local contracts. Some hospitals only have contracts with certain companies, so even though the job is available with travel nurse agency A, travel nurse agency B may not have access to it.

Additionally, different companies have different benefits. When selecting a travel nurse agency, you want to consider what benefits you need. Will you need health insurance? 401 k? PTO/sick pay? Short-term disability?

Most companies these days do offer health insurance, but it may be a very poor plan, so it’s best to do your research before signing with a travel nurse agency if you plan to use their insurance. As for the other benefits, it’s a hit or miss. I, unfortunately, have yet to work for a travel nurse agency that offers PTO! I just know that if I get sick on the job, that comes out of my paycheck, and plan accordingly. But some companies offer PTO, which is an excellent benefit to have!

Finding a recruiter

Once you have a travel nurse agency, you will be connected with a travel nurse recruiter. What is a recruiter exactly?

A travel nurse recruiter is assigned to you personally and, among other duties, is responsible for matching you to the best of their ability with jobs according to your desired location, skillset, and shift preference. They will work with you to get you onboarded, submitted for a job, follow through to the start of the job, and be your point of contact throughout the job.

A recruiter plays an integral part in travel nursing, and it’s important to have a good relationship with your recruiter. A bad recruiter can make all the difference in your travel nurse experience.

Recruiters should be responsive and proactive. Recruiters are quite busy these days, maybe not as busy as during the height of the COVID pandemic, but still quite busy. Your recruiter should respond to your inquiries promptly, usually within 1-2 days. Travel nurse jobs are competitive, and it’s important to have a recruiter to timely respond and submit you to jobs when you are ready, so you don’t miss out on the opportunities. Recruiters should also be proactive, anticipating your needs. For example, if they know you are a new travel nurse, they should know that they should take more time with you to explain the process and make sure you understand your next steps. Another example, they should know when your contract is ending and be touching base on whether or not you want to extend or look for another contract.

More importantly, recruiters should be respectful and polite. As in any industry, there are a few bad apples out there. NEVER let a recruiter bully or pressure you into a contract you do not want or feel comfortable with. At the end of the day, it’s your well-being and nursing license on the line. Recruiters should listen to your job preferences and skills and be working with you, not against you.

We hope you found these articles on the road to travel nursing helpful. Below are the links to the other articles in this series.

For more information on finding a job, credentialing, and preparing for the journey watch out for part 3 of this series Navigating The Road to Travel Nursing articles. For part 1 click here.

If you are tired of endlessly researching answers about travel nursing with nothing to show, skip the overwhelm and let me Teach You How to Travel Nurse!

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Katie Fitts

December 18, 2022

1860 Views

Navigating The Road to Travel Nursing- Part 1

Posted on December 18, 2022December 5, 2022 by Katie Fitts

Ready to start travel nursing but feeling overwhelmed and needing help figuring out where to start? I get it! Starting travel nursing can feel overwhelming and daunting. Here’s your quick start guide to navigating the road to travel nursing!

What is a Travel Nurse?

First off, let’s start with the basics! What exactly is a travel nurse?

A travel nurse is a nurse who works on a contract basis with a hospital or facility temporarily to help alleviate staffing shortages. The travel nurse serves the purpose of filling a short-term staffing need and can be used for various reasons.

Travel nursing started back in the 1970s in New Orleans to account for an increased patient population during Mardi Gras. Hospitals found themselves overwhelmed with the extra patient load during this time, but they didn’t need this staff at all times of the year. Someone had the brilliant idea to bring in extra staff on a contract basis to help; thus, travel nursing was born! So next time you see Mardi Gras revelers strung in beads and overindulging in libations, you can give them a nod and thank them for being the catalyst to starting travel nursing!

Most notably, in the last two years, the reason for travel nurses would be the COVID pandemic. COVID created an incredible strain on the healthcare system, and nurses were needed everywhere to help care for the increased patient loads. However, travel nurses are used for many other reasons. Staff may be out on medical/maternity leave, staff leaving for other jobs or going back to school, and also seasonally in places such as Florida or Arizona when the snowbirds head south for the winter.

Of note, this is a good question to ask the nurse manager during your travel nurse interview! How many travelers do you have, and what’s the reasoning? This can give you a good insight into what you may expect on the unit. If the unit is entirely staffed by travel nurses, that may give you pause about the assignment. Travel nurses rely on experienced staff nurses to help orient and provide guidance on the unit. Certainly, COVID was an extenuating circumstance, and many units were staffed primarily with travel nurses. However, thank goodness these days, we have emerged for now out of the critical stage of COVID.

When can I start travel nursing?

A travel nurse must have experience prior to traveling, so you cannot travel as a new grad nurse.

The absolute bare minimum experience required is 1 year, 1.5-2 years is adequate, but the more experience, the better. I traveled after 1.5 years of experience in the ED, and I was just fine. But I also had 2 years of ED tech experience before that, which certainly helped boost my experience.

Experience is critical to being a travel nurse, and I’ll tell you why! As a travel nurse, you are expected to be up and running within about 2-3 days of orientation. Travel nurse contracts are typically 13 weeks; thus, there is no time for the typical 6 8 weeks or even 12-16 week orientation like a new grad nurse. Travel nurses hit the ground running!

Travel nurses must have the basic foundation of patient care in their particular setting. Of course, you will not know everything, and you will most certainly have a bazillion questions! There will be different protocols and ways of doing things, but essentially patient care is the same. As a travel nurse, you are orienting to the new unit, computer system if different than your previous one, and ways of doing things.

So as we used to say in the ED, get your roller skates on!

For more information on finding an agency and a recruiter and how to land your first travel nursing assignment, watch out for parts 2 and 3 of this series Navigating The Road to Travel Nursing articles.

If you are tired of endlessly researching answers about travel nursing with nothing to show, skip the overwhelm and let me Teach You How to Travel Nurse!

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

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What is this book?

Here is a list of all that will be contained in your book;

Your book has been written

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Aspects of travel nursing to keep in mind:

However, if your answer is yes to the above questions, welcome to the show!

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