March 6, 2023

4278 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 Geraldine Mills

February 3, 2023

5230 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

4324 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

2486 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

1556 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

2132 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

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

By The Gypsy Nurse

November 4, 2022

2702 Views

The Perks and Rewards of Being a Travel Nurse

Posted on November 4, 2022November 1, 2022 by The Gypsy Nurse

Traveling is an opportunity to see new places, meet new people, and experience different areas. What’s better than being able to travel and work and get paid top dollar for it? Being a traveling nurse! Travel nursing has become more popular since the pandemic for many reasons. With high-paying contracts, flexibility, and growth opportunities, nurses who take on travel assignments in other places have many new rewards than traditional nursing roles.

Any type of nursing is a rewarding career, and the possibilities can be endless. If you decide to take on being a travel nurse, you will see it offers many rewards for both your professional and personal life.

Opportunity To Experience Environments

By taking on new assignments as a three or six-month contract, you have the opportunity to live in a completely new place and experience different hospital settings. As a traveling nurse, you can pick different cities and locations to move to temporarily. This allows you to try different living styles and see what you like and don’t like. You can learn to take public transportation and explore the buzzing nightlife in a city. Or you can enjoy the sunshine in Florida and the desert in Arizona.

Most hospitals around the United States offer contracts, so if there are places you have always wanted to visit, now is the time to do it. You can discover new restaurants and activities along every destination you travel to. This is especially important if you are unsure where you want to live long term. Experiencing different places to live will help you decide where you want to put your roots down permanently.

Ability To Learn New Skills

By working in various hospitals, you will meet many new people and, more importantly, learn new techniques that will help you advance your career. Each assignment you take will present you with unfamiliar challenges and learning experiences. That said, each assignment should incrementally offer more pay and responsibility. You will be building your resume and skill set along the way, allowing more flexibility in what you can ask for.

When being a travel nurse, you have to be able to adapt to different situations quickly. You may get transferred to a different unit, and you need to be prepared to tackle any obstacles that come your way. The benefit of this is you may gain more awareness about what parts of the job you enjoy and what specific areas you want to focus on. This is great if you plan on furthering your education down the road and need to pick a specific discipline like pediatrics, emergency medicine, or geriatric care. The professional and life skills you earn as a traveling nurse are endless, providing much insight into your career aspirations.

Maximizing Your Earning Potential

As a travel nurse, you can make significantly more because you fill an urgent opening requiring flexibility. In addition to the hourly wage, you receive housing stipends. You will need to have somewhere to live while traveling unless you have family or friends you can stay with. Your options are renting an apartment monthly, Furnished Finder, Air BNB, or staying in a hotel. The length of your contract, location, and personal preferences will determine the best fit for you.

With a larger income, you will have the opportunity to make smart money decisions and hopefully accumulate savings. With the extra funds, you may pay off your student loans, pay for your master’s, or save for buying a home. A smart move to consider is purchasing a home while making extra money. You will then have a “home base” to live in when you are not assigned to a traveling contract, and you can rent it out when you are away. This is a smart investment and a great way to maximize your salary as a traveling nurse. With your extra income, research how much house you can afford to see if you can comfortably purchase a house or condo. Investment properties are a great way to start building a financial portfolio and secure your future assets.

Meeting New People

A perk of being a traveling nurse is getting to meet people all over the world. While working, you will be able to make new friends through your co-workers and, hopefully, create long-lasting relationships. Also, you will get to experience new cities where you will meet people. Even once you leave an assignment, having a place you can always visit is a fun perk! Lastly, as a nurse, traveling or not, you will get to help others daily and show that you care.

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 Uniti Med

October 5, 2022

2160 Views

Top Tips for New Travelers

Posted on October 5, 2022October 3, 2022 by Uniti Med

Uniti Med provided this article.

Picture it: you’re about to start your journey as a travel healthcare professional. Congratulations! What an exciting time in your life! For many first-time travelers, however, it can also be challenging, stressful, and overwhelming. How do you navigate this new step in your career? What can you do to ease the process? Here are some of our top tips for new travelers.

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Don’t be afraid to travel far from home

Leaving your friends, family, and your current hospital or facility can be scary, especially if you have never left your home state. While moving away from everything you have ever known can be a challenge, it can also be equally rewarding. Working in a new facility can introduce you to new ways of doing your job and seeing things from a different point of view. You can also make friends from all over the country and go to places you never thought you’d go. Who knows, you may find your new home away from home! Remember, if you don’t like being far away, you can request your next assignment to be closer to home.

Be flexible

You might not always get your first choice for your assignment. Take a breath. It’s OK! Each assignment is temporary, and if you don’t like the place you’re in now, try something new next time. Additionally, any travel experience will open doors to more jobs along the way. Hospitals love to see a wide variety of assignments from their travelers. Open yourself to new experiences and locations.

Mackenzie, a travel RN, says this: “Go into each assignment with an open mind and friendly face. You can make it through just about anything for 13 weeks, knowing there is an end in sight!”

Be brave

As we said, starting a travel career can be scary. Even with fear and uncertainties, remember to be brave. Bite the bullet. Take the leap. Freefall into the unknown. Say yes instead of no. You will never know until you try!

Victoria, a travel CNA, suggests “stop fearing what could go wrong and start welcoming what can go right!” Tracy, an RN, said this: “For me, it wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be. Turned out really well!”

Take it from these travelers; don’t let the fear of the unknown stop you from trying something new!

Get out there!

Once you make it to your first assignment, you might be a little lonely. You are in a new place with people you just met and are in unfamiliar territory. Get out there, make friends, and see what your new town has to offer. Remember, there are likely to be other travelers at your facility who have been where you are now. Reach out to them as well as the perm-staff. The more you put yourself out there, the more you will learn and grow as a professional and as an individual.

A former traveler, Mikaela Cook, says to “go to all the local places!” There will be many restaurants, bars, breweries, coffee shops, and stores that you won’t have in your hometown. Make a point to check these places out before you make your move to your next assignment.

You are not alone

Starting anything new can be hard to get used to. Just remember that your recruiter and travel agency are always there for you. If you have questions, need assistance, or just want someone to talk to, they are only a phone call away. Traveling alone doesn’t mean you ARE alone. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your recruiter with anything; that’s what they’re there for!

Starting a career in travel healthcare can be a culture shock. No hospital does it the same way, and walking into an unfamiliar place away from everyone you’ve ever known can be a lot to handle. When we have asked travel nurses what their advice would be for first-time travelers, many say that they wish they had started sooner. It’s never too late, but don’t sit on the sidelines forever. Make the move and start your journey!

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 Kevin Devoto

August 20, 2022

3962 Views

The Benefits of Travel Nursing: Now Is the Time to Think about Travel Nursing

Posted on August 20, 2022July 26, 2022 by Kevin Devoto

Most people think of travel nursing as something that only young, unmarried nurses do. But the truth is, travel nursing has many benefits at any stage in your career. Travel nursing could be an excellent option if you’re thinking about a change of scenery or want to experience different parts of the country (or even the world).

Here are just a few of the benefits of travel nursing:

1. See New Places

One of the best things about travel nursing is that it allows you to see new places. If you’ve always wanted to travel but never had the opportunity or are just curious about different parts of the country/world, travel nursing is a great way to do it. You can choose where you want to go and how long you want to stay there. Texas is a popular location for travel nurses for many reasons. First, it’s a big state with many diverse locations, so you can find the perfect match for your interests and skillset. For example, you may want to stay at the Marriott Odessa near the hospital and several museums. Second, the cost of living in Texas is relatively low, so you’ll be able to save money while working. And finally, the people in Texas are known for being friendly and welcoming, so you’ll feel right at home while exploring everything this state offers.

2. Earn More Money

Travel nursing is an excellent option for nurses looking to boost their income. Travel nurses typically earn more money than staff nurses, and they also have the opportunity to see different parts of the country (or even the world). Travel nursing can be a great way to experience various types of hospitals and help you make new friends and contacts. If you’re thinking about becoming a travel nurse, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable agency. Once you’ve found the right agency, you’ll be on your way to earning more money and seeing new places.

3. Get Experience in Different Settings

Another benefit of travel nursing is that it allows you to gain experience in different settings. Travel nursing is an excellent option if you’re looking to broaden your skillset or try something new.

4. Meet New People

Travel nursing is a great way to see new places while also doing the vital work of caring for patients. Many travel nurses choose their assignments based on location, so they can explore new cities or states while they work. In addition to getting to know a new place, travel nursing is also a great way to meet new people. You’ll meet other nurses from all over the country (or world) and make new friends. Travel nursing can be a great way to see the world and meet new people, all while doing meaningful work.

5. Take Time Off When You Want

Being a travel nurse affords you a unique level of freedom regarding your career. If you want to take some time off between assignments or even take an extended break for personal travel, you can do so without worrying about losing your job or benefits. This flexibility can be a great perk for those who want to see more of the world or have family obligations that make it challenging to maintain a traditional nursing career. Of course, taking extended breaks can also make it difficult to advance your career, so weighing your options before making a decision is essential. But for those who want the freedom to choose their adventure, travel nursing may be the perfect fit.

If you’re considering becoming a travel nurse, now is the time to do it. Many great opportunities are available, and the benefits are hard to ignore. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today!

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

Who are travel nurses?

Five Steps to Becoming a Travel Nurse

Step 1. Get Your Nursing Degree

Step 2. Pass the NCLEX

Step 3. Obtain an RN license

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

Step 5. Talk to a recruiter

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

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

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

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

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