As a travel nurse, preparing for the new year can be a bit different than it is for those in more traditional career paths. With the opportunity to work in different locations and take breaks in between assignments, it can be helpful to have a plan in place to ensure a smooth and successful transition into the new year.
It also can be exciting to dream and set goals for all that the new year of travel nursing can bring into your life. As you approach 2023, check out these tips to help you make the most of all 365 days.
Tips to Prepare for the 2023 Calendar Year
Reflect on the past year.
Take some time to reflect on your experiences as a travel nurse in the past year. Overall, think about what went well, what could you improve upon, and what do you wish you had done.
Reflecting on the past year is important as you begin to ponder what is next. As a travel nurse, you may have had the opportunity to work in multiple locations, care for a variety of patients, and gain new skills and experiences – so take time to reflect on those 2022 moments and identify where you might see areas for improvement and moments of success. Some questions you might consider as you reflect on your year as a travel nurse include:
What were some of your most memorable moments or accomplishments from the past year?
What skills or knowledge did you gain during your assignments?
What was your favorite city to explore? What’s one city you wish you had taken an assignment in?
Writing down these experiences as a travel nurse can help you gain a deeper understanding of your strengths and weaknesses and give you a clearer sense of direction as you move forward in your career.
Set goals for the new year.
After reflecting on your 2022 year, take these thoughts into consideration as you brainstorm what you want to accomplish as a travel nurse in 2023. Setting goals will help you focus your efforts and stay motivated throughout the year.
This step is an important part of any career, but it’s especially important for travel nurses as you plan for the new year. The fun part about setting goals is that you can track your progress throughout the year as you work towards achieving your aspirations.
When writing out your 2023 goals, make sure to be specific, make them measurable, set achievable goals, include a timeline, and map them out. Some goals might have multiple steps that will help you reach your destination; some might be crossing a new city off your list.
No matter how large or small, write the goal down so you can experience the triumph of crossing it off.
Update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
It sounds small but keep your resume and LinkedIn profile up to date to ensure that you’re putting your best foot forward when applying for future travel nursing assignments. Be sure to include any relevant certifications or training that you’ve completed, as well as any notable achievements or accomplishments you reflected on over 2022. Updating your resume can help you highlight your skills and accomplishments and make it easier for potential employers to see how you’re qualified for the position.
Stay current on industry trends and best practices.
As a travel nurse, it’s important to stay current on industry trends and best practices in order to provide the best care possible to your patients. Consider taking continuing education courses or attending conferences to stay up to date on the latest developments in the field.
Researching opportunities like this and marking down important dates will help you achieve something new this year!
Keep your documents in order.
Never let documents hold you back from starting your next assignment. Make sure that you have all of the necessary documents in order, such as your nursing license, passport, and any other documents that may be required for your assignments. This will help ensure that you’re ready to hit the ground running when you land a new assignment.
Bring on the New Year!
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to having a successful and fulfilling year as a travel nurse.
As a travel nurse, there are many exciting opportunities that can come your way in 2023 after you have taken the time to prepare for the new year. By setting goals, updating your resume, staying current on industry trends and best practices, and keeping your documents in order, you’ll be well-positioned to take on new and exciting challenges as they come your way.
You never know – this might be the year you travel to Hawaii or the year you take the leap into a new specialty you were afraid to take. Let your goals challenge and excite you!
Travel with GIFTED Healthcare
GIFTED Healthcare is here to help you reach all of your goals in 2023. If you plan to spend 2023 as a travel nurse, connect with a recruiter and let them know where you want your career to take you this year.
Familiar with the feeling of ‘Am I forgetting something?’ before you pick up your bags and leave your home for a vacation? Luckily, you are not alone. Even as a seasoned travel nurse, you may feel like you are forgetting something while packing. While taking time off is a great way to relax, leaving your home, pets, and routine uncared for is not easy.
Fret not. We have got the ultimate checklist up our sleeve which consists of 10 things you need to take care of before leaving home to make sure you can rest easy while you are away.
1. Contact House and Pet Sitters
You don’t want to come back to a messy house or, even worse – a catastrophe! So, contact a trustworthy house watcher, whether it’s a professional house sitter, a neighbor, or a friend. Also, look for a caretaker for your furry pooch if you have one.
Make sure you give them a list of instructions like water the plants, feed the dog, stay alert for any suspicious activity, and a little bit of general maintenance.
2. Manage Your Period
It is not the most comfortable feeling for women to travel during their period. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage your periods for vacation.
For instance, if you want to delay your period for vacation, consider medication like norethisterone. It is usually prescribed to be taken thrice a day, starting 3 or 4 days before you expect your period to begin. Your period should arrive 2-3 days after you stop taking the medication.
For any concerns or queries, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.
3. Place ‘Stop’ Orders
Place ‘stop’ orders on regular deliveries or services, for example, milk, newspaper, postal mail, housecleaning, etc. And make alternate arrangements for things you want to continue, like landscaping.
4. Manage Your Cash Flow and Bill Payments
Hit the local ATM to withdraw sufficient cash if traveling within the country. Contact a foreign exchange company to obtain the country’s currency you are traveling to for international travel. Also, check how you can use cash or a card once you land overseas.
5. Plan The First and Last Day Logistics
Usually, the first and the last day involves a lot of travel, documentation, and checking in, so prepare well in advance for a seamless transition.
On the last day of your trip, ensure that you have packed everything back. Keep your travel tickets handy. Book a taxi in advance and make sure you have arrangements for house keys, car keys, cash, and food on arriving back home
6. Pack All Electronics Carefully
A mobile phone has become the most essential item to pack while traveling as everything can be stored on your smartphone.
You may need to consider other electronic items: your earphones, charger, smartwatch, and camera.
7. Take Your Medicines and Essential Cosmetics Along
Pack all your routine medication and a first aid box. For example, the medicine norethisterone tablet for delaying your period for vacation, painkiller, antacid, antiallergic, etc.
Carry all your essential cosmetics like sunscreen, face cleanser, lip balm, treatment creams prescribed by your dermatologist, etc.
8. Check The Weather Forecast
Weather changes may affect your travel plans greatly. So, keep a tab on the weather forecast through news or the internet and carry weather-proof items accordingly. For example, an umbrella if it’s going to be raining, wool clothes if you are going somewhere cold, and so on.
9. Amp Up Your Home Security System
Activate your security system to keep burglars away. Today, security systems are advanced enough to keep a tab on your house through your smartphone device even when you are traveling.
Lock up all the windows and doors to prevent your house from peepers.
10. Gather Important Travel Documents
While most things have gone digital today, some physical documents are always required. Keep an original as well as photocopy of your passport, visa, ID proof, permits, licenses, travel insurance, etc., safe and handy.
We hope you found these 10 things to do before leaving for vacation helpful. Is there anything you do before leaving for vacation that we didn’t list? Comment them below.
Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for your next assignment? Click here to search our housing page.
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:
You just landed your dream travel nurse assignment and are eager to hit the road. You have a full list of excursions to experience at your destination and are excited to check each adventure off your bucket list. Before the sightseeing can begin, you have one important task to complete: packing your bags.
Though it may seem like a simple undertaking, knowing what to bring, what to leave behind, and what to source upon arrival in your temporary hometown can raise a lot of questions. This handy list of travel nursing must-haves will ensure you never leave for an assignment without the essentials.
What to Pack on Your Travel Nursing Assignment
Appropriate Documents
Important documents are not easily replaced, so take the time and effort to gather these documents before you embark on your next assignment. Some essential documents include your driver’s license, car insurance, and a backup form of ID such as a passport or copy of your birth certificate. Your staffing agency will have your nursing license and certifications on file, but it’s beneficial to keep digital copies on your phone or laptop in case you need them for any reason. Don’t forget about your most helpful resource – your recruiter! They can answer any questions and give you a full list of documents you might have, which can vary by facility.
Journal
Having a journal to document your adventures is the perfect way to keep the memories you make alive. You will be able to look back on these special moments for years to come and share them with your family and friends back home. Journaling is also an excellent way to pause, reflect, and stay in tune with your mental health.
French Press or Tea Strainer
Are you a caffeine fanatic? No need to break the bank on-to-go lattes! A French press or tea strainer is convenient to travel with and easy to pack away. Don’t forget to bring your favorite travel mug to keep your drinks warm while you’re on the go! Staying caffeinated will help push you through those long shifts.
Bring a Bluetooth speaker to make sure you always have your favorite jams or podcasts playing! There’s nothing like your favorite song to get you through your travels. Whether you’re cooking at home, hitting the beach, or enjoying time in the park, having a speaker on hand helps things feel a little more like home.
Camera
Wherever your travels take you, make sure to always have a camera ready to capture the important moments. There’s no need to be an avid photographer with professional equipment. Most smartphones today double as a high-quality camera, making it quick and convenient to capture all the sights of your explorations.
First Aid Kit
While on the go, it can be helpful to keep a first aid kit with you on assignments. You never know when you might need medicine to cure a common cold or a band-aid for a cut when you’re not at work. Some items that are good to have on hand include bandages, vitamins, aspirin, ibuprofen, sunscreen, and of course, any prescription medications you take.
Proper Clothing and Accessories
Do your research on the location you are traveling to. You will need to make sure to have clothes that fit the climate and seasons of your destination. No need to travel with your entire wardrobe! Pack the essentials with plenty of layering options to ensure you have apparel for every occasion. A few other must-haves include comfortable shoes, an umbrella, a travel steamer, and a lint roller.
Electronics and Extra Chargers
Laptops, tablets, e-readers, smartphones, Bluetooth headphones… these days, there are endless forms of electronics at our fingertips. Whether you use these devices for entertainment or work, they have become necessary on any travel nursing assignment. Just don’t forget to pack up each item’s respective charging device and make sure they are fully charged before you journey to your next destination.
Hobbies and Pastimes
Besides visiting all the amazing attractions during your travels, don’t forget to bring something to do during your downtime. Whether that’s reading your favorite book, playing an instrument, or drawing, your hobbies can always travel with you.
Comforts from Home
Being away from home can be a tough adjustment for some people. To avoid feeling homesick, make sure to bring items that connect you to your life back home, such as pictures of your family and friends or a favorite item someone special gave you. Surrounding yourself with meaningful keepsakes can help carry you through difficult times and make you feel comfortable in your “home away from home.”
With all these must-haves for travel nurses, here are a few bonus tips to also keep in mind:
Bonus Tip #1:
Go thrifting to find cheap household items (think pots, pans, utensils, hangers), and at the end of your assignment, donate the items back to a local charity.
Bonus Tip #2:
Find a travel nurse buddy to team up with and decide on which items each of you can bring to get you through your assignment.
This must-haves packing list is just a starting point to make sure the time spent in your new destination runs smoothly and efficiently. What are your travel nursing must-haves? Share with us in the comments below!
Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Have an assignment but need housing? Click here to search our housing group.
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:
An up to date resume is a vital part of any Travel Nurse Portfolio when submitting to a new travel nurse agency. Writing a great travel nurse resume can be daunting. The old adage of ‘keep your resume one page’ does not apply to the Travel Nurse resume.
Steps to Writing a GREAT Travel Nurse Resume
#1 Your Header
Your Header is at the top of your resume and contains your name and contact information. It’s also the first thing a hiring manager or recruiter will look at. Make certain to include both an email address and a phone number.
#2 Summary
Recruiters are busy these days and often, great resume’s get missed. Recruiters often scan resumes for keywords. Use these keywords in your summary and make it clear your years of experience and specialties.
#3 Certifications / Licenses
If you hold multiple state licenses and certification, this section can get lengthy. Don’t Stress. Provide clear details on State licenses (including expiration dates) and all pertinent certifications that you hold.
#4 Work History
Detailed work history is important. Include the Agency, Hospital, Unit, Dates, and brief description of your role.
#5 Education
Be sure to include the Institution Name and location, degree obtained and dates of attendance. You will likely also have to provide your agency with a copy of your educational transcripts.
#6 Computer / Charting Systems
List all of the computer charting systems that you have worked with. These skills can be key for some travel nurse positions. Are you a ‘super user’? If so, be sure to note this on your resume. Having skill with multiple computer charting systems will help your travel nurse resume stand out.
#7 Other Skills
Do you have other skills that might set you apart from other applicants? PICC line insertion, CPR Instructor, member of the Code or Rapid Response Team, participant in hospital ethics committee are just some examples. Be sure to highlight any additional skill that you have gained. Include any committee work that you’ve done as well.
You’ve perfected your Travel Nurse Resume…now what?
Now that you have perfected your travel nurse resume, you can check out these Top Agencies to help you find your next great travel nurse contract. Following these tips will help get your resume noticed and open doors to interviews. What change can you implement to improve your resume today?
It can be difficult to pack for extended trips, especially when you’re traveling for work rather than for vacation. Not only do you need everyday items such as clothes and toiletries, but you may also need cookware and even furniture. Here are six travel nurse tips for packing lightly for your next travel nurse assignment.
1. Use Combination Products
Products that combine two or more uses in one are particularly useful for reducing the number of things you need to pack. The most common combination products are personal care items and toiletries. For example, instead of packing separate sunscreen, you can pack SPF lip balm, foundation and moisturizer, and two-in-one shampoo and conditioner, so you only need to pack one bottle. Clothing and bags are also multi-tasking products. You should pack several pieces of light clothing that can be layered in cooler weather. Instead of small purses, backpacks, and cases, you can bring one medium-sized or large bag for everyday use.
2. Get Travel-size and Portable Items
You can use this strategy instead of or in conjunction with combination products. Travel-sized toiletries are sold at most stores and are useful if you’re flying or taking public transportation to your job destination rather than driving a personal vehicle. If you use items such as hair dryers, curling irons, or electric toothbrushes, look for portable versions of them, which are typically smaller and lighter than the regular versions.
3. Check Whether Bulky and Heavy Items Are Included In Your Housing
Many travel nursing employers are aware of the limitations associated with long-term work-related travel and so will work to accommodate you as best they can. Before you start packing, confirm with your employer what type of housing is included in your contract. Some companies provide corporate apartments, while others will reimburse you for temporary housing. Check with your employer what types of furniture, appliances, utensils and other amenities are provided, and then determine what else you need.
4. Research What’s Best to Purchase After Arrival
No matter how much is provided in your housing and how much you pack, you’re likely going to need to purchase at least one thing after you arrive at your destination. Food, cleaning products, and replacements for your travel-sized toiletries are the most common items you’ll need to purchase. If your mode of travel limits how much you can pack, you may need to plan to purchase items such as cooking utensils and hangers. Additionally, make sure you have refills on all prescription medications you’re taking so you can get them if you run out while you’re away from home.
5. Go Digital Where You Can
You need to carry all essential paperwork when you travel for work, including your government-issued ID, employment contract, and credit cards. You should also carry copies of documentation, such as your social security card and your nursing license. Aside from these, you should try to keep as many of your records, documentation and entertainment material confined to digital storage as you can. Carrying a laptop, an external hard drive, an e-reader or tablet, and a phone means a much lighter load than packing books, binders, and files.
6. Only Pack Essentials
You may think packing essentials only applies to things you physically need to live and to do your job. While you need to prioritize personal care items, medications, and clothing, you should also pack to accommodate your mental and emotional needs. Since you’ll be away from home for several weeks at a time, you should bring some small items to combat homesickness, such as a knick-knack that reminds you of home or a framed photograph of loved ones. You should also pack one or two items to help you relax and feel calm, such as scented candles, sheet masks, a plush blanket, or your favorite sweatshirt.
Conclusion
Remember, the things you need for work are important as a travel nurse, but you shouldn’t neglect your comfort either. Try to balance professional and personal items as best you can so you can stay healthy, happy, and able to do your job well.
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:
This is a question that is asked over and over. The best time to take time off? There is no best time, BUT as a travel nurse, one must understand they are supplemental staff to the Full-time staff why the whole industry was created due to Full-time staff shortages. But we are in a pandemic, so here are some ideas.
In between contracts or extensions.
This is the best time if you need a week to take a breather and get recharged. Nurses are being asked to work longer, and in more difficult environments, so it is okay to say you need some time for yourself.
If you feel burnt out or tired, work with them to see if you could get a week where your schedule may allow for a long weekend or a four-day weekend where you would have a Friday and/or a Monday off. Sometimes you just need a few days….
Not holidays but around the holidays.
Meaning supplemental staff is usually asked to work the holidays due to the Full-time staff wanting to take holidays. Hence there is usually a solid bump for that day or bonus. So if you work with your manager, you can schedule sometime around and still get the benefit of higher pay.
Just like any profession, there is never a good time one feels to take a breather.
Just know work will be there. But understand the pandemic will end in time, and rates will come back down, so if there is a time to work and actually work as many hours as you can, now and the near term would be the time and save some money to take a nice relaxing vacation when the pandemic ends!
We hope you found these tips for taking some time to yourself as a travel nurse helpful. Do you have any advice to share with new or even veteran fellow travel nurses about vacations and time off? Comment them below.
Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Need housing for that next assignment? Click here to visit our housing page.
About Go Healthcare:
For every reason you decide to travel, we are there for you. As a Travel Nurse, you have the opportunity to travel anywhere in the country while gaining an enriching experience both professionally and personally. Some reasons you may decide to travel include avoiding “hospital politics” as a staff RN, a chance to see the country, gain clinical experience for your nurse resume, increase your earning potential and connect with friends or family far and nearby working in the same city. We offer our Go RN Travelers exciting travel assignments across the country, competitive pay & benefits, and healthcare insurance from “day one” of your contract.
Everyone in Health Care is familiar with traveling Nurses, Doctors, Occupational Therapists, among others, but a Traveling CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)?
I know! Doesn’t that sound crazy?!
I mean, really, I thought the same thing. But, it’s true- though we are not in as hot demand as the other medical specialties, we are not only valuable but needed. I have a vagabond gene that screams, “GO SOMEWHERE! Travel, see the country- experience great things!” But most important, my vagabond gene tells me, “Go forth and share your compassion and skills with others.”
I started my quest for information and assignments specifically for traveling CNA’s when I first graduated. I knew I could not travel right away; I had to get the right amount of experience, become great at what I do, and hone my skills, just like a brand new LPN or RN. That’s exactly what I did.
I want to share my ‘Top 10 Most Important List”. I hope the information is helpful, and you can utilize the resources and lessen the initial stress of breaking into your new travel journey!
1. Resume
Your resume is going to be your only chance at a first impression. You have to make it great, and you have to make it complete.
Highlight your exceptional skills and experience and sell yourself through your cover letter.
Your resume needs to be clean, concise, and in a professional format for not only recruiters but also the person who will decide to call you for an interview.
Include your license information, including the state in which you are licensed.
Include any other certifications or memberships you have—for example, BLS or membership with the American Association of Long Term Care Nursing. (Memberships show that you take your profession seriously).
2. References
Most importantly, above all else – you need great references! If you do not provide references, which can actually speak with a recruiter, it will be useless! Your DON sounds perfect. Eh- unfortunately, not so much. Many hospitals/facilities have a policy that all references must be deferred to HR. While that is great to verify your employment dates, etc., it does nothing for a reference as to the level of your competency in your skills or how you conduct yourself with your patients and coworkers. References must be from someone who has directly supervised you; such as:
Charge Nurse (LPN or RN)
Unit Supervisors
Clinical Coordinators
Nurse Mentors, etc.
Once you have built a friendship and rapport with a supervisory nurse, ask them if they would mind if you use them as a contact reference in the future. First name, last name, telephone number, and email! You can download a blank reference form for free through the internet or Microsoft Word. Ask them if they would mind filling one out for you for use in the future.
3. Traveling CNA Medical Documentation
In order to be a traveling CNA (just like nurses), you will need to have your medical documentation in order.
Titer paperwork- (verifies immunities)
MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
Varicella (chickenpox zoster)
HBV (hepatitis B)
PPD Test result
This is required once a year.
Flu shot
Ask your recruiter if this is required before you leave for an assignment.
Physical
Sometimes- this will be required to be within 30 days of the travel date, or it could be within the previous 12 months. (Your recruiter will best answer this- we will get to that).
4. Your voicemail!
You are probably asking, “what in the world does my voicemail have to do with travel nursing?” A lot! Make sure that your voicemail is professional. A person contacting you for a potential travel position is not going to like to hear: Yo, this is Michelle, yea, ya missed me- I ain’t able to get to da phone…. Beeeep, leave me a message with yo digits!” (LOL, ok, so I am not that creative, but I have heard some BAD voicemail greetings- you get my meaning.)
“Hello, you have reached Michelle Lane; I am sorry I am unable to get to the phone at this time. Please leave me a detailed message with your name and telephone number, and I will return your call as soon as possible. Thank you, and have a great day.” (Yes, that is what my voicemail says.)
5. Research, Research, Research!
Deciding to become a traveling CNA is a big step- it would be a horrible experience if you do not make a sound decision on the company you decide to travel with, the recruiter you use, and your pay package.
Agency: There are many of them out there, some good, some that you need to avoid like the plague! Google the name of the potential agency, for example, XYZ Medical Staffing complaints. Also, there are some great Travel nurse groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, and DelphiForums. Just do some homework.
Your recruiter should be your cheerleader, your go-to person, and most of all, they should communicate with you! I cannot stress this enough. A good recruiter returns phone calls, answers questions, and looks out for you in all aspects. They should be willing to hold your hand for the entire duration of your time with them. Nothing would be worse than to get to your assignment and have a problem, and you can reach the—cell phone, email, Facebook, etc. If you do not have a warm fuzzy feeling with them, get a new one!
Traveling CNA Pay Package
Traveling CNA’s are not paid AS much as RN’s or other medical specialties; however, there are some really great rates out there for us! How do you know that you are getting a good quote for an assignment? Well, let’s look at an example:
Powell, Wyoming -$18 taxed hourly rate (WOW! That is awesome, right?) -$500 tax-free per week per diem for housing (sometimes called a stipend)
-$300 travel reimbursement to get to your assignment reimbursed by your agency.
You now know that you have a $2000 per month budget to work with. In your research, you will want to look at what housing will cost, a car (if you are not driving there- for this example, we will say we are flying there.
The cheapest all-inclusive housing you can find is $2,600, and it is 50 minutes away. As you can see, this assignment will already eat up all your housing per diem, which means that you will have to pay out of pocket $600 per month, and you have not even researched car rental rates yet. YIKES! Not a good idea unless you really, really want to see Powell, Wyoming. There will be assignments that you really want, and paying out of pocket is something that you want to do; I get that.
6. Get a notebook
Make sure to keep good records of agencies, recruiters, and proposed assignments that you have been submitted for! While looking for assignments, you will not believe how easy it is to get confused. At the top of the page, I write the name of the agency, the recruiter’s name, and contact information, along with the city and state of the assignment. Write down the details from what the recruiter tells you about an assignment, ask for an email recapping all the details discussed, and then compare your notes to what the recruiter sent to you. Yes, it is important. It’s best to catch an error immediately and contact your recruiter to let them know the variances.
**You will want to really read your contract once you receive it, and make sure that all information in your contract is the same as you discussed with the interviewer and your recruiter. Don’t forget to get the full name of the person interviewing you and a contact number.
7.Questions to ask during the interview
(You can use these answers to compare to what the recruiter told you, and then let them know what the interviewer told you). You would be surprised how information can be different. I know I wouldn’t be happy if my recruiter told me that I would be working five 8 hour shifts, with a guaranteed 40 hours, only to find out when I get there that I will be working three 12 hour shift and a cancellation policy of up to 12 hours unpaid. It can add up over the course of a 13-week assignment.
On The Fly® – This is only accessible through the On The Fly Mobile App (you can search by a period in the calendar or specific days.)
Kayak®
Hipmunk ®
Transportation These are alternative ways to find cars/transportation
RelayRides®
Lyft®
U-CarShare®
Misc. Apps/Websites
CamScanner® is an awesome app where you can take a picture of your documents using your smartphone. I used this app to send all my paperwork to my recruiter.
PAN Travelers – Useful calculator, so you can see the big picture with contract money. This website is an all-around great resource for traveling nurses.
Travel Tax- Joe Smith at Travel Tax is a great resource for travelers regarding
taxes.
Travel Nurse Network – The Gypsy Nurse – This the ultimate go-to group for me. If I have a question, no matter what time of the day or night, I know that I will get honest answers for any question that I might have. Not to mention I have met some really great seasoned travel nurses.
CNA Travelers – obviously, I am going to plug my group on Facebook. 😉 We are building a CNA specific group just for us! This is a great springboard, so to speak, where you are free to ask questions and meet others with the vagabond gene!
9. Finances
You are getting ready to embark on a travel journey, and you must consider your banking options. Banks are everywhere, but is your bank? If you lost your bank debit card while on assignment, how would you get a replacement? Due to possible fraud, many banks will only send a replacement card to your home address on your account or to a branch in the city that you are in. What if your bank does not have a branch within 200 miles of your assignment city? That would create a big problem. Personally, I got sick of all the bank fees eating away at my abysmal bank balance anyway. (It’s ok to giggle- I did) I decided six years ago to go with non-traditional banking by using an online bank. There are several out there, and a Google search can help you find others, but of course, I have my pick:
NetSpend
I have 24/7 access to my money, a free direct deposit, a Visa® debit card, and free overdraft protection (with direct deposit). I have the convenience of an app on my phone and text message alerts for every transaction that includes your current balance. Your account comes with a free Savings account. If you lose your card, you can go online immediately and deactivate your card yourself, and set up a “Virtual Debit Card” so you never lose access to your money. NetSpend also has cashback rewards.
10. Flexibility
As a Traveling CNA that wants to break into traveling, it is essential that you are flexible and willing to go ANYWHERE. The assignments for Traveling CNA’s are not as plentiful as they are for RN’s, so you really have to be open to new places that you may not have thought of.
I hope that my Top 10 List helps you step out into the gypsy world and share your skills and experience new places and adventures. You never know; maybe we will meet in person along the way!
About The Author:
Michelle is a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), having three years of overall healthcare experience. She recently found her vagabond gene and is a newly anointed Gypsy who loves to travel, meet new people, and help others live their dream of traveling as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant).
As part of my “Top 10 Most Important List”, I wanted to share my checklist of Interview questions for the Travel CNA and help you on your way to a successful Travel CNA contract.
Questions to ask during the interview
(You can use these answers to compare to what you were told by the recruiter, and then let them know what you were told by the interviewer). You would be surprised how information can be different. I know I wouldn’t be happy if I was told by my recruiter that I will be working five 8 hour shifts, with guaranteed 40 hours, only to find out when I get there that I will be working three 12 hour shift and a cancellation policy of up to 12 hours unpaid. It can add up over the course of a 13 week assignment.
Travel CNA –Contract Length
How many weeks is this contract for?
What will my expected duties be?
As a Travel CNA, your duties can vary greatly, unlike an RN that specializes in Labor Delivery, or any other area. It is good to know what will be required of you.
Travel CNA
Schedule and Pay Rates
What is the hourly rate for a Travel CNA?
Will I be paid a differential? How much?
What is your Floating Policy?
This means whether or not you are required to, or will you be able to float to different areas of the facility. *This is a GREAT opportunity to get that much-desired acute care experience that can be very difficult for Travel CNA’s to get!
How many hours will I be guaranteed per week? this is very, very important. This will be the number of hours that you are guaranteed to be paid per week. You want to know not only the number of hours but also the shifts per week. Ask about the shift length, 8 hrs, 10 hrs, 12 hrs.
What is your overtime rate?
Am I eligible to work overtime? You will want to know if there is an availability to work overtime, and what you will be paid for those hours. (Some states pay overtime over 8 hours per day, some paid overtime after 40 hours per week).
Will I be required to work any holidays during my contract?
If so, which holidays, and what is the holiday rate? *Some places pay time and a half, and some pay double time (You will mostly see a double-time rate on a government assignment.)
What will my days off be?
Ex: Every other weekend, Every third weekend, etc.
Will my days off be the same each week?
Requested Time Off:
What is your procedure for requesting time off? This is where you will ask for specific days off during your contract. This is very important if you are anticipating having family come in from out of town, or perhaps you know there is an event/concert and you really want to go. * These days off must be written into your contract.
Cancellation policy
What is your cancellation policy?
This could be how many shifts you can be canceled by the facility during the duration of your contract, or it could be how many hours they can cancel you per week.
Uniform
What color uniforms are required? Some facilities require a specific color of scrubs for each department, so they can tell by sight where you work.
Charting System
What charting system do you use?
How much charting orientation will I receive? (If you are not familiar with this system ASK if you are going to be trained on it!!)
Orientation
What will my orientation schedule be and how many hours or days? What is my pay for Orientation?
Testing
Will I be required to take any tests? If so, ask them what tests they are.
Parking
Is parking provided? If not, where do I park, and what is the fee?
I hope that my Top 10 List and Interview Questions are helpful, and encourages you to step out into the Gypsy world and share your skills and experience new places and adventures. You never know, maybe we will meet in person along the way!
About The Author:
Michelle is a Travel CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), having three years overall experience in health care. She recently found her vagabond gene and is a newly anointed Gypsy that loves to travel, meet new people and help others to live their dream of traveling as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
FAQs about Travel CNAs
How to become a travel CNA?
Becoming a travel CNA can be an exciting and rewarding career. To begin, you must have a valid nursing assistant certification in the state you plan to work in. Additionally, some employers may require additional training and/or certifications beyond basic CNA requirements. Once you have all the necessary qualifications, you can then look for open travel CNA positions or contact agencies that specialize in staffing these jobs.
What is a travel CNA?
A travel CNA is a Certified Nursing Assistant who works in different healthcare facilities on a temporary basis. They are in great demand due to their ability to quickly and efficiently adjust to new work environments and learn new systems, while providing the same quality of care they would provide at any other facility. Travel CNAs can expect to receive higher pay than non-travel CNAs, as well as reimbursement for travel expenses, making it an attractive profession for those looking for a more flexible nursing career.
Requirements for a nurse compact license are similar across states. However, each state may determine and vary its own licensure requirements. The states that participate in the compact have agreed that the licensing requirements in the individual states are compliant with their own licensing requirements. Therefore, these states allow you to work in their state without any additional licensing.
Nurse Compact License Requirements
Who’s Eligible?
Currently, the Compact license is available for LPNs and RNs. Additionally, there is current legislation attempting to provide a compact for Advance Practice Nurses.
According to NCSBN, The following are necessary in order to qualify for a Compact License.
Legally reside in an NLC state.
Hold an active RN or LPN/VN nursing license in good standing. (APRNs are not included in this compact.)
Declare an NLC state as your primary state of residency.
Meet the licensure requirements in your home state.
Additionally, some states have additional requirements in order to qualify. Check each state board’s website for details.
Which States Participate in the Compact?
Over the years, the nurse compact license has evolved. Now referred to as the eNLC. There are currently 42 states that have passed legislation as of June 10, 2024.
Screenshot
NLC States
Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Guam (Allows nurses who hold active, unencumbered, multi-state licenses issued by Nurse Licensure Compact member states to practice in Guam under their multi-state licenses.)
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana (RN & LPN)
Maine
Maryland
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania- (Partial Implementation)
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia (RN & LPN)
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Pending States
Guam: Pending tentative implementation in 2023. Nurses holding a multistate license in other NLC states may now practice in Guam. Guam residents cannot obtain a multistate license until implementation is complete.
Virgin Islands: NLC enacted Dec. 6, 2021. Pending tentative implementation in 2023. Criminal background checks must also be implemented. VI residents cannot obtain a multistate license until implementation is completed. Nurses in other NLC states with a multistate license may not practice in the Virgin Islands until implementation is complete.
