March 16, 2019

48618 Views

Swift Action, Vital Care: Roles in Rapid Response Nursing and Travel Assignments

Posted on March 16, 2019December 19, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

What is Rapid Response Travel Nursing?

Sponsored by: Fastaff

In order to understand what Rapid Response Travel Nursing is, let’s first look at the different types of Travel Nursing.

Types of Travel Nurses

Traditional travel nurses – Generally able to start in 4-8 weeks, contracted for a typical time-frame of 13 weeks.
Rapid response travel nurses – Able to start in 2 days to 2 weeks. Greater flexibility in assignment length, with shorter contracts available.
Strike-nurses – Typically for only a few days or weeks. The sole purpose of providing temporary relief staffing in times of labor disputes.

Why do Hospitals NEED Rapid Response Nurse Staffing?

EMR (Electronic Medical Records) Conversions
Remote or “hard-to-fill” positions
Unexpected acute fluctuation in staffing or patient loads. (Flu season is a good example).

What are the Benefits for the Travel Nurse in doing Rapid Response Nurse Staffing?

Work shorter assignments of 2-8 weeks This can be a great ‘filler’ if you are looking for a contract that is shorter than the average 13 week contract. Perhaps you had a contract cancelled? Need something right away while you look for a longer contract? Rapid Response travel nursing is a great way to fill in and make great pay for a shorter contract.
Greater Flexibility in Contract Length Companies like Fastaff Travel Nursing provide the travel nurse with various possibilities. Contracts lengths ranging from short-term 2-4 week contracts to standard contract lengths of 13 weeks or longer.
Earn top pay rates Depending on the severity of the need of the hospital, the Rapid Response Nurse can earn significantly more than the traditional travel nurse. Furthermore, hospitals look to Rapid Response solutions when their needs are urgent. The increased bill rate hospitals pay is shared with the travel nurse in the form of above average pay. In addition, rapid response staffing agencies like Fastaff Travel Nursing, often negotiate for 48 guaranteed hour work weeks. Factoring in overtime, this can translate into a 50% to 70% increase in total pay over a traditional travel assignment.

What does the Staffing Agency need in a Rapid Response Nurse?

Ready to start quickly
Multiple state Licenses/Compact License
Knowledgeable
Experienced

Ready to start quickly

In order to be available for these Rapid Response needs, the Travel Nurse will need to be organized and make certain that all their paperwork is up to date and readily available. It’s a good idea to have everything on hand with a Rapid Response Nurse Staffing agency well ahead of time. It’s also recommended to give the agency approval to submit prior to consulting with you. (This is not recommended with Traditional Travel Nursing).

Multiple state Licenses/Compact License

Being licensed in multiple states or licensed in a Compact State will be a huge benefit to the travel nurse. Multiple state licenses means quicker placement and more job availability.

It can be costly to maintain multiple licenses. I recommend that you do your research and find out where it’s best to be licensed. It’s also important to note that multiple state or compact licensure is not a requirement for Rapid Response travel nursing.

Another important aspect to remember is that the time needed to obtain licensure varies widely depending on the state. It’s important to think ahead and work to obtain licenses in states that you are interested in working in. States like NY can take up to 10 weeks or longer for licensing and often have rapid response needs. Don’t miss out on some of these great opportunities. You may be a great fit for an assignment but, if you can’t process your license before the scheduled start date.

Some travel nurse companies will often cover your licensing costs and assist you in obtaining licensure for open positions.

Knowledgeable in multiple types of systems and platforms

Experience in multiple EMR systems is a huge benefit. This will yield you great flexibility as well as availability in obtaining a Rapid Response position.

***Experienced* *Nurse***

Rapid Response Travel Nursing is generally utilized to fill an emergency need. It’s expected that the travel nurse will be able to hit the ground running. These positions are even more demanding than traditional travel nursing. Rapid Response Staffing agencies are looking for confident and experienced nurses to fill these needs. Most agencies will require a minimum of 2 years of recent acute care experience in your specialty.

What to look for in a Rapid Response Staffing Company

Proven experience and history of Rapid Response Staffing
Joint Commission Certified
A company with good staff support in place.

How to get started as a Rapid Response Travel Nurse

Research agencies and sign up with an agency that specializes in Rapid Response Travel nursing like Fastaff Travel Nursing. Fastaff is a subsidiary of Reliant Healthcare Professionals and has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval. Fastaff pioneered the concept of Rapid Response travel nursing to the healthcare industry in 1989. Search the current rapid response jobs available via Fastaff.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse contract?

Check out these HOT Travel Nurse Jobs.

By The Gypsy Nurse

December 9, 2018

14452 Views

Ask A Travel Nurse: Travel Nurse Contract Extension

Posted on December 9, 2018December 14, 2022 by The Gypsy Nurse

Gypsy,

If I like my travel nursing contract can I ask for an extension?

Thank you,
Marty RN

Thank you for reading The Gypsy Nurse. You have taken the first step on your journey to become A Gypsy Nurse.

Marty,

The ability to extend a travel nurse assignment is variable. It really depends on the assignment. I’ve worked as a travel nurse for nearly 9 years, and most of my contracts have offered an extension. There are times when the hospital will not need an extension because they have hired travelers for a specific reason; EMR conversions are a good example of this.

If you like the hospital and location and would like to extend, simply ask your recruiter about extending. The recruiter should be able to easily arrange a travel nurse contract extension for you. This is a huge benefit for a staffing company as their out-of-pocket expenses are lowered by an extension vs a new traveler.

Don’t forget to leverage your negotiating abilities for an extension. The staffing agency will be saving some monies that would go to bringing in a new traveler so use those savings to your benefit by asking for a little something extra. This could be a ‘completion bonus’, a small hourly increase or a multitude of other options.

Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By The Gypsy Nurse

October 5, 2018

20047 Views

Ask A Travel Nurse: Brand New RN, Ready for Travel Nursing?

Posted on October 5, 2018January 16, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Gypsy,
HI Gypsy Nurse! I love your site. It’s so informative. I am currently working in the surgical trauma ICU at a Level! Facility. My one year is in Sept (brand new RN), but I am ready to start traveling, specifically in NYC! I have been talking with a travel company, started the app process, etc., but I wondered if you had any knowledge or info about being new RN and a travel nurse in NYC. Any info you might know would be SO wonderful as I start to work out all the details in the next few months…

Thank you, thank you!
Nurse K, RN BSN

Thank you for reading The Gypsy Nurse. You have taken the first step on your journey to becoming A Gypsy Nurse.

Kristen,
I have not personally worked in NYC, so I can’t give you any specific information on the location. Our Facebook group is a great place to ask questions about NYC. You could ask there specifically about NYC, and hopefully, someone with personal experience can help.

I would caution you on taking a travel contract as a new RN with only a year of nursing experience. As a traveler, you will be expected to ‘hit the floor running. You will be lucky to get a full shift of floor orientation. You will likely be given the worst patients. Staff could be helpful, or they could throw you under the bus and let you drown….either extreme is possible. As travel nurses, we are expected to adapt quickly to the new environment, rules, and patient loads. Not to mention new computer systems, new equipment, different drugs (what’s a common treatment in one part of the country may not be the same in another). I am not questioning your ability to care for patients. However, please understand that it’s best for the safety of the patients if you are experienced before traveling.

I would really encourage you to hold off on travel nursing until you have had a good two years of experience under your belt. In the meantime, I would suggest that you pick up a couple of ‘agency’ shifts in your local area and see how you adapt to the varied environments. This will give you a good feel for how you will adjust to travel nursing.

I realize that this is not the answer that you were looking for, and I’m sorry. I hope that you will consider my advice. If you decide to continue to pursue the travel nursing route, please feel free to contact me with any further questions.

I love hearing the opinions of my readers. Your opinion could be the perfect solution for someone. Please share your thoughts below in the comments.

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 8, 2018

37743 Views

Step #1: Determine Why Travel Nursing is Your Goal

Posted on August 8, 2018January 4, 2024 by The Gypsy Nurse

WHY Choose Travel Nursing?

If you aren’t sure why to choose travel nursing as your next career step, you need to sit down and really think about it.

If you’re not sure, here are some reasons why travel nursing is a hot career choice:

Flexibility

Travel nurse contracts vary in length, location, and in position. You can decide why you need a travel nurse contract and then decide where and when.

Time off work

Another huge reason why nurses choose travel nursing? Travel nurses can request in their contract for specific dates off of work or arrange complete contracts around personal time.

Meet new people and create new friendships.

Travel nurses have the opportunity to meet people and make friends from all walks of life while traveling. This is one of the most talked-about benefits that our travel nurse network group members rave about.

Experience new locations

Most travel nurses love exploring new places. Another great why for travel nurses is the fact that they can do more than spend a night or two in really exciting locations. Instead, they get to experience each place like a local!

Better pay

Lots of people ask why nurses travel far away from home, and this is a simple answer. Travel nurses generally make more money than staff nurses do. This is especially true if you’re willing to go to a “less desirable” location. Don’t be afraid of working a travel nurse contract off the beaten path. Some of the best experiences are those you never expect.

Expand your nursing skill set.

Most nurses know that having a varied skill set helps you long term. You will expand your nursing skills and develop new skills like organization, adaptability, and critical thinking.

Explore a location before settling down.

Many travelers choose travel nursing as a segue into a full-time job in a new location. Being able to scout out a new place before making a long-term commitment can be a huge perk.

More Reasons Why Nurses Travel:

A need or desire to be in a particular place for a period of time.
Family scattered across the country.
See the country
Broaden your children’s horizons.

Once you know why travel nursing is your choice for a career, you will be better able to communicate with your recruiters as you move through the next steps of the guide. It’s also going to make it easier for you to make a decision on the next contract location or agency selection.

In our Travel Nurse Guide, we will show you how to become a travel nurse step by step. Following our travel guide will help you be successful in your travel nursing career. If you have any questions that aren’t covered in the guide, please feel free to add them in the comments section at the bottom of this page, ask them in Travel Nurse Network – The Gypsy Nurse, or use our website to search for additional content.

The travel nursing guide is best utilized in order, and the next step will be linked at the bottom of each page.

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 8, 2018

34811 Views

Step #2: What Will You Get Out of Travel Nursing?

Posted on August 8, 2018July 24, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

The benefits of travel nursing vary depending on the person. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what you want to get out of your travel nursing career.

To help guide you, we’re going to help you nail down what perks you want most in your travel nurse career. In order to effectively communicate with your recruiter, it’s important to know what is most important to you!

Remember that handy list on why you want to travel from Step #1? Let’s turn that page over and make another list. Brainstorm your personal wants and needs. Don’t worry about making it perfect right now. Just jot down everything you can think of that you could want or need out of travel nursing!

What You Can Get Out of Travel Nursing

When looking at your personal desires and considering what you can get out of travel nursing, it’s important to decipher between a need and a want. Needs are more pressing, while your wants should be items that feel more flexible to you.

Examples of Wants:

12 or 8-hour shifts
Teaching facility versus non-teaching
Small or large hospitals
Location
Overtime availability
100% guaranteed hours (Many people think every travel nursing contract has guaranteed hours–but a lot have some level of a call off policy)
Types of housing available

Examples of Needs:

Salary
Shift
Time off during your contract for non-negotiable events (weddings, baby showers, etc.)
Health insurance
Start date

As you can see, some of these items could go on either list. So, how do you determine what benefits you really need to glean from travel nursing?

You will have to weigh the pros and cons.

Let’s walk through some example scenarios:

You might want to start on September 1st but need to be finished with a contract by a certain date due to a family event in a different state than the contract.

You might want to be in California but most importantly need to be somewhere on the West Coast because your daughter is expecting her first baby.

Now that you have a brainstorm list go back through it and highlight items that are true NEEDS. This list can also change over time! When you are ready, you can return to the introduction or move forward or back using the article links below.

Ready to start your travel nurse career?

Find your Next Gypsy Nurse Contract right here on The Gypsy Nurse!

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 8, 2018

37226 Views

Step #3: Where and When Are You Willing to Go

Posted on August 8, 2018July 24, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Where to Start Travel Nursing?

Sometimes this is the most intimidating question. Some travelers are completely open to location and willing to go wherever there is a need. Others want a specific location for a variety of reasons. There is no right or wrong place to start travel nursing.

Know your Restrictions

If you have some restrictions on where you can work as a travel nurse, or a specific timeline, you have a little planning to do. Keep in mind that for your first assignment, you might have to be a little more flexible. Being open to locations will make it easier to find your first contract.

Weather Factors

Do you want to avoid extreme weather? That would mean no Minnesota in the wintertime. Many travel nurses will follow ‘summer’ and will not accept a wintry destination. On the flip side, others love winter sports and will choose locations that provide the maximum possibility of enjoying them. If you aren’t sure where to start travel nursing, a winter contract in a colder state will be sure to have higher rates and openings!

Licensing

Now that the nursing compact is much larger, a lot of nurses have more options on where they can start travel nursing. If your home state is not compact, you will need to take that into consideration when you are planning where you will work as a travel nurse.

Family

Another consideration might be family. If you are a non traditional travel nurse and travel with kids or have kids at home, where you can work as a travel nurse might be more limited. Once again, remember that your first compact might not be quite as close to family as you would prefer, but most of the time you can get within several hours of anywhere you need to be.

Facility

The type of hospital may also play a factor. Will you work for a rural hospital? How about a teaching facility? Is Magnet status a factor? Do you prefer a Level II Trauma hospital? Depending on your experience, it might be more or less scary to start travel nursing at a certain type of facility.

Amenities

Perhaps you have an ailing family member and want to be close to a major airport if a family emergency arises. Will you be unhappy if you’re in a small town and don’t have a major shopping mall? Does small town living drive you to madness? Cities make you dizzy and disoriented? Only you know where you are comfortable.

Always try to keep an open mind! You might not check all of your boxes, but every assignment is a new experience, and somewhere you didn’t think you would love might surprise you.

Have you joined our Travel Nurse Community? Follow the link and join today for even more travel nurse tips and advice.

You can return to the the introduction, or move forward or back using the article links below.

By Amber Pickler

August 8, 2018

55841 Views

Step #4: Understanding the Myths

Posted on August 8, 2018July 26, 2023 by Amber Pickler

The Truth About Travel Nursing

Travel nursing myths are abundant. As in any career, it’s important to be able to make an informed decision. Here, we will break down some common travel myths and counter them with the truth about travel nursing.

Travel Nursing Myth #1:

Travel Nurses make $10,000 per week (or some other outrageous amount).

The Covid 19 pandemic definitely skewed the perception of what travel nurses actually make. It is hard to say for sure what an “average” rate for a travel nurse is because so many factors play a role. Explaining travel nurse pay can be tricky because it’s not as simple as saying, “travel nurses will make $100 per hour.” Location, cost of living, the desperation of the unit, and even the season can affect what a travel nurse makes.

A travel nursing myth that goes hand in hand with pay is how our housing works. Often it is assumed that travel nursing agencies are putting their nurses in lavish rentals, but the truth is most travel nurses find housing themselves. Often this housing can cost 1.5 to 2 times the amount of normal housing in the area. This factors into how your pay is broken down because each area of the country has a max amount you can receive as a housing stipend. There are some tax home requirements that have to be adhered to receive these housing benefits at a tax-free status. You can read more about housing here.

Another consideration when discussing pay is that travel nurses generally do not receive paid vacation or paid sick leave. They are like other contract workers, and when they need personal time off, they take it without pay—a significant benefit difference and downside from typical staff nurses.

Myth #2:

Travel Nurse companies choose where you will go.

The truth is that a travel nurse has complete control over where they go. This travel nursing myth makes it sound like the system is militant in its decisions, and that is simply not the case. Obviously, there is a supply and demand factor. Generally, travel nurse agencies will post a listing of current openings, and the travel nurse will consider the options and tell the recruiter which locations they are willing to go. A good recruiter will try to find a nurse placement in a desirable location for the travel nurse.

Myth #3:

Travel nurses have to move every 13 weeks.

The standard travel contract is for 13 weeks. That does not mean that you will have to move at the end of the contract. Many travel contracts offer extensions, and others will contract for more than 13 weeks.

There are tax home considerations regarding being in a location for extended periods of time, generally around the one-year mark. Consult with your tax professional to make sure you are practicing within the law.

Myth #4:

Travel nurses are all young. I’m too old to be a travel nurse.

This travel nursing myth could not be further from the truth!

There is no age limit for a travel nurse. There are a variety of groups that travel. Young nurses will travel before they start families because they have the freedom to do so without any other obligations. Many travelers will begin a travel career after their spouse retires or their children are grown.

It’s highly recommended that a nurse obtain at least two years of experience in his/her specialty before exploring a travel nursing career.

Myth #5

You can’t travel with family or pets.

This is entirely untrue. Many nurses travel with a spouse, friends, pets, and children. There are additional considerations if you travel with your family, but that depends a lot on how many children you have, their ages, and their educational needs. For some ideas on how to make travel nursing with a family work, check out this article.

Pets can be a challenge to travel with, but it isn’t impossible. It’s important to inform your recruiter if you plan to travel with family or pets so that these considerations can be accommodated.

What other travel nursing myths have you heard? Post in the comments, and let’s dispel all of the travel nursing myths.

Have you joined our Travel Nurse Community? Follow the link and join today for even more support and resources.

You can return to the introduction or move forward or back using the article links below.

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 8, 2018

43512 Views

Step #5: Know Your Deal-Breakers

Posted on August 8, 2018July 24, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

It’s important to know and understand what your deal-breakers are so that you can communicate this during your travel nurse contract negotiation.

First, let’s define what is meant by the term deal-breaker.

Know your Deal-Breakers

deal breaker (plural deal breakers) An issue which causes a relationship (especially in business) to fail.

– Wiktionary

Example Deal Breakers

One popular deal breaker is usually pay. At the bare minimum, your weekly take-home pay will need to cover your expenses on contract and at your tax home. Figure out what your minimum pay is and stick to it!

Another deal breaker might be time off. If someone important to you is getting married, having a baby, or is visiting from far away, it is absolutely reasonable for time off to be a deal breaker in your travel nurse contract negotiation. Just remember to be up front with your hiring manager and recruiter about the dates you need!

Define your Deal Breakers

Remember all of the notes you took about your different needs and wants? It is time to take those out and decide what your deal breakers truly are for travel nursing contracts. While you might get lucky every once in awhile, it is highly unlikely you will get everything you want in every travel nursing contract.

We discussed Determine Why You Want to Travel, What You Will Get Out of Travel Nursing, and Where You Are Willing to Go. Go through your notes and determine which items you simply cannot live without.

Highlight or circle your DEAL-BREAKERS so they are easily identifiable. You will want to refer back to these during your early travel nurse contract negotiation discussions with your agency/recruiter.

Re-visit your list frequently and re-evaluate if those items are truly deal-breakers. What may seem of utmost importance right now may change.

What are your deal breakers when negotiating a travel nursing contract? We would love to hear in the comments!

Have you joined our Travel Nurse Community?

Follow the link and join today for even more support and resources.

You can return to the the introduction or move forward or back using the article links below.

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 8, 2018

53148 Views

Step #6: Building Your Travel Portfolio

Posted on August 8, 2018July 24, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Keeping track of travel nurse paperwork can be a nightmare! Last minute requests for items that you may or may not have easy access to while on the road can be annoying to both you and the recruiter. Avoid having any issues with your travel nurse paperwork by being organized and having everything easily accessible.

Build your Travel Nurse Portfolio

Over the years that I spent as a Travel Nurse, the one thing that consistently impressed my recruiters was my level of organization. Building your Travel Portfolio is an important step in becoming a successful Travel Nurse. At the beginning of each assignment, you will go through a travel nurse credentialing process, so be sure to update your files every so often.

Once you have selected which companies you want to provide with a profile, the next step is to start the application process. For the initial application, you will likely only need your work history and certifications. However, it is handy to have your health information on file for when you start the credentialing process.

EXPERT TIP: Save all of your Travel Nurse paperwork into a .pdf file and save as a .zip folder. This process, although time-consuming the first time, will make it a breeze to apply with new companies as well as making a lasting impression on your new recruiter. You can also use a Google Drive folder if you are comfortable with that. Remember to store this digital information on a secure, password protected site.

Checklist:

Completed Application

Many times this is online. I have had my recruiter complete the application for me in many instances from the information provided in my resume.

Resume

For the purpose of travel nurse paperwork, your resume can be simple and straight forward because your recruiter will usually have to input it in a generic system to submit you. Make certain to list the agency as well as the hospital for previous contracts. Your recruiter will need the agency information for employment checks. For additional tips on writing your resume check HERE

Immunizations / Physical

Tetanus
Varicella
Hepatitis B
Most recent TB Test or Chest X-ray (if indicated)

Covid-19 Vaccine and Boosters
Influenza (during Flu season, this is generally mandatory)
Childhood immunizations

Annual physical forms will be provided by your agency once you secure a contract.

Licenses and Certifications

BLS
ACLS
Any other nursing certifications
All active nursing licenses (if you have hard copies)
Drivers License (for I-9 verification)
Social Security Card or Passport (for I-9 verification)

Contact information for two or more references. Most recent job and 1-2 managers are preferred.

Staying on top of all of the travel nurse paperwork is a lot of work to begin but once it’s completed, keeping it updated regularly will save you tons of time and effort when applying for p ositions in the future.

If you have a company or recruiter ask for information or documents that are not listed on this file, please let us know in the comments!

Have you joined our Travel Nurse Community?

Follow the link and join today for even more support and resources.

You can return to the the introduction, or move forward or back using the article links below.

What is Rapid Response Travel Nursing?

Types of Travel Nurses

Why do Hospitals NEED Rapid Response Nurse Staffing?

What are the Benefits for the Travel Nurse in doing Rapid Response Nurse Staffing?

What does the Staffing Agency need in a Rapid Response Nurse?

Ready to start quickly

Multiple state Licenses/Compact License

Knowledgeable in multiple types of systems and platforms

Experienced Nurse

What to look for in a Rapid Response Staffing Company

How to get started as a Rapid Response Travel Nurse

Are you looking for your next travel nurse contract?

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WHY Choose Travel Nursing?

Flexibility

Time off work

Meet new people and create new friendships.

Experience new locations

Better pay

Expand your nursing skill set.

Explore a location before settling down.

More Reasons Why Nurses Travel:

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What You Can Get Out of Travel Nursing

Examples of Wants:

Examples of Needs:

Ready to start your travel nurse career?

Find your Next Gypsy Nurse Contract right here on The Gypsy Nurse!

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Where to Start Travel Nursing?

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Weather Factors

Licensing

Family

Facility

Amenities

Have you joined our Travel Nurse Community? Follow the link and join today for even more travel nurse tips and advice.

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The Truth About Travel Nursing

Travel Nursing Myth #1:

Myth #2:

Myth #3:

***Experienced* *Nurse***