February 10, 2020

4407 Views

How to Become a Local When Travel Nursing

Posted on February 10, 2020May 19, 2021 by Titan Medical

This article provided by: Titan Medical

As a traveler, you likely find yourself moving to new locations quite frequently. Finding new hobbies and go-to errand stops can be difficult to pin down, but with these tips and tricks you’ll be fitting in with the locals in no time!

Visit Restaurants

Want to really get to know the culture and vibe of the city you are staying in? Check out the local “hole-in-the-wall” restaurants. Those spots alone can say a lot about what the natives are passionate about. Sometimes restaurants hold cooking classes or trivia nights and those would serve as great opportunities to meet new people.

Local leagues

No better way than to take some of your hobbies and turn them into an opportunity to meet new friends. Whether you’re into softball, volleyball or gaming, there are always seasonal leagues you can consider joining to get involved and meet new people with your same interests.

Social Media

How to Become a Local When Travel Nursing

Often times when following social media pages, they will share suggested local events and happenings in the area. This could be anything from a food truck event, to a craft fair, but regardless the specifics, these local get-togethers serve as a great way to meet new friends and immerse yourself into your new temporary home.

Volunteer

Typically, animal shelters, festivals, food pantries, etc. are looking for volunteers to assist in daily tasks that require extra sets of helping hands. Volunteering is not only a solid resume builder, but it also is a way to get involved in the community and make new friends. So, during your next adventure consider volunteering, you’ll gain a confidence boost as well as meet new friends while helping!

Daily Necessities

Before leaving for each new adventure, take time to locate grocery stores, banks and pharmacies that will be nearby to where you’re staying. It is also important to consider using a pharmacy that has multiple locations and can usually be found anywhere you go. This will help the convenience of prescription pick-up so you don’t need to change the location each new place you go.

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By The Gypsy Nurse

February 8, 2020

12564 Views

Lessons Learned in Travel Nursing

Posted on February 8, 2020May 10, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

A recent discussion on the Gypsy Nurse Network asked our members about “Lessons you’ve learned” in travel nursing. The poster wanted some tips and advice on what to look for and be aware of. The members gave some great feedback so I’ve summarized it here for you.

1. Get your pay in writing and know how to calculate your OWN take home pay. Get your taxed and non taxed $$ amounts prior to telling the agency if your interested or not.

2. Have a list of questions to ask during your interview.

3. Have a nest egg in the bank. You never know when a contract might be cancelled, an emergency at home or a myriad of other things that could cause you to need an emergency fund.

4. Do research on the hospital. What have other travelers
thought?

5. Do not let someone bully or pressure you into a job.

6. Never believe 100% of what you are told in interviews.

7. Have your time requested off written into your contract. Weddings, vacation, special events, etc.

8. Once on assignment BE SWITZERLAND

9. Expect the unexpected. Nothing is ever like you expect.

10. Trust your gut.

For me, each contract is a lesson as I go…. I’ve learned so much and still have so much more to learn. This isn’t a complete list. I recommend that you read through and follow our Travel Nurse Guide for even more details.
Do you have tips or lessons that you’ve learned along the way?

Please share them in the comments below!

By Jessica Smith

February 5, 2020

6667 Views

10 Signs of a Great Travel Nurse

Posted on February 5, 2020May 19, 2021 by Jessica Smith

Travel nurses are nurses who are free to live and practice in different places within the country to fill in short term employment gaps. They are usually paid an excellent salary and can take up assignments according to their preferences. Travel nurses may take up short-term or long-term contracts at the time of their hiring.

What it takes to be a travel nurse

To become a travel nurse, you need to have at least 1.5 years of clinical experience and valid licensure in the state where you plan to work. Some countries also provide multi-state nursing licensure. However, not every nurse is suitable to become a travel nurse. Great travel nurses seem to have similar characteristics that make them outstanding at what they do. Here’s a list of these traits:

1. Flexibility and Adaptability

Travel nurses are required to move between patient homes, hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. You need to continuously engage with unfamiliar people, work overtime as well as night shifts, and work in some unconventional circumstances. You might also have to work in various departments like women’s health, crown pediatrics, intensive-care room, and so on. The more flexible you are to adjust according to the needs of the patients and the healthcare facilities, the more likely you are to thrive in this career.

2. A Love For Travel

Travel nurses are naturally required to embrace an appetite for travel and adventure.

You have to undertake a lot of travel, which means you may have to stay away from friends and family for an extended time. An understanding spouse and adventurous offsprings can make your job a never-ending family adventure. The best part is that you are getting paid to travel!

3. Strong Work Ethic

As a travel nurse, you have to demonstrate a strong work ethic. It means performing your job to the best of your ability. Cultivate self-discipline and practice punctuality. Develop the habit of being on time for your shifts. Acting with integrity, that is, behaving consistently, is equally essential. Also, discipline, dedication, and determination all contribute to your work ethics.

4. Confidence

A travel nurse has to be confident in her abilities. Working in different places and with unfamiliar people should not make you reserved or timid. Instead, you should possess the ability to put yourself out there and be confident. This does not mean that an introvert cannot become a travel nurse. It merely means you should not hang back from taking up your turn as a leader.

5. Professionalism

Professionalism in nursing requires you to help patients and co-workers, listen actively, and communicate compassionately. Dressing appropriately and grooming yourself can make you look reliable and trustworthy. Keep your nursing knowledge up-to-date so that you can offer advice and guidance in case of emergencies. Be confident and accountable for your actions and admit your mistakes when you make them.

6. Excellent Communication Skills

A travel nurse should be able to communicate efficiently to his/her recruiter about the kind of jobs they’re looking for and also to team members once they get placed. Fostering relationships with the patients as well as the co-workers is extremely important to perform the job efficiently. Communicate openly with your colleagues and participate in making informed decisions as a group.

7. Desire To Learn

Traveling around the country from one assignment to another allows you to practice and learn in various healthcare facilities. You will be continually exposed to innovative techniques, modern technologies, and new ways of doing things. An insatiable desire to learn will benefit you greatly in diversifying your skill set and area of expertise.

8. High Emotional Intelligence

Keeping your emotions in check can benefit you greatly as a travel nurse. Your job can bring you joyful highs or traumatic lows. You should possess a high level of emotional intelligence to deal with such scenarios. Recognize and accept your emotions and know how they can affect you. Patients often look up to your emotional strength to aid them along.

9. Endurance

Like any other job, there may be times when you have to work with people who don’t align with your personality. However, the most sought-after nurses are those who handle their patients and colleagues with compassion and care. This job is a people-centric profession, and endurance is indispensable. A travel nurse should possess an optimistic outlook and a calm disposition at all times.

10. Patience

Patients frequently look upon the nurse for advice, knowledge, and emotional support. Therefore, you must maintain tolerance and patience when it comes to your patient’s feelings and emotions. A travel nurse has to have the heart and ability to communicate with warmth and empathy. You should be prepared to handle the patient’s questions, doubts, and oddity with patience.

Whether you’re already a travel nurse or planning to become one

This definitive checklist will help you understand what you need and why. You may have to work harder to develop the skills that you lack. Travel nursing is an excellent choice for nurses looking to travel to new and exciting places, build your resume, and earn additional monetary benefits.

If you would like to read tips from fellow Gypsy Nurses? Here are a couple great articles written by fellow travel nurses:

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 GHR Travel Nursing

January 31, 2020

5826 Views

Five Things to Avoid in Your Travel Nurse Job Hunt

Posted on January 31, 2020May 19, 2021 by GHR Travel Nursing

This article provided by: GHR Travel Nursing

Just because travel nurses are sought after and in-demand, don’t think you have your next job in the bag just yet. With some preparation, polishing and self-reflecting, your next job search can be your most seamless yet.

Read about five of the most common mistakes nurses make during the job hunt.

Outdated resume

One of the first points of contact between you and a recruiter will be your resume. Because of this, it’s very important to make sure your resume is up-to-date and showcases your relevant skills in a clear and professional manner.

When it comes to displaying your experiences and background, use concise and common language. Make it as easy as possible for the end user and be sure to list all nursing credentials, education and your current position. If there is more than three months between two jobs, explain the gap.

Recruiter Sarah G. encourages candidates to show off in their resume.

“You’re the only one who knows your experience, credentials and accomplishments,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to show off and brag about yourself a little. Put your best foot forward.”

Limiting yourself to one work environment

From the fast-paced shift of an ER nurse, to working at a small rural community facility, there are a variety of facility options out there. One of the best parts about being a travel nurse is experiencing many work environments.

That being said, to take true advantage of the assortment of facilities available, keep an open mind. Don’t be too particular about your facility needs and be open to try new things. Take advantage of the options in the healthcare field and don’t be afraid to branch out to discover what exactly you like, or dislike, in a facility type. You never know what excitement or challenges a new environment will bring until you try it!

Sloppy online presence

In today’s world, it is very common for hiring managers or recruiters to check out your online space during the screening process. When your name is Googled or searched on Facebook, make sure the results yield a positive online presence.

It’s always best to make sure your social profiles have tight privacy settings. You don’t need a recruiter finding your Instagram page which contains photos of you in compromising settings or situations.

If your social profiles are not private, be sure to portray your best self at all times. Avoid offensive memes, oversharing, and conversations around religion or politics. Additionally, keep in mind that anyone on your current friends or followers list could potentially have an impact on whether or not you land a job. You never know what mutual connections you may have!

Lack of interview prep

Even though your training, skills and education is desirable, it’s still important to knock any phone screens or interviews out of the park. With a little time and effort, it’s easy to set yourself apart from other candidates with quality preparation.

Before speaking with a recruiter or manager, make sure you learn all you can about the position or facility to which you’re applying. If you have friends or colleagues who have experience in the role and/or company you’re applying for, pick their brain to gain insight and knowledge. A little research can go a long way.

Additionally, make sure all necessary paperwork is handy and ready to be distributed. The hiring process can move pretty fast. If and when you’re hired, you’ll thank yourself for having all licenses, resumes, credentials and certifications in one place. The recruiter will greatly appreciate it.

Unfocused on next opportunity

Another great bonus of working in the nursing industry is knowing it shouldn’t take long to find a new job. Whether you’re looking to relocate to another area of the US, or try out a new facility, your next opportunity is right around the corner. Always have your sights on your next gig because 13 weeks will fly by.

During your current travel nursing assignment, start thinking about what you want your next position to be like. Hash out your wants and needs, and determine the best next step toward meeting your long-term career goals. You will never regret being one step ahead. And when the time to move on approaches, work with a recruiter to start the process.

GHR Travel Nursing wishes you the best of luck in your job hunt!

We hope that these tips help you in your job hunt, if you would like more information on travel nursing our Travel Nurse Guide is a great resource.

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By Ben Hartwig

January 20, 2020

9419 Views

Top Challenges in Travel Nursing: How to Control the Situation

Posted on January 20, 2020January 16, 2023 by Ben Hartwig

Travel nursing is an excellent way to hone your clinical skills and advance your career while getting paid to see the country.

Taking the leap from staff nurse to gypsy nurse is difficult, but once you’ve taken the first step, nothing can stop you! The chance to see and experience the entire country while doing what you love is one heck of a reward. However, if this is your first assignment, know that the road you’re on has its own set of challenges and perils. The key to overcoming any issue is to understand what it is firsthand and take control of the situation as it arises.

Here are some of the challenges in travel nursing both on and off the hospital floor.

Challenges in Travel Nursing

You’re Going to Miss Home

As the name implies, you’ll be traveling a lot as a travel nurse. Every working assignment is in a different location, and you’ll be away from home all the time. It can be a wee bit lonely in the beginning, but you’ll overcome it soon enough when you start working. You’ll be seeing a lot of new faces and will get to experience many different cultures when traveling. These two reasons alone will take your mind off home, so make the most of it and explore your new surroundings!

Being a travel nurse is also a chance to form lasting friendships with the people you meet along the way. Having a friend or two in a different city or state sounds like a wonderful trade-off for being far from home. If you’re having a hard time meeting people, try your colleagues and neighbors.

Choosing Where to Live

Since you won’t be living in any one location for long, finding an ideal place to call home can be a challenge. There are plenty of things to consider, such as how far are you willing to travel to work and how much transportation costs will be. Most agencies provide housing for travel nurses that rotate in and out of an area. However, you can always take the housing stipend so you can have more control over where to stay.

You can overcome the housing situation by avoiding Craigslist scams that sound too good to be true. Join travel nursing housing forums and ask around. If you go for a co-living space, make advanced background checks on the people you’ll be sharing a space with. Do the same to a landlord if you find a short-term rental. Try HomeAway or Airbnb if you can’t find anything. If your finances can handle it, extended hotel stays are a great option.

Your First Few Assignments

In time, you’ll learn everything about being a travel nurse, and you’ll have the credentials to choose where to go and what to do. If you’re starting, however, things won’t always go your way, and the environment can be very competitive. Remember, you’re there to help a short-staffed hospital. You need to keep an open mind on unpredictable schedules and different work assignments.

Expect More Work

Travel nurses are often expected to handle a heavier workload because of their higher pay. More work and extended hours will lead to burnout, so you need to avoid places with a low nurse to patient ratio. Gather as much information you can about a potential assignment before you commit.

Floating

Floating isn’t fun, and since you’re the new travel nurse on the block, you’re the most likely candidate to get “floated” to another unit. Before you freak out, look at floating as an opportunity that can benefit your career. Floating opens you up to different experiences and can teach you new skills that can make you a better nurse. If you were a part of a crew that had daily drama issues, floating is an excellent chance to get away from all that.

Working with New People

As a travel nurse, you’ll be working with different sets of colleagues for each new assignment. There will be a lot of personalities, attitudes, and customs at play, so you must learn how to adapt to your new surroundings quickly. Learning how your new co-workers do things, and the culture of the workplace can help your integration run a lot smoother.

In some cases, however, you should expect a little jealousy from other staff nurses. Issues about higher pay and more desirable shifts are the usual sources of workplace jealousy aimed at travel nurses. Since you’re a traveling nurse, your salary will be a little higher, and you’re not subject to seniority when it comes to shifting assignments.

In a Nutshell

There are plenty of perks to being a travel nurse, but the job has its fair share of challenges as well. What can make or break your career is how you deal with the issues that come your way.

We hope these tips help with the challenges in travel nursing you may come across in your travel nurse adventures.

Our travel nurse guide is a great resource for new travel nurses and those who have been traveling.

By Jennifer Traub

December 9, 2019

4719 Views

Tips for Planning a Month-Long Vacation as a Travel Nurse

Posted on December 9, 2019May 25, 2021 by Jennifer Traub

For the past three years working as a travel nurse, I have had the same routine. Work a contract for six months, and then take a month off for either a stay-cation or go somewhere exotic.

More times than not, your hospital will extend you to 6 months. Within those 6 months, enjoy yourself, but nickel and dime your every move while you’re working so you can indulge on your month off.

Planning a Month-Long Vacation

How to save

For example, instead of eating out all the time, I would buy $80 worth of groceries that would last me one to two weeks. Whether through Airbnb or a friend, I would rent rooms instead of getting an expensive studio to save extra cash.

I lived way below my means, still enjoying myself but putting plenty aside from that I could utilize in the future. When you make a lot of money traveling, it is easy to blow through. I encourage you to save just a little bit, and I promise you it will go a long way.

In the process of saving

I would be mapping out a rough sketch of where I wanted to go during my time off. For example, several trips I took included gallivanting throughout Europe and Southeast Asia for 2-3 weeks at a time. My friend and I would have somewhat of an idea where we wanted to go, book tickets to a country, and hop from place to place. If you’re not as adventurous as we are, contact a travel agent or a friend who has gone to the places you want to, and ask for recommendations.

We work hard as travel nurses, and there is no reason why we cannot treat ourselves to a month’s vacation away from it all! Work hard but then go ahead and play a little harder!

We hope these tips for planning a month-long vacation have helped. Here are a few more articles with tips for your vacations and extended vacations: How to Plan for a Month-Long Vacation, Canadian Vacation Travel Tips for Travel Nurses: Great Places to Visit, and The 7 Best European Countries for Travel Nurses to Seek Jobs in and Travel Around.

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By Furnished Finder

November 22, 2019

9301 Views

Choosing the Right Time to Be a Travel Nurse

Posted on November 22, 2019May 20, 2021 by Furnished Finder

This article provided by: Furnished Finders

Making the leap from a full-time nurse to a travel nurse can be a tough decision, even for the most adventurous of spirits. If you are waiting for the right time to make the transition, you could find yourself missing out on great opportunities. To help you make the right decision, we will take a closer look at what makes this change mean at different points during your career. We will even look at how the time of year can affect your travel nurse experience and provide you with suggestions for choosing the right time to take on this new and exciting challenge.

When Can I Start Working as a Travel Nurse?

As a general rule, most hospitals and staffing agencies want you to have at least two years of nursing experience before transitioning to travel nursing. Medical facilities hire travel nurses to fill in vital gaps in the workforce, and they need you to be able to onboard quickly and hit the ground running. As a travel nurse, you won’t go through an extensive orientation, and you will be expected to acclimate to the flow of each new location. It takes a little bit of work experience to navigate these quick transitions effectively, which is why you will need to accumulate some experience to be considered for your top job and location choices.

If you are just out of nursing school and itching to start traveling, gaining experience will help set you up for a successful travel nurse contract. However, if you want to speed up the process and hit the road as soon as possible, you may be able to enter travel nursing a little early by choosing a specialty that is in high demand.

While the field of nursing is constantly changing, these are some of the specialties that are expected to be in high demand in the coming years:

Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric Nurse
Neonatal Nurse
Dialysis Nurse
Nurse Anesthetist

Keep in mind that while it is possible to enter travel nursing before completing two years of full-time work, an accelerated track may not be in your best interest. Being patient and acquiring on-the-job skills can help make your travel nurse career both more enjoyable and successful.

Can I Travel with My Family?

Many nurses assume that travel nursing is only for those who are single and don’t have a family or are still early in their careers. However, this isn’t the case. In fact, many nurses have used travel nursing to pay down debt and actually spend more time with their families. Generous compensation packages that include housing stipends can make it more affordable to live in cities across the country and save money as you work.

The key is to find a nursing agency and recruiter who understands your unique needs and is willing to advocate for you so that you can enjoy the best possible work and housing opportunities. Having the right allies and a knowledgeable support system can allow your entire family to make the transition to travel nursing.

When it comes to housing, there are plenty of landlords who are willing to rent to couples and families. You won’t have any trouble finding safe and affordable housing that is also close to work.

While traveling with children may seem like a challenge, it can be a great opportunity for them to gain valuable experiences. Traveling while they are young means that you won’t have to worry about switching schools, or you can use the summer break to take the entire family on a new adventure. Having a family doesn’t mean it isn’t the right time to try out travel nursing. It may be just the adventure and financial opportunity you have all been looking for with the right planning.

What About Finding Travel Nurse Housing?

Housing can be the most stressful part of being a travel nurse. However, you have more online housing services than ever that cater to the traveling nurse looking for monthly furnished rentals. Online housing provider Furnished Finder is the official housing provider of The Gypsy Nurse and is well-known as being travel nurse friendly because their hosts all have to pass a background check to help ensure your safety when you travel for work. They’re also known as the most affordable housing option because there are no booking fees or mark-ups to rent since each host sets their own price. When searching for housing on the Furnished Finder site, you can filter down results by budget, availability, pet-friendly, and room-type (room vs. a private unit). You can also submit a free housing request if you don’t have time to search the map and start contacting hosts.

Why it is Never too Late to Be a Travel Nurse

Nursing is a demanding career, and it can be easy to feel burnt out or stagnate. If you once had a passion for nursing but now feel like you are ticking off the days till you can retire, travel nursing may be the solution that reignites your passion and gets you excited to go to work.

It is never too late to become a travel nurse. In fact, the more experience you have, the more likely you are to land positions at competitive hospitals and feel like a valued resource. A change of scenery and interactions with different professionals can expand your own experiences and spark curiosity about new areas and specialties.

For those who are worried about compromising your retirement benefits later in your career, travel nursing compensation packages often include retirement contributions. You can travel and continue building up your retirement fund so that you are financially secure once you choose to leave the field.

Best Time of Year to Start Travel Nursing

If you have decided to leap travel nursing, another factor to consider may be the time of year you choose for your first assignment. While it can be tempting to head to warmer climates during the winter months, keep in mind that you could end up far from home during the holidays. This could complicate travel plans and mean that you don’t get to spend as much time with your loved ones. The winter blues combined with the holiday blues and the stress of being in an unfamiliar city may be a lot to handle for a first experience.

Ultimately, there is no bad time to start a travel nurse assignment, but spring and summer are probably the most popular. There are outdoor festivals and a lot more opportunities to enjoy the local attractions and get to know your new city as well. In addition, the longer days will help you safely navigate your new town. This will allow you to learn your way around the travel nurse experience and pick up your own tricks for getting to know a city that will help you in future assignments.

Choosing the right time to be a travel nurse is a personal decision

But no matter where you are in your career, traveling can be a viable and gratifying experience. Take advantage of available resources and find the right travel nurse agency so that you can secure opportunities and housing that best fits your needs. Also, consider the challenges that come with relocating during different times of the year and choose the best start date to have a pleasant travel nurse experience.

We hope you found these tips for when to begin your travel nurse experience helpful. If you are looking for more tips on travel nursing these articles have some really great tips: 5 Tips to Calm Your Nerves Before Your Travel Nurse Assignment, Tips for a Travel Nurse Interview, 19 Tips for Traveling Nurses, or read our Travel Nurse Guide for a lot of great information on travel nursing.

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 Fastaff Travel Nursing

September 23, 2019

5016 Views

From Staffer to Traveler: Travel Nurses Share their Stories on Making the Leap

Posted on September 23, 2019May 20, 2021 by Fastaff Travel Nursing

This article provided by: Fastaff Travel Nursing

Whether you’ve been entertaining the idea of traveling for years or you just discovered the exciting world of travel nursing, making the leap into this unique career path can bring a myriad of emotions to the forefront. Whatever season you find yourself in during your nursing career, the idea of becoming a travel nurse can feel incredibly daunting.

To help bridge the gap between the fear of the unknown and the excitement of new experiences below are a few stories from nurses who have already taken the leap to share why they made the switch from staffer to traveler and how it helped them grow their value and earn their worth.

Stories from nurses who have already taken the leap

Shari E., Travel RN, says:

“I am absolutely a traveler for life and loving every minute of it. I initially made the big switch because of its adventurous appeal. Traveling to new places on someone else’s dime and making a good living seemed like a no-brainer. In addition, I knew I needed a bigger challenge. I felt insulated at the hospital where I was at and was ready for a change.

“After my first assignment, I was hooked. I’ve found I love seeing different parts of our country and exploring all its nooks and crannies. When I’m on assignment I have the opportunity to absorb new cultures, taste all types of food, and I get to see some pretty amazing places.

“Traveling has also impacted my nursing practice. I feel I am a much better nurse than I ever was before. My skills have been enhanced by the many people I have had the privilege to work alongside of. I have also learned the fine art of flexibility and the skill of how to play well with others. I wouldn’t trade these experiences, good or bad, for anything. I have become confident and strong because of those encounters. Looking forward to my next adventure!”

Danielle R., Travel RN says,

“I love the freedom of traveling and meeting new people while learning new techniques and ways to practice. Most importantly, I get to impact someone’s birth experience in a positive way all over the world.”

Justine O., Travel RN says,

“I left my five-year old sitting on the living room floor at 5:30am Christmas morning to go to work for 12 hours in a level 1 trauma ICU. I swore I’d never work another Christmas again. I’ve been a traveler, distance and local, for 18 years. [I] only work holidays now if I want to for the money.”

Making the switch from staffer to traveler can be a catalyst for career growth and personal development.

Fastaff Travel Nursing offers the highest-paying assignments across the U.S. for nurses who are ready to take the leap and hit the ground running.

Knowledgeable and friendly Fastaff recruiters are ready to help you along the way, whether it’s your first assignment or you’re a seasoned traveler. Fastaff recruiters are also recognized for their transparency, and with no blended rates, what you see is what you get.

By Accountable HealthCare Staffing

March 5, 2019

7699 Views

“Pearls of Wisdom” For Your First Travel Assignment

Posted on March 5, 2019May 19, 2021 by Accountable HealthCare Staffing

This article provided by: Accountable Healthcare Staffing

Welcome to the exciting, adventurous world of travel nursing! Travel nursing provides a unique opportunity for career growth by seeing how other facilities provide care. As a travel nurse you can focus on taking care of your patients and learning from new experiences while visiting fun and exciting areas of the country.

“Pearls of Wisdom” for your first travel assignment:

Organize

Organize all your documents and keep them in a file for future use, including;
- Immunization/titer records.
- Licenses – if you want to go to a different state from where you are licensed, your recruiter can provide you with up to date licensing information about each state. For additional information you can contact that state’s Board of Nursing directly.
- Specialty certifications: BLS, ACLS, NRP, TNCC etc.
- Current Health Statement.

Pick a place

pick a place you’re familiar with for your first travel assignment, one with friends or family close by. It will help calm your nerves while on your first travel assignment.

Do your own research

Before signing your contract as a first-time travel nurse, research which travel nurse company you want to work with. Think about where you want to work. Ask other travelers their opinion. Write a list of what is important/what you’re looking for on your first travel assignment.

Take care of your home logistics

Lights, gas, do they need to be turned off and does your mail need to be forwarded?
See our full list of what things to do before you hit the road.

Pack Smart

Your assignment is for 13 weeks, take that into consideration as you are packing.

Decide on Housing

Have this scheduled before you arrive for your assignment. Contact your recruiter for help finding housing if needed.
If you are driving a long distance to your travel assignment, make sure your vehicle is road worthy.

Do a dry run before starting your first assignment

Practice your first day. Check to see if commuting/traffic is an issue and the length of time you need to arrive on the unit on time. Find out where to park and how to get to your assigned unit. Is there a parking cost, if so how much?

First Day

Be prepared to make a good impression on your first day, it sets up your entire assignment. Arrive early, be cordial and professional.
Most facilities provide orientation for travel nurses to their systems and some time on the unit. To help you for the next few weeks after that orientation, enroll a nurse you work with to be your “mentor.” This way you know who to go to for questions, it will save you a lot of time.

Be flexible

As a new traveler, be flexible to location, setting and facility. You may not always be able to get your preferred position immediately because there may not be a need. Being flexible will set you up to be working as soon as possible. Be patient and work closely with your recruiter, that perfect position will come.

Stay connected with your recruiter

Your recruiter will be with you every step of the way answering questions and guiding you through the process. Your recruiter will support you throughout your assignment. Call them whenever you have a concern, issue or question. They are here to support you and help you have a successful travel assignment.
Are you traveling with pets? Let your recruiter know so they can help support you with anything that might come up. Does your pet need to see their vet before traveling with you? Are their immunizations up to date?

Think about your next assignment.

13 weeks goes by quickly. It’s never too soon to start talking with your recruiter about what’s next after this assignment. Do you want to extend, or do you want a new assignment?

You’re off and running on the next exciting phase of your career!

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What it takes to be a travel nurse

1. Flexibility and Adaptability

2. A Love For Travel

3. Strong Work Ethic

4. Confidence

5. Professionalism

6. Excellent Communication Skills

7. Desire To Learn

8. High Emotional Intelligence

9. Endurance

10. Patience

Whether you’re already a travel nurse or planning to become one

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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Challenges in Travel Nursing

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In a Nutshell

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When Can I Start Working as a Travel Nurse?

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