January 17, 2023

1802 Views

5 Ways Travel Nurses Can Market Themselves

Posted on January 17, 2023January 17, 2023 by Kevin Devoto

Travel nursing has become a popular profession in recent years. This job lets you explore the country while helping those in need.

Unfortunately, the increased competition has made it hard for travel nurses to find work. You need to market yourself to employers to secure one of the few available positions in this field. Just as a businessman comes up with a sales plan to help him meet his revenue goals, you must create a strategy for locating and obtaining new assignments. Here are some tips for promoting yourself and your skills.

Travel Nurse Marketing tip:

1. Make Sure Your Resume Is Polished and Accurate

Many potential employers first get to know a traveling nurse by reviewing her resume. Keep your resume up-to-date and highlight any credentials or certifications you have obtained. Have a trusted friend or family member review the resume for any spelling or grammar errors.

If you are fluent in a foreign language, you should mention this on your resume, as well. This skill could be useful for international jobs.

Since hiring managers do not always read entire resumes, you should put your most valuable qualifications at the top of the resume. You may also want to make your own skills checklist. Most agencies require traveling nurses to fill out one of these checklists, so having one ready in advance will demonstrate your preparation.

2. Create a Website

A website is another way to show off your credentials. Yet it should not just be a carbon copy of your resume. Instead, your website should feature a blog demonstrating your personality and experience as a traveling nurse.

Take advantage of search engine optimization techniques to increase the chances that a hiring manager or agency will locate your blog. If you are not an SEO expert, hire someone who is. You may also want to write guest posts on other websites to promote yourself further.

3. Utilize Social Media

Before making any hiring decisions, potential employers will search your name online. This means they will look at your various social media posts. You should thus delete any inappropriate pictures or comments immediately. You may also want to make your personal Twitter and Facebook accounts private.

However, you should maintain an active LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn allows you to find job listings and connect with others in the industry. Your profile should include a link to your professional website and the latest version of your resume.

4. Find a Recruiter

LinkedIn can also help you find a recruiter who can match you with your ideal job. Try speaking with several recruiters until you find one who best fits your needs.

Once you have chosen a recruiter, stay in contact with him so you will remain at the top of his mind when a position becomes open. Communicate with the recruiter constantly, so he understands which types of assignments you prefer.

However, do not feel pressured to take every job the recruiter finds for you. If something about the position does not seem right, or if the job does not fit your needs, you should respectfully decline.

5. Interview Well

Your job interview is also a piece of the marketing process. Since it will likely be conducted over the phone, you should make sure your cell’s voicemail message is appropriate and professional.

Once your interview is scheduled, practice answering questions ahead of time. You should also do plenty of research into the company that is pursuing you. Come prepared with questions to show that you have done your homework. Do not forget to send a follow-up thank-you note after the interview, as well.

There are only a limited number of traveling nurse jobs available. By following these travel nurse marketing tips, you can increase your chances of landing one of these coveted gigs.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

By Skyler Zinn

January 3, 2023

3212 Views

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

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

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

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

Aspects of travel nursing to keep in mind:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

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

START HERE

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

By Kevin Devoto

September 23, 2022

5519 Views

Building a Routine While Working as a Travel Nurse

Posted on September 23, 2022September 1, 2022 by Kevin Devoto

Most people thrive when their lives have some routine. It doesn’t mean you eat the same meals each day, go through an exact workout routine, or watch the same TV show every evening. While some may thrive on a precise structure, others find it suffocating.

However, a basic routine can help you create a type of structure when you are a travel nurse. Your career comes with stressful work, unpredictable days, and times of upheaval. Having the safe zone of a routine can help you balance your life a little.

Before a Trip

You can prepare for your next assignment before it begins. Have your suitcase ready in advance. It may help to keep a list of supplies, clothing, and toiletries you want to take with you. You can check your travel bag and ensure an adequate supply of everything on your list.

While you might not keep clothing packed at all times, you can have a separate set of some of your items. Prepare a stock of extra shampoo, medication, toothpaste, and vegan protein powder. That way, you won’t have to scramble at the last minute to refill your bags, and you won’t need to rush around purchasing items when you arrive.

Once you have an assignment, you can research the destination. Find out where you will live and determine how you will get to work. You can also map out the closest grocery stores, restaurants, and pharmacies. Preparing ahead can give you peace of mind and structure when you get there.

When You Arrive

If possible, arrive a couple of days before your nursing assignment begins. This extra time allows you to check out the destination. You can have some time to unpack, set up your living arrangements, pick up groceries, and explore the town. You can also make adjustments to your planned routine if necessary.

Arriving early also gives you the chance to recuperate from jet lag. Your waking and sleeping schedule may be off-balance anyway once you start your assignment — now is a good time to rest and change your plan to fit your working hours.

Plan to bring some decorations or mementos from home that you can put in your living space. A touch of familiarity can go a long way in a new area. It can calm you and remind you of the people and things that mean the most to you.

While You Work

Your work schedule will probably dictate how you spend your time once your assignment begins. You may have unpredictable hours, long shifts, or extra stress. While these conditions are beyond your control to some extent, you can work to build a routine. Plan to exercise a half-hour daily, for example, or drink six glasses of water during your shift.

Don’t forget to schedule some fun activities during your time off. Think of your interests and hobbies and try to nurture them. If you are an art lover, for example, be sure to visit the local museums. If you describe yourself as a foodie, the local cuisine is not to be missed. Nature lovers can enjoy exploring the local parks and walking trails.

You may also want to schedule time with your coworkers. Getting to know the people you work with is a great way to make new friends and improve working relationships. Try planning a night at a local restaurant or movie theater.

Working as a travel nurse is an adventure. You have the chance to visit new places and get a diverse work experience. A routine can help you stay grounded through the chaos and unpredictability this rewarding career can bring.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

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

START HERE

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

By Fastaff Travel Nursing

September 2, 2022

1971 Views

Tips From a Recruiter – Handling Illness & Other Curveballs as a Traveling Nurse

Posted on September 2, 2022August 31, 2022 by Fastaff Travel Nursing

Fastaff provided this article.

Let’s set the scene: You’re cruising through week one of your 13-week travel assignment feeling confident and excited for the opportunities that await. You’ve familiarized yourself with the ins and outs of the facility and your new coworkers, and you extend the highest-quality care to all your patients.

Then, on the second week of your assignment, you get sick.
Or you’re needed to aid in a family emergency.
Or you need to call out of work for an unexpected reason.

What now?

Travel nursing comes with its own set of unique challenges, and handling those challenges when you’re a traveler can be overwhelming, as many nurses aren’t clear on the process.
We asked one of our Fastaff recruiters how nurses can best handle these situations and effective communication tips to make the unexpected a little easier.

“I would always suggest that an RN call their manager or scheduling at the facility to ensure they are aware of the situation, and they can plan ahead for scheduling. They should also alert their recruiter so that we can communicate on our end (but still need to message directly to the facility because sometimes there are delays in communication with the game of telephone we play, and it’s important that the manager have as advanced notice as possible in order to find someone to cover their shift).
“If it’s a family emergency, it’s best if they can just let everyone know when (approximately) they expect to return – so that the facility can plan.” – Melissa Donahoo, Fastaff Recruiter.

We strive to have the recruiter + nurse relationship built on trust and communication. What it comes down to is simply communication – no matter what arises, open avenues of communication can pave the way for a seamless resolution so you can get back to serving patients across the nation.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. If housing is an issue, we have you covered with our housing page. You can search for what you are looking for.

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

START HERE

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

By Triage Healthcare Staffing

August 15, 2022

2184 Views

Recruiter (and Travel Nurse) Red Flags

Posted on August 15, 2022July 26, 2022 by Triage Healthcare Staffing

Triage Healthcare Staffing provided this article.

Looking for an allied or travel nurse recruiter or planning on taking your first travel assignment? Before you commit to a recruiter, check out these recruiter red flags, so you know which recruiters to avoid. But, because the recruiter/traveler relationship goes both ways, check yourself for red flags you might be throwing up too.

Recruiter Red Flag: Not Understanding You Work with Different Recruiters

Good recruiters understand that this is a competitive market—for both recruiters looking for travelers and travelers looking for jobs. Most recruiters understand that travelers have a couple of recruiters searching for jobs. Although it’s natural that a recruiter wants to be your one and only, they should be understanding when they find out they’re not. This is especially true if you’re looking for an assignment in a coveted area or one where the company doesn’t have a lot of contracts. If a recruiter asks you to sign an “exclusivity clause,” consider running far away because this recruiter is only looking out for himself.

If you are working with more than one recruiter, don’t hide it because this can actually make it harder to find a job. While it might seem like a great idea to double your chances by having two companies submit you for the same job, that isn’t the way things work. If you have two recruiters submit your resume for the same job, both will get rejected automatically. Hospitals don’t want to waste time figuring out which application was first to determine which recruiter gets the credit, so they reject them both, leaving you without a job. For this reason alone, it’s great to be upfront with your recruiters about where you’re submitted and by who.

Traveler Red Flag: Social Media Negativity

It’s common job searching advice to lock down your social profiles, but that’s not enough when you’re looking for an allied or travel nurse job. If you’re in any travel Facebook groups, like The Gypsy Nurse’s group, know that there are definitely recruiters in those groups. Remember that anyone on social media can take a screenshot of a post in a group and spread it around, so before you talk negatively about a recruiter, a company, or a facility, understand that these groups aren’t quite as private as you might think.

This doesn’t mean you can’t be honest when you have feedback about a facility. Just realize that social media may not be the best venue for your complaints. Basically, if you wouldn’t say it to someone in person, don’t put it in writing on social media.

Recruiter Red Flag: Not Showing a Pay Rate Up Front

No one should work for free. While healthcare travelers have lots of different reasons for traveling, the money sure doesn’t hurt. If a recruiter is shifty when you ask about the pay rate or gives you a vague answer to your questions about pay, keep looking. Good recruiters will give you all the information up front instead of hiding details until after you’ve signed a contract.

When you do get that pay rate, understand that it’s possible that it doesn’t match what you’ll see every week. This isn’t because of any shadiness by your recruiter, though. The number of hours you work each week may vary. Different states have different tax rates, and a recruiter can’t know your exact situation—they’re recruiters, not accountants. Plus, things like 401k deductions, whether you have single or family coverage for health insurance, or HSA deductions can all affect the amount that’s actually deposited each week.

Traveler Red Flag: Being Hard to Communicate With

A good recruiter/traveler relationship starts with good communication. We know—most travelers want to communicate solely by text message because it’s fast and convenient, but a lot of details can be ironed out with a 10-minute phone call, especially if you’re beginning a new relationship. Taking this time up front can help ensure your recruiter knows exactly what’s important to you so they’ll be able to start on your job search immediately, rather than waiting until you’re free to answer questions one at a time.

Doing this also means that your recruiter will know what’s most important to you. For instance, if you prefer an assignment in Seattle, but the recruiter has something elsewhere in Washington that pays more, your recruiter can find out what’s a real requirement and what you consider just nice to have. So next time you get a phone call from a recruiter, consider picking up the phone.

Recruiter Red Flag: Not Being Honest About a Facility

There’s no perfect job, and anyone who tries to sell you on a picture-perfect facility isn’t being honest. Everywhere, even the best facilities, has a few warts. Maybe parking is far away. Maybe the hospital requires a specific color of scrubs that you’ll never need again. Maybe the pay seems great, but housing is expensive and hard to find. If a recruiter paints a 100% rosy picture, dig deeper.

Your recruiter should know if the assignment they’re sending you on has a few bumps along the way and should be upfront about what they know about the facility or the unit. Good recruiters won’t try to sell you on a “paid vacation.” What kind of “paid vacation” comes with a 36 or 48-hour work week attached to it?

If you’re looking for an allied or travel nurse gig, look for an agency that’s committed to treating you with candor and honesty. Triage Staffing pays attention to your wants and needs and works around them—not the other way around. To connect with a Triage recruiter, apply for a travel nurse job on the Triage website.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

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

START HERE

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

By Medical Edge Recruitment

March 16, 2022

4273 Views

Tips for Every Type of Traveler

Posted on March 16, 2022March 9, 2022 by Medical Edge Recruitment

Medical Edge Recruitment provided this article.

Written by: Gabriel Velez, Recruitment Consultant, Medical Edge Recruitment

Travel contracts and jobs are both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time! It is an opportunity to travel anywhere, make more money, see new things, or help in areas that need nurses. When it comes to deciding where to go, there are a few factors you need to consider, especially if you are new to travel nursing.

For those new to travel

“Wow, you are making how much?”

“You are traveling to another beach this weekend?”

“Your agency gives you bonuses just for completing a contract?”

These are probably things you or a friend have said if you are a first-time traveler or interested in contract work. Traveling is an exciting opportunity, but if you are new to it, it can also be an intimidating or daunting task to go somewhere far from home, even if it is for a job you do every day. For those just starting out or exploring the scene, it’s best to stay within your state and only a couple of hours away. Most facilities or contracts will consider anyone commuting 60 or more miles for their work as a traveler. Going to a neighboring city or even across the state can be a great way to get a feel for travel while also staying in an environment that is still “homey.” This is one of the best ways to dip your toes in for the experience!

For those looking for the most money

Money is a driving force for almost everyone. Whether you are looking to build your savings, provide for your family, or are a “treat yourself” type of person, money is very important. Traveling contracts are almost always a higher rate than local contracts. It is crucial to investigate what is being offered in your contract. Is the agency giving you a pay package that is based on 48 hours of work, but the facility caps you at 36 hours a week? Ask questions as to how often you are being paid. Ask if stipends are in addition to your pay or if the contract being presented includes it, making it seem like more money than it really is! More money is always tempting, but the best thing to do is to take a travel contract that is high pay and low risk. Sometimes what’s being presented is high pay and high risk.

Additionally, with high-paying contracts, research how much the area costs. If you are paying for housing, it’s nice to find a high-paying job, but not if your hotel, Airbnb, or housing takes half of it. Furthermore, if everything in the area is expensive (i.e., food, entertainment, etc.), is it worth taking that job just because it pays 10 dollars more per hour than another location?

For those looking for an adventure

Travel nursing is a fun way to vacation! For those that like to work hard and play hard, travel contracts are a good way to find adventure and make money at the same time. As a recruiter, it is so fun to work with adventure-seeking nurses. We work across the nation and have facilities all over the country for those that know what they are looking for. Want to work 3 days a week, and the other 4 be at the beach? Done. Want to go somewhere that’s warm during the winter but has a great city life? We can do that! Plan a vacation and work at the same time as your contract!

All in all, recruiters should be doing what is best for you and your success. We are here because we care about our nurses. Our mission is to find you money, adventure, or a comfortable place that makes you prosperous. Nurses have a tough job, one that is selfless and rewarding, and nothing brings us more joy and fulfillment than taking something stressful like job hunting off your plate!

Need help finding a travel nurse adventure?

Medical Edge Recruitment is the premier travel nursing recruitment agency specializing in providing top talent to clients in the healthcare industry. We connect clinical and allied providers to their ideal opportunities, focusing on building long-lasting relationships through honesty and transparency. In travel nursing, bigger does not always mean better. While we have an extensive network of job opportunities, our experienced team is dedicated to making a personalized provider experience a priority. There are a lot of moving parts in getting set up for a new assignment, but we take care of all the details along the way. Adventure awaits; let Medical Edge Recruitment show you where to go next!

We hope you found this article on tips for every type of traveler helpful. Do you have any tips to share with fellow travelers? Comment them below.

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

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

START HERE

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

By TheraEx

February 28, 2022

5030 Views

5 Things You Should Know Before Becoming a Nurse

Posted on February 28, 2022February 21, 2022 by TheraEx

NursesPRN provided this article.

Nursing is a career full of endless opportunities! You can thrive as a staff nurse, explore the nation as a travel nurse, or pick up per diem shifts. Whatever you choose to pursue, know nursing doesn’t come without challenges. Before you say, “I want to be a nurse,” do your research! Being a nurse isn’t for everyone. When considering a healthcare career, you should know a few things before becoming a nurse.

Opportunities in Nursing

Nurses are in high demand all around the United States. The number of nursing jobs will increase about nine percent by 2030, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. This makes nursing one of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States. With high demand comes high wages. You can make more as a nurse now than ever, with the average salary of around $75,000 a year. Things you should know before becoming a nurse include what motivates you! Are you motivated by money, or do you care more about work satisfaction? Each state has different pros and cons. Here are some of the best states for nurses to work and live in.

With COVID-19 crisis rates and the high demand for nurses around the United States, travel nursing is a great career opportunity. Travel nurses work on a contract-to-contract basis. They can travel across the nation or stay in their hometown and travel to different facilities. The allure of travel nursing is the great money, flexibility, and experiences!

Nursing isn’t for everyone

Although the opportunities in nursing are substantial, not everyone can be a nurse. There are many factors that go into being a nurse, such as schooling, long hours, physical job demands, interacting with people, and intense situations. Nursing is a difficult profession. As you look at the pros, you must also consider the cons in nursing. Here’s a great blog on the challenges in nursing and how to overcome them.

The Combination of Science and Service

5 Things You Should Know Before Becoming a Nurse

When you marry science and service, you get nursing! In preparation of becoming a nurse, you need an Associates or Bachelor of Science in nursing. This includes education in a combination of sciences: biology, anatomy, and chemistry. After completing an undergraduate degree, you still need to pass the NCLEX test, a comprehensive nursing licensure exam. Being science-oriented is important for nurses, especially when dealing with medications, bodily functions, patient plans, and the recovery of patients.

Things you should know about nursing is that in addition to science, nursing is ultimately a service industry. It’s all about providing care to patients and respecting their wishes. While aiding doctors in the care of the patients, you will be the face of their healing process. Providing the best possible patient care is an important aspect to becoming a nurse.

Choosing a Specialty

Let’s say your heart is in nursing and you have achieved a registered nurse license; now you have to decide a nursing specialty. There are various specialties within nursing, and each specialty comes with its own pros and cons. If you are an adrenaline junky, specialties in the intensive care unit and emergency room are for you. Maybe the high pressure gives you more anxiety than adrenaline; that’s okay. Consider a specialty in clinical nursing or long-term care. Pro Tip: As Baby Boomers continue to age, long-term care nurses will be in higher demand as geriatric care facilities increase in patients.

Other popular specialties include pediatrics, neonatal intensive care unit, psychiatric, and rehabilitation. Picking your specialty all depends on your interest and ability to perform job duties. Doing your research to determine what you need to be a nurse will help you decide the best specialty for you. To learn more about different specialties, visit Johnson and Johnson Nursing to help you determine the specialty that fits your interests and needs.

Nursing is a Rewarding and Respected Career

What are the benefits of being a nurse? To start, nursing is a very rewarding career because every day, you get to help patients and their families. As a nurse, you form a bond with patients on a different level from their doctors. This is because of the amount of time you spend with them; you are their advocate and main caregiver. Aiding and healing a patient while they are sick can be a very rewarding experience. In addition to work you do, the pay is also a great reward for the hard work. With the increasing nurse shortage, hospitals are in need of nurses and willing to compensate accordingly. Whether you are in it for the pay or the rewarding experience, being a nurse is a career that will leave you satisfied.

Nursing is also a very respected profession. It’s not easy to be a nurse. You gain a general respect from the public because of the care you provide patients and risk you take exposing yourself to illnesses. Aside from the care and risk of illness, nurses work in very stressful situations that most people can’t handle. Putting your patient first and respecting their privacy are great responsibilities, and people trust nurses to obey those responsibilities.

Think About it

Overall, becoming a nurse isn’t an easy decision and should be well thought out. Things you should know before becoming a nurse include the education needed, future nursing career trajectory, specialties of a nurse, and much more. As a nurse, you have many responsibilities, but with those responsibilities comes great satisfaction. Do your research, and decide whether being a nurse is the best fit for you! Need to talk it over with an expert? We’re here for you.

We hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful. Are there any other tips or advice you would give to those considering a career in nursing? Comment them below.

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

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

START HERE

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

By Priya Moorhouse

January 15, 2022

8694 Views

12 Important Details for Travel Nursing on a Whim

Posted on January 15, 2022December 28, 2022 by Priya Moorhouse

I look back, as in one month ago, to realize I literally just finished my very first travel nursing assignment, during a global pandemic at that. I’m sure you’re thinking, what I was thinking?!

I was thinking that this would be an amazing opportunity personally and financially for myself and my family. Certain key adjectives came to mind: servitude, adventure, once in a lifetime, strength. Many colorful adjectives soon followed as my 8-week adventure in Brooklyn, New York unfolded.

So here are my recommendations prior to committing and embarking on your first travel assignment.

The two most important things

The two things that were most important for me was to know who my recruiter/agency was going to be as well as where I was planning to go to. If you have not noticed, you will, there are a plethora of companies with endless recruiters for travel nursing. This means you have some homework ahead of you.

Take the time and research the companies and how long they have been active for, read their reviews, check out their social media platforms – this is very much about finding the best representation for yourself! It can get tiresome talking with different people and navigating through the waters of who is truly dedicated to you and has your true best interest at heart versus who sees you as another notch on their belt. Other companies may try and bait you with a higher offer, just make sure you closely examine the proposal and contracts.

Companies who offer to pay for your travel and stay with a higher weekly gross rate may look good initially but then you realize the amount taxable is terribly high. I am fortunate to have a recruiter that truly has my back and works effortlessly at making sure I am not only supplied with contracts but the best ones suitable for me. Secondly, keep in mind that states pay differently, some more noticeable than others. For instance, I can tell you Florida is not at all a good-paying state for nurses in general let alone travel nurses. However, things can change when the terms crisis contract appears. Now take in mind this is NOT the norm.

Pick a state you are interested in

So, pick a state you have interest in, that you want to visit, or someplace where you might have family and friends in. What I am ultimately saying is do not pick a place that you have no interest in or that you feel may bring you down. Most contracts last anywhere from 8-13 weeks so you want to be in an environment that you will ultimately enjoy and look forward to being in.

10 Key Points When Starting a Career as a Travel Nurse

Experience

First and foremost, make sure you have enough experience for the assignment. More states prefer two years of experience as opposed to less unless during times of need/crisis. This is also something you should be honest about with your recruiter so neither party is wasting time.

Proper Licensing

You want to make sure you have proper licensing, especially if you do not have a compact license already in place. Check here to see if you need a compact license or not.

Up to date certifications

Make sure all your certifications are up to date – BLS, ACLS, PALS, NIHSS, etc.

Resume Package

Make things easy for yourself. I have a folder called “my resume package” which includes my up to date resume, cover letter, skills checklist, references, copies of licenses/titers to easily and readily send out.

Research your new area

Research the city, hospital, and surrounding amenities and areas you will need access to. I had already pinned in google which laundromat I would use and what restaurants I wanted to visit. There are even websites dedicated to helping travel health care workers find housing at discounted rates (like Outpost Club and Furnished Finder to name two – there are several more just search on google). Check and see if any discounts are provided for bookings in advance and car rentals. I received 30% off for booking in advance for 4 weeks on Airbnb. Do not be hesitate to negotiate!
“Knowledge is power.” Research travel nurse websites and articles, join some travel nursing groups (check Facebook, Instagram, and Holliblu for a start) because most of the questions you have someone already has had and has already graciously written about. Another favorite site of mine is, The Gypsy Nurse

Consider a travel buddy

Think about traveling with a buddy! Travel and lodging are cut in half and you also have someone you can vent to and share experiences with after a hard day.

Packing list

Make a list of things you need/want to pack. Most of us tend to overpack so creating a list will help consolidate things and keep you on track so you will not have to spend extra on baggage or transport extra unnecessarily.

Be flexible with everything

Contracts can be canceled, shortened, or extended. Make sure you have some cushion for those days or weeks you do not find an assignment that connects with you. After you get started you have a little more leverage monetarily speaking, but it is important to keep backups in mind for any kind of instances. The more you prepare yourself to have a more “go with the flow” mentality, the less difficult it will be. I will be honest, I have been fortunate this year, after 21 weeks of working two travel assignments, I will have made a little bit over my annual salary as a nurse in my home state. I know it sounds crazy, but it is possible!

Lastly enjoy the time you have on your assignment.

When things get tough remind yourself this is temporary. Interact with the locals and other travelers, explore your surroundings and things you have not seen before, do facetime, and zoom date nights for needed support and encouragement from family and friends.

Overall, just try not to be close-minded. Looking back and thinking of the could have and would have, I wish I started travel nursing earlier. The fear you have about meeting new people turns into excitement. Fear you have about others not being as cordial turns into bravery as you are the only one standing up for yourself. The fear of being alone and in unfamiliar environments turns into unabashed curiosity and wonderment.

By: Priya Moorhouse, RN, Travel Nurse

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

START HERE

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

By Dan Matthews

December 8, 2021

6452 Views

How to Step into Leadership Roles with a Travel Nursing Background

Posted on December 8, 2021November 29, 2021 by Dan Matthews

Nursing today is different than it has probably ever been. Today, professionals are being called to respond to a pandemic that has ravaged our everyday lives. For many, this has led to burnout and a desire to jump into a new career path altogether. For some, it has created opportunities they hadn’t previously considered.

Travel nurses, in particular, are some of the most impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Demand for nurses to fill in is at an all-time high, which has allowed many to travel wherever they want at a much higher price than previously expected. The demand has actually encouraged more and more nurses to leave their steady day job and opt for traveling.

Nurses that have been in the business of traveling for some time now have long struggled with some of the challenges faced by a nurse that is “new.” Many feel as though there is never a great opportunity to provide leadership even though they may have decades of experience under their belt. Fortunately, there are ways to help travel nurses step into a greater leadership role no matter their current position.

Putting Knowledge to Practice

As many travel nurses know, the experience of working in a variety of different hospitals across the nation provides a lot of insight. Chances are they’ve seen floors that are run efficiently and effectively while providing some of the highest quality and most attentive care to patients. Likewise, they have probably also seen some real disasters where one nurse or leader is effectively dragging down the whole team leader to all sorts of problems.

This experience puts travel nurses in a unique position to learn what works and what doesn’t. Furthermore, it gives them a powerful opportunity to see what great leadership looks like and build a network of mentors that can provide advice on becoming a nursing leader. It can also give you a chance to adapt your nursing style to be more like those that you’ve seen become highly successful.

As the experience adds up over time, travel nurses suddenly find themselves in the position to offer advice on where positive changes can be made in any given nursing unit. They can become problem solvers who lead from whatever position they are in. Great leaders aren’t necessarily those who strive to be in the spotlight. Rather, some of the most inspirational leaders many of us know are those who work quietly in the background to bring about positive change without drawing attention to themselves.

Moving to Make Change

For some travel nurses, stepping into a greater leadership role will ultimately mean making a move into a more permanent position. Hanging up the travel bag and settling down onto a regular unit may be quite a bit of an adjustment, but it can provide the opportunity to put in for leadership roles that will give a more active role in the day-to-day management of other nurses. It could be the perfect opportunity to put all of the leadership skills learned over the years into action.

Other travel nurses may find that their role in making an impact can be bigger if they leave nursing for a different hospital role altogether. For instance, some may choose to go into medical administration. This is a realm that many travel nurses likely know a bit about and could offer positive solutions to — after all, many must deal with new hospital administration staff every time they move to a new location.

Still, other travel nurses may find that they have more of a business background they could put to use. Surprisingly, many hospitals need people with some experience in business management. Hospitals are large businesses, after all. The experience of working as a contract employee over the years could benefit travel nurses as they step into a greater leadership role within the hospital system.

***

Travel nurses have some of the greatest leadership potential. Many have experience in a variety of hospitals and have had a chance to see the good and the bad as well as learn from some of the very best leaders they’ve come across. Even if they don’t choose to stay in nursing, many travel nurses have the ability and experience to lead in other hospital roles that could make a significant difference in the quality of care and overall workplace happiness of the local hospital.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Have your assignment but still need housing? Click here to search our housing page.

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

START HERE

Travel Nurse Marketing tip:

1. Make Sure Your Resume Is Polished and Accurate

2. Create a Website

3. Utilize Social Media

5. Interview Well

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

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

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