LeaderStat provided this article.
Planning your next travel healthcare assignment? Before signing on the dotted line, thoroughly research the location and discuss these essential questions with your recruiter.
5 Key Considerations Before Accepting Your Next Travel Healthcare Assignment
1. Travel Healthcare Assignment Location
Exploring a new location can be thrilling yet daunting. Keep these factors in mind to ensure the assignment is a good fit:
- Tourist Season: Determine if your assignment falls during peak tourist season. If so, secure housing early. Consider booking an extended-stay hotel for the initial weeks, then reassess housing options, especially if you find a roommate to share costs.
- Rural or Secluded Areas: If you’re heading to a rural area, download safety apps to update your loved ones on your whereabouts.
- Weather Conditions: Be aware of the local weather patterns. For instance, assignments in Wisconsin from December to March will involve snow and cold, whereas in Florida or Alabama, summer might coincide with hurricane season.
- Travel Preferences: Decide whether you’re more comfortable flying or driving.
- Driving: Equip your car with an emergency kit and ensure it’s well-maintained.
- Flying: Book early morning flights to mitigate the risk of delays. Flights are generally cheaper on Tuesdays.
- Housing Proximity: Assess the distance from your housing to the workplace. Consider the feasibility of commuting, especially after long shifts.
- Transportation and Parking: Determine if you need to use a shuttle or bus and check for any parking fees.
2. Understanding Pay
Understanding your compensation is vital. Clarify the following:
- Stipend Variations: Check if your untaxed stipend might change during the contract, as it’s determined by GSA.gov and can vary seasonally.
- Cost of Living: Consider the local cost of living. Higher-paying contracts in states like California or Massachusetts might not result in more take-home pay due to higher living expenses.
- Shift Differential and Holiday Pay: Ask if there’s additional pay for night shifts or holidays.
3. Budgeting and Savings
Travel healthcare professionals can earn substantial income, but initial expenses can be significant. Prepare a budget to cover costs before your first paycheck:
- Initial Expenses: Plan to have $2,500-$3,500 for travel, meals, housing, and miscellaneous expenses.
- Discounts and Rewards: Healthcare workers can take advantage of discounts on hotels, rental cars, and meal kits. They can also use credit cards that offer travel rewards to save money on future expenses.
📌 PRO TIP: Take advantage of discounts to cut down on travel costs. Healthcare Professionals get discounts on hotels, rental cars, and even meal kit delivery services like HelloFresh and Home Chef, which can be great for staying healthy away from home. Don’t forget to use credit cards to maximize your travel rewards points, which you can use like cash later on.
4. Certifications, Compliance, and Credentials
Ensure all your documents and certifications are up to date:
- Required Documentation: Submit necessary documents like BLS, PALS, ACLS certifications, licensure, and an updated resume. Also, provide medical records such as a TB test, physical examination, and vaccination information.
- Expiration Dates: Double-check expiration dates on certifications and compliance documents, especially if you plan to extend your contract.
📌 Download a comprehensive healthcare compliance checklist here for all required documentation.
5. Scheduling
Clarify your schedule and duties with your recruiter:
- Block Scheduling: Ask if you can work three 12-hour shifts consecutively to maximize free time.
- Floating: Confirm if you’ll be required to float to other units or buildings.
- Weekend Rotation: Inquire about weekend shifts.
- Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: Check the current nurse-to-patient ratio on your unit.
As a contract employee, self-advocacy is essential. If anything seems unclear, contact your recruiter for clarification.
Additionally, connect with other travel healthcare professionals through Facebook groups to expand your professional network, gain insights, and stay updated on travel healthcare.
We hope you found these 5 keys to consider before accepting your next travel healthcare assignment helpful. Are there any other things to consider before you accept your next travel healthcare assignment? Comment them below.
Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!
Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.
Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment
Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.
