RNnetwork provided this article.
Whether you’re new to the travel nurse lifestyle or a seasoned veteran, these tips will help you get the travel nurse jobs that are right for you — no matter where you want to go or what “best” means to you!
5 Tips for Landing the Best Travel Nursing Jobs
1. Clearly communicate your expectations and ask lots of questions
When you start working with a new recruiter, they will need to understand what’s important to you to find opportunities that meet your expectations, so be open and willing to answer their questions. Likewise, you will need to ask for a lot of information to make sure a situation is the right fit. At a minimum, be sure to ask about:
- Pay and overtime options
- What hours you’d be working and for how long
- Which departments you’d be working with
- How many patients you’d be seeing
- The trauma level of the hospital
- How long orientation lasts
2. Move quickly to finalize the paperwork
Once your recruiter finds a job you’re ready to accept, don’t wait to complete your paperwork. Get things like your application and any required paperwork in STAT. The quicker you move, the less likely you’ll run into problems later. This is especially true if you’ll need to apply for a new state license.
Fortunately, if your home state is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) and you hold a multistate license, it makes it much easier to practice in other NLC states. However, if the NLC doesn’t apply for your desired job, it can take weeks or even months to get a new state license, so the sooner you can get started the better.
Plus, sending any up-to-date certifications you have without being asked for them is a good way to show your commitment.
3. Always think one assignment ahead
Once you’re settled into a job, start talking to your recruiter about your next opportunity so you can be ready to go as soon as your current assignment ends. Figuring out your plans in advance gives you breathing room and a higher chance of getting the type of work you want, where you want. It’s also a great way to schedule vacations and time off for yourself in advance — something you’ll thank yourself for at the end of a few of your well-planned contracts.
4. Stay open to a wide variety of locations, jobs, and opportunities
Flexibility is probably one of the reasons that brought you to travel nursing — or if you’re new, it may be why you’re interested. But to reap the full benefit of this kind of work, keep an open mind and be flexible when it comes to the jobs you choose to accept. You never know what experiences — at work or in your time off in a new location — will change your life for the better, so extend the limits of where you’re willing to go.
Your recruiter can help you land most anything if you’re qualified and willing, especially if you are open to shifts or pay rates that are outside your normal requirements. You never know what opportunities you’ve missed if you aren’t willing to try.
5. Build a relationship with a recruiter you trust
Travel nursing is a bit market, so working with multiple agencies is normal. But it’s also important to find a recruiter who gets you and can be your advocate. A recruiter will fight for you when you need someone in your corner and keep their eyes open for opportunities that might be a good fit. The better they know you, the more likely they’ll help you make a good match every time.
We hope you found this article on 5 tips for landing the best travel nursing jobs helpful. Do you have any tips for fellow travel nurses for landing the best travel nursing jobs? Comment them below.
Rnnetwork can help you find your next adventure! Call 800.866.0407 or view our open travel nursing jobs to find an opportunity that’s right for you.
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