Have you heard about travel nurses and want to know more about this exciting career path? Continue reading and gain more information on requirements, benefits and perks associated with becoming one.
Step one in becoming a travel nurse starts by filling out an application with a staffing agency and being assigned a recruiter. Discuss your preferred assignments and preferences so they can find jobs that match.
Education
Nurses seeking travel assignments should first complete their nursing degree and become registered nurses (RN). It’s also essential for nurses to become acquainted with both the hospital system and its policies as well as local cultures before commencing travel assignments.
Once they have obtained their credentials and registered with a staffing agency, nurses can start looking for travel nursing assignments. When reviewing job listings they should closely inspect details like pay rate and benefits available before selecting their dream position.
After speaking to their preferred agencies about positions and applications processes, nurses can reach out with any inquiries about positions or application processes. A travel nursing recruiter will then match a suitable assignment and handle all details associated with it such as providing housing stipends, license applications and benefits administration. They’ll also ensure tax home status by working with current or past employers to establish correct addresses so as to reduce taxes while increasing travel nurse paychecks; especially important when taking extended assignments away from home for prolonged periods.
Licensing
As nursing shortages worsen, an increasing number of nurses are turning to travel nurse jobs as a solution. Travel nurses provide fill-in staffing for areas without enough registered nurses available.
Temporary nurses typically perform many of the same duties as full-time colleagues. This includes assessing patients, administering medications, changing dressings and providing patient education as well as discharge planning and record keeping duties.
Travel nurses need to be adaptable and willing to learn the healthcare systems of each location where they work, particularly if there is an outbreak or epidemic in that location. They may even have to work outside their specialization depending on what needs are present in each region they travel through.
Travel nursing jobs provide nurses who crave adventure with unique opportunities for professional growth and exploration of different places. Travel nurse jobs also allow for those wanting more time with family or friends between contracts to enjoy this form of assignment.
Experience
As an RN looking for something different in their career or an experienced clinician seeking something fresher, travel nursing provides exceptional opportunities to broaden careers and experiences. Keep reading to gain more insight into this thrilling career choice! Read up on its qualifications and advantages.
Travel nurses need to be adaptable; each assignment brings its own set of unique challenges and conditions. A staffing agency typically offers assistance with onboarding by offering orientation sessions and helping nurses navigate hospital procedures and electronic medical record systems.
However, travel nursing isn’t for the faint of heart – the frequent transitions can be trying on relationships and make travel nursing more susceptible to burnout than other professions. Therefore, before making this commitment it’s essential that you consider whether a career in travel nursing is right for you and plan out contracts ahead of time so that you have an idea of when you will have time off or need breaks from assignments.
Certifications
Due to a severe nurse shortage, more travel nursing opportunities have arisen. But travel nurses must be willing to stay away for extended periods and adapt quickly in unfamiliar hospital environments.
Travel nurses typically choose an agency with Joint Commission accreditation, to ensure high standards of safety and transparency for its nurses. Finding an honest recruiter that helps secure desirable assignments is also key – this way they’ll have someone there who will provide advice about housing solutions or assist them with licensure processes while on assignment.
Travel nurses need an outstanding work ethic and love of travel in order to succeed at this job. Since they will often find themselves working in unfamiliar hospitals and clinics, travel nurses must adapt quickly and successfully while also possessing excellent communication skills that allow them to handle fast-paced environments effectively. Finally, travel nurses must have enough money for temporary housing expenses during their assignment.
Insurance
Travel nurses require reliable health insurance plans. Options available to them range from agency plans, private health policies or short-term policies which cover them between assignments. Before making their choice, travel nurses should carefully consider both its advantages and disadvantages.
Short-term plans tend to be less expensive but don’t provide nationwide coverage, making them unsuitable if family needs coverage back home. They should research which plans allow for multiple gaps of coverage at once.
Some travel nurses relish in experiencing new places. Others find it more challenging, having to say goodbye regularly to friends and colleagues as well as learning hospital charting systems or healthcare cultures in each location. Furthermore, travel nurses must create a “tax home” in each location in order to reduce tax liabilities, pay temporary housing and develop the flexibility needed to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
