Travel nurses play a very crucial role in the healthcare industry, especially in times like the ones we’re living in right now. They are there to fill gaps in staffing and may be asked to travel across their state or the country. They may also help supplement a team’s expertise and will often work in areas with big staff or expertise shortages. This can be an exhilarating job, but one that comes with many challenges. There are also major differences in the relationship between you and your employers. Here are a few things you should know before you work as a travel nurse.
Expertise is Everything
If you want to get the best opportunities and be able to have your pick of the litter when applying for jobs, we strongly suggest that you get higher credentials. Not only will there be more jobs available to you, but they’ll pay you even better than the premium travel nurses already get.
If you have a BSN or MSN, we would suggest you check out Baylor University and their doctor of nurse practitioner program. We can’t think of a better way for a nurse to up their credentials without skipping a beat. You’ll then be able to work on a wide variety of assignments and will be on top of the list with agencies.
Learn How to Read Contracts
This might not be the most fun part of the job, but it’s necessary. You need to look over your contract every time you have a new assignment and double-check every single detail. Your contract will have things such as your pay, float and cancellations rules, time off, which unit you’ll be working on, etc. If you have any questions or something you asked for wasn’t included, let your recruiter know and have the contract amended immediately.
Do Your Research on the Contract Location
It’s also very important that you do your research on the destination you’ll be working in. Things can be extremely different from state to state, including the weather, the laws, the culture, etc. You should get familiar with the difference in temperatures and pace of living. Research the specific areas you’ll be living in as well. Check the amenities, the best ways to get around, and how much the cost of living is.
You should also try to get familiar with the nursing culture where you’ll be working. There can be very big differences in how nurses operate. This will often have to do with the dominant culture in the area, and other issues like staffing. Nurses might be a bit more stressed and have to do more with less in certain parts of the country. Rules, regulations, and procedures can also be very different. So be aware of those before you make your move.
Learn from Other Travel Nurses
The better prepared you are for the job, the more likely you’ll be to succeed in your first jobs and thrive as a travel nurse. We can give you tips and advice all day, but no one can help you better than a seasoned travel nurse. So try to get in touch with as many as you can and get their opinions.
There are many ways that you can meet those. We suggest you join local nurse organizations and attend events. Facebook groups are another great place you could look. There are many traveling vlogs and blogs you could check out as well. Some of them include the Gypsy Nurse, Off the Clock Nurses, and We the Wanderers.
Pack Light
Another important piece of advice we would give you is to pack as light as possible and arrange your life so you can move quickly without having to plan a long packing list. Many advise that you have a “get out of dodge” bag with all your essentials so you’re always ready to go. It should have all essential grooming products, a few changes of clothes, outerwear to protect you from the elements, and some waterproof footwear.
Pick the Recruiter, not Only the Agency
Having a good relationship with your recruiter will be everything in this business. While the best nurses will usually get the best contracts, it also helps if the recruiters like you. They will be more willing to work with you and find gigs that work for your particular needs and situation. They might also be able to look at your skills and profile and find perfect jobs for you.
When choosing an agency, don’t focus on the big names only. Many have made this error in the past and soon realized that they were treated like another number by their recruiter. Interview the recruiter before you commit with any agency. Find someone trustworthy, compassionate, and who truly cares about your future.
Stay on Good Terms with Employers
You should be very careful to not burn bridges with any employer you work with. There will be times when you will simply not like the gig you were assigned to. It might be because you don’t like the people, or because the institution is poorly run, or at least not to the standards you’re used to. If that happens, you still have to find a way to complete your contract. You’re only there for a few weeks after all.
If you ignore your recruiter, perform poorly at assignments, or burn bridges with an agency, word will spread very quickly. Getting blacklisted is a possibility and you might have difficulty getting hired by another agency or the entire hospital system. So, nurture your relationships and try to get as many details as possible about the location and what you’ll be expected to do beforehand.
Prepare for the Unexpected
Even if you’ll be on a contract, you never know what might happen. Staffing needs change all the time and contracts get terminated. That can be tough, and while a recruiter will do everything they can to get you to work, nothing is guaranteed. So always make sure that you have a few months of living expenses saved up just in case.
Working as a traveling nurse can be a very fulfilling and exciting experience. It’s not for everybody, however, so check if you have what it takes and are truly ready for the job.