Travel nursing provides unique benefits for professional growth. As a travel nurse, you will discover new destinations and learn new skills that will enrich your career. If you’ve accepted an assignment or are interested in finding out if being a travel nurse is a career for you, there are a few things to consider to help you prepare.
Working as a travel nurse is a great way to see the world while simultaneously earning a paycheck. However, it is beneficial to know a few tips to help you navigate your new role and enjoy the process.
Before you pack your suitcase, here are some things you should know before starting your career as a travel nurse.
Preparation And Organization Are Key
Preparation and organization are critical for successful travel nurses. Your healthcare staffing agency will provide you with all of the details of your assignment and what paperwork you are required to have on hand. Some of the requested records, like licensing information, certifications, and immunization records, should be up to date. Always be aware of when your professional documents need to be renewed to ensure you don’t let them lapse unknowingly.
Get Your House In Order
When you are away on your travel nurse assignment, you must ensure everything is taken care of at home. Here are some questions that should be answered before you leave for work.
- Have you managed how you will receive your mail?
- Do you have any monthly subscriptions that need to be paused?
- Should you cancel your utilities or have automatic payment arranged online?
- Do you have any bills that can not be paid online?
- If you have pets, are they coming with you, or can you set up their care?
- How will you manage to stay in touch if you have a spouse or children?
While there are many things to consider before you begin your travel nursing assignment, answering these questions will help you better prepare to be away from home. Keep in mind that you can choose to work on shorter assignments that won’t have you out for long if you have many commitments at home.
What You Need To Begin A Professional Travel Nursing Career
Your healthcare staffing recruiter can help you determine if you have what is required to be a travel nurse. Some of the things you’ll need to have are:
- Licensing- Besides being a Registered Nurse (RN), you will also need to be licensed in the state where you will work. The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) enables RNs to hold single nursing licenses valid in multiple states; however, it does not cover the entire nation. Check your state’s licensing requirements and discuss your options with your recruiter.
- Credentials- With your nursing license, you should also have the Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications to begin travel nursing. Your recruiter will help you determine the best professional opportunities for you.
- Experience- Your nursing staffing agency will require nurses to have a certain amount of experience before placing them, typically at least a year of bedside experience. However, if you plan to work in a specialized unit such as intensive care or labor and delivery, you may be required to have certain types of experience to qualify for the position.
Travel Nursing Can Be A Rewarding Career
Travel nursing can be a rewarding career for nurses who like to travel and enjoy change. With each assignment, you will learn new skills, meet new people, experience a new location, and grow professionally.