Whether you’re a nurse considering a career change or an experienced nurse looking to make a little extra money, travel nurse jobs are an option worth considering. First, however, there are a few things you need to know about travel nurse jobs before you take on a new position.
Become a Registered Nurse
Whether you want to become a registered nurse for travel nurse jobs or consider a nursing career, you’ll want to start by earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). This degree offers you the best education for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Getting your BSN will make it easier for you to find your first job and give you more opportunities for advancement. Once you become a registered nurse, you can work in any setting that suits your skills and interests. Depending on your career path, you can work in many areas, including nursing administration, health promotion, and monitoring patient health.
You’ll need four years of nursing coursework to get your BSN. The curriculum includes clinical experiences in hospitals and clinics and statistics and research methods. You’ll also learn about evidence-based nursing practice, health promotion, and community health.
Earn your APRN certification
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can help you earn your APRN certification for travel nurse jobs. In addition, it will give you access to more jobs and Magnet-designated healthcare systems. A BSN also allows you to get a higher salary.
Getting your APRN certification for travel nurse jobs requires a few things. First, you’ll need a BSN, a four-year degree in nursing, and you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam. You’ll also need to find a travel nursing agency and sign a contract.
You’ll also need to take some introductory healthcare education courses, such as HIV and AIDS. You’ll also need to be certified in the Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification. You’ll also need to maintain your RN license.
Earn your RN license
Whether you are an aspiring travel nurse or already working as a nurse, it is essential to earn your RN license. A license will allow you to work in different states, but there are other requirements you must also meet.
You must complete a nursing education program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs. The test will cover your nursing practice and healthcare system knowledge. It takes about six hours to take.
You will also need to complete the clinical. You can do your clinical with your current employer or attend a remote program. Some agencies offer free housing and housing stipends. These are usually one-bedroom apartments.
Travel nursing is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience. You can work in various settings, including hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and clinics. You can also specialize in different types of care. Some specialties include pediatrics, neonatal, critical care, and surgical.
Compare Pay Packages
Comparing travel nurse pay packages can take time and effort compared to other industries. While a pay package may seem simple, many factors can change the total amount of money you earn. As a result, it can be hard to compare pay packages fairly, but you can do a few things to make the process easier.
First, make sure that you read the travel nurse compensation package carefully. It may include an hourly wage, a bill rate, per diem rates, overtime pay, and other benefits. You may also receive perks such as incidental, housing, and meal stipends.
Second, ask your recruiter for more details on the pay package. For example, some agencies will offer bonuses if you complete multiple assignments. They may also pay a referral bonus for referring other nurses. Some agencies also have a retention bonus, which produces a portion of your pay package if you stay with them for a certain period.
Housing is a Significant Concern.
During an assignment, a travel nurse is given a stipend to cover the cost of their stay. In addition, most agencies offer grants between $2,000 and $3,000 per month. This money can be used to cover expenses and keep a bank balance. If you qualify, you can even receive a tax-free stipend.
If you are a new travel nurse, it is essential to understand the differences between housing stipends and housing provided by the agency. Agency-provided housing is not usually included in the stipend, and utilities do not cover it. As a result, agencies often house nurses in more expensive accommodations than other travelers.
If you are an experienced travel nurse, you can find a furnished apartment. You can also choose to live in an RV. Depending on the area, these housing types may be less expensive than short-term rentals. In addition, using an RV will allow you to explore between assignments. However, RVs are often smaller than other housing options and will have less space than apartments.
Paperwork is only required once the traveler lands a job.
Getting a coveted travel nursing gig involves a bit of planning, and the best place to start is with a comprehensive list of all your credentials. This list should include a copy of your oh-so-shiny nursing license, your passport, and, of course, a list of your current employer’s preferred vendors. You should also ask your prospective employer if they have a portfolio of documents. A portfolio of this quality should contain the abovementioned documents in a neatly arranged folder, a nifty albeit dated passport photo in a similarly neatly arranged folder, and a copy of your most recent pay stub. Depending on the employer, you may be required to supply a separate list of references.
Find a Recruiter
Choosing the right recruiter for your travel nurse job is essential to your success. But first, you must select a recruiter with the experience and skill necessary to find the perfect travel nursing assignment. It can be long and tedious, but the payoff will be worth it.
When it comes to your recruiter, you should find someone with passion, ethics, and good communication skills. They should also be knowledgeable about the industry, travel nursing trends, and onboarding procedures. They should also be honest and tell the truth about their travel nursing assignments.
It would help if you tried out several recruiters before choosing the right one. This is important for ensuring that you find the best match for your personality and travel nursing needs.
