Travel nurses have the unique opportunity to cross dream destinations off their bucket lists, earn a higher salary than an on-staff nurse, and get tax-free housing and meal stipends. But only some assignments will be perfect.
If you love your current assignment and want to pad your bank account or pay off student loans, consider asking for a contract extension!
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Know What You Want
The perks of short term travel nurse jobs include higher-than-average pay and the freedom to explore new locations, making it an attractive career choice for many nurses. However, travel nurses must be aware of the demands of a new assignment and their potential to struggle when they’re away from home for extended periods.
The first step to success on a travel nurse assignment is researching the destination before accepting an assignment. This can include everything from investigating the weather and knowing what to pack to finding the best routes to get around town. It’s also helpful to research a facility or city’s staff nurses and their experiences in working there. This information can help nurses feel more prepared and confident about their new role.
Another crucial aspect of research is finding out what nursing specialties and geographic areas have a high demand for travel nurses. This can be done by searching online or contacting agencies specializing in filling travel positions. Some of these agencies have job boards that list current opportunities.
It’s also vital for travel nurses to be familiar with tax filing requirements, as the rules vary by state. By taking the time to understand these rules, nurses can avoid surprises and ensure they’re getting the maximum benefits of their assignments.
Be Flexible
Travel nursing is a great option for nurses who want to explore new parts of the country or world, increase their salary, and gain more experience in their chosen field. However, travel nursing isn’t for everyone. Some may not like being away from friends and family for long periods or struggle to adjust to working in different facilities.
Flexibility is a must for travel nurses. Your staffing agency and hospital hiring managers will want to see that you are willing to work flexible shifts and locations. Flexibility regarding specialty units and the contract duration is also helpful. Hospitals are always looking for nurses who can fill in gaps and help them reach their staffing goals.
Another aspect of flexibility is being prepared to accept lower pay for an assignment than you would like. This is often the case because hospitals want to meet a certain minimum pay requirement set by the federal government or their union. Some travel nurses drop positions because of the pay, but this isn’t a good approach.
It’s important to remember that when you are applying for jobs through a job board, you’re competing with thousands of other applicants. This can make it more difficult to land a job, especially when seeking high-paying positions.
Be Honest
When applying for travel nurse assignments, being honest with your recruiter about the kinds of contracts you’re interested in is important. This will help your recruiter match you with opportunities that will be the most enjoyable for you.
It’s also helpful to be honest with your recruiter about what you hope to gain from each assignment and the kinds of facilities or environments you’re most comfortable in. Don’t try to embellish your skill set or experience to get an assignment, as this will only end in frustration for you and the facility you’re working at.
Once on an assignment, you must be honest with your supervisor or manager and the other nurses and staff at your workplace. Don’t be afraid to say if an assignment is challenging or not meeting your expectations, as this will allow them to correct the issue quickly and help you feel more confident in your skills.
During your travel nursing assignments, please get in touch with your recruiter, as this will help them support you and guide you throughout your career. Your recruiter is your advocate and will be able to answer any questions or concerns you may have, whether they pertain to the facility where you’re working or your paycheck.
Be Prepared
As a travel nurse, you will be changing assignments often. Connecting with new coworkers and adjusting to a different hospital can be challenging. However, most nurses find that various assignments enrich their work and personal life.
It’s essential to take time to prepare for each assignment. This includes having all your nursing licensure and certifications in order and researching housing options. Many websites allow you to rent short-term apartments. Additionally, there are Facebook groups for travel nurses dedicated to housing options.
Your recruiter will play a crucial role in helping you find contract assignments that meet your goals. Be sure to communicate with them regularly and promptly answer their calls or texts. This will give them a good idea of your strengths and preferences.
Also, consider specializing in specific areas of nursing. This can make you more valuable to a facility and help you land higher-paying travel nursing jobs. Getting your state licenses in order before looking for travel assignments is a good idea, as hospitals often require them before hiring. Also, it’s a good idea to scan or photograph important documents and keep them safe so you can easily email them to recruiters and facilities.
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