Getting Started with Travel Nursing: 7 Steps
By Aaron Moore, MSN, RN-BC, travel nurse expert
A new calendar year signals new opportunities, coming changes and a new set of New Year's resolutions: "I want to lose weight," "I want to work out more," "I want to travel the world!"
Well, travel nursing is here to help you fulfill your travel dreams, and the following steps will get you off and running toward a great future in nursing. If you haven't tried travel nursing yet, this could be your year to finally make it happen!
7 steps to get started as a travel nurse:
- Research travel nursing companies. There are more and more of these popping up. Local, national and even international travel agencies exist now. Talk to some nurse travelers, do a Google search, find out how long a company has been in business, etc. Or just read my blog! These are the first steps to finding out more about travel nursing.
- Apply to your top pick(s). Where you apply will depend on what a travel nursing company can offer as well as your personal preferences, but overall you need to know what you want to do. Want an expert tip? The big boys in the biz can get you some pretty sweet jobs-across the country or in your own backyard-and they can keep you working with plenty of assignment choices.
- Talk to recruiters. Once your application is received, you should be contacted by a nurse recruiter. Before that first phone call, make a list of what you want out of traveling: long-term goals, short-term goals, etc. Ask about their travel nurse benefits, time off, travel reimbursement policies, etc. Ask how many jobs they have in your specialty or if the company has exclusive agreements with some employers. Go over the same list with each recruiter; pick the person who seems to have the right answers and fits well with your personality.
- Pick your destination. Once you select one or more favorite locations, find out the process for obtaining your RN license in that state. Each state will differ, so you'll need to do your research. The Nursing Licensure Compact makes this process easier if your original RN license is from a compact state. Check out the National Council of State Boards of Nursing or talk to your recruiter for more information.
- Get ready to interview. Once you decide where you're going and have the application for the nursing license underway, your recruiter can start submitting your packet for consideration on the jobs that interest you. It's not unusual to interview at only one place at a time, so don't worry if this is how you start. Be confident and honest in your interviews, ask pertinent questions and practice your phone interview skills.
- Accept the job and give notice. Once you are offered your dream nursing job, read over the contract terms carefully before accepting and signing on the bottom line. When it's official, put in your notice at your current staff nursing job. If the travel job is imminent, try to give at least 2 weeks of notice; this gives you a fair amount of time to work and then a week or two to pack up and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. If your assignment is still several weeks away, plan your employer notification accordingly.
- Prepare for your new home. During the time leading up to your move, research your new destination. Read up on the hospital where you'll be working, and find out what scrubs you'll need, if you haven't already. Talk to your recruiter about their free housing options. Start making a list of what you need to take with you and what you should pack away or store in a friend's or family member's basement. Then get packing, remembering that "less is more" when it comes to taking your stuff with you on the road.
Finally - enjoy your first travel RN assignment. Have fun, be open to new things and be willing to change. This can be the time of your life! Travel nursing jobs enhanced my career, honed my people skills and allowed me to experience the world. I can only imagine what traveling will do for you in the coming year.
Happy travels to you in 2017!
Do You Have Questions About Travel Nursing?
Send your questions to Aaron. You can also find answers to frequently asked questions, or apply today to get connected with a recruiter with one of TravelNursing.com's staffing partners.
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