Your Travel Nursing Job Search: 6 Keys to Success
By Katelynne Shepard, contributor
With nursing jobs predicted to grow by 12% by the year 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there's never been a better time to put the nursing shortage to your advantage to bring in competitive pay and broaden your travel horizons. However, picking a travel nurse assignment can have its challenges as well. Make your travel nursing job search a little easier by incorporating these six ideas into your plans.
1. Make a list of what you want
There are hundreds of travel nursing jobs available throughout the country at any given time, and it's easy to get overwhelmed with the possibilities and get swept into a job that's not ideal — or become paralyzed to the point of indecision. Narrow your travel nursing job search from the beginning by scheduling a meeting with yourself to work out what you need and want out of your next assignment. Make sure to list both personal and career goals, and then rank them according to importance so you can ensure you're prioritizing job opportunities that mesh with the path you're on.
2. Choose the right travel nurse agency
Never underestimate the power of a good agency and recruiter when it comes to making your travel nursing job search as easy as possible. Look for agencies that have good reputations — ask around to fellow travel nurses either in person or by checking out online groups focused on travel nursing — and plenty of job opportunities. The more available jobs an agency has, the likelier you are to find one that checks off all the boxes.
3. Be flexible when it comes to the assignment
While focusing your job search on assignments that match your priorities is important, staying flexible can ensure that you don't miss great opportunities just because they weren't exactly what you were looking for. If an assignment is everything you wanted career wise, for example, but isn't in a location you had considered, it might be worth a shot. You may find that you really do enjoy skiing even though you had planned on snorkeling. Remember, the average length for a travel nursing assignment is 13 weeks, so if it really doesn't work out, you're just a few weeks away from making another change.
4. Make the most of your recruiter
Whether this is your first travel nursing assignment or you're a city-hopping veteran, your recruiter can be an invaluable resource as your plan your next move. Talk to them about what you want out of the position — and the locale — and remember to be honest and thorough. The more information you can give your recruiter about things, such as desired shift preference, specialty you want to work in or what you want to be able to do in your off time, the easier it will be for them to narrow the search.
5. Be an active participant in your travel nursing job search
While making full use of your recruiter is important, it's just as important that you plan an active role in your travel nursing job search. This means providing any follow-up information your recruiter requests in a timely manner and making sure to get all of your licensing and paperwork odds and ends handled so there aren't any delays. It also means preparing well for interviews — it's no use finding your dream assignment if you're not prepared to land it — and reading over contracts carefully to ensure there aren't any surprises when you arrive and begin your new job.
6. Plan as much as possible
While the spontaneity of exploring a new place may be part of the draw of travel nursing, when it comes to details that involve your salary, your work place and duties and your housing, planning is key. Make yourself a checklist of everything that needs to be considered, completed or purchased before you head out. This could include making housing arrangements — either selecting from provided housing or finding your own place if you're choosing a stipend option — or scheduling a tour of the facility so you're familiar with your surroundings before you have to start your nursing duties.
With the right mindset and a little strategy, you can help ensure your next travel nursing assignment is a good fit and moves you closer to your goals.
START your travel nursing job search by browsing the available positions on TravelNursing.com and find your next destination.