Travel nursing offers unique benefits and experiences that you don’t always get in a traditional hospital or private practice setting. When you’re able to travel to rural areas, especially, you might be surprised to see an entirely different way of life and people that will benefit from your skills, expertise, and care.
If you’re an RN or Nurse Practitioner looking for something different, you’re not alone. There are approximately 25,000 traveling nurses in the U.S., and between 2018-2019, the profession grew by 44%.
Working in rural areas might be different from what you’re used to, but it can benefit you just as much as the patients you’re treating.
Let’s look at what travel Nurse Practitioners bring to rural areas, and how you can help where it’s needed most.
You’ll Cover Physician Shortages
There’s no question that the COVID-19 pandemic caused an upheaval in the healthcare field. According to CNBC, the U.S. could see a shortage of over 120,000 primary care physicians over the next 10 years. As a nurse practitioner, you may have full practice authority depending on your location.
There is already a high demand for Nurse Practitioners, but if you’re able to travel to rural areas, you’ll be able to cover physician shortages where they’re truly needed. People in bigger cities and more densely populated areas likely don’t have to worry about any kind of shortage. But, those in rural communities might be wondering what they’ll do without a doctor within 100 miles. In addition to a physician shortage, rural hospitals are struggling. Over 100 have shut down since 2010.
When you travel to a rural community, you’ll be able to breathe some life back into an area’s healthcare industry, giving them what they’ve needed for so long.
You’re Equipped to Deal With Trauma
In the midst of this pandemic, many people in rural communities didn’t have access to the help they may have needed. Supply chain issues could have made it hard to get food, medication, and household necessities. There might not be a therapist around for miles. Or, the nearest hospital might be booked.
If you’re a trained NP, you have the skills and experience to understand trauma-informed care. It’s the process of assuming whoever you are treating has experienced trauma and treating them appropriately. Trauma can cause things like:
- Sleep disorders
- Depression
- Heart disease
- Lung disease
- Diabetes
Practicing trauma-informed care will make it easier to diagnose a patient by linking the two. You don’t have to be a mental health professional to recognize the connection. You can treat the patient’s physical issues while offering them a referral to a trusted mental health specialist.
You Can Make a Difference
Travel nursing is a mostly autonomous job, but that doesn’t mean it’s not rewarding. Quite the opposite, actually.
As a travel NP, you’ll meet people from all walks of life. You’ll also be able to get to know them on a first-name basis, so you can immerse yourself in their needs and treatment. Now with different COVID variants spreading across the globe, traveling Practitioners can be a source of comfort to those in rural areas who might be afraid they won’t be able to get medical treatment.
The difference between nurse practitioners and traditional physicians often is about bedside manner. That isn’t to say physicians are cold. But, Nurse Practitioners are still nurses at heart, and your caring nature and understanding of a patient’s needs will go a long way.
At the end of the day, traveling to rural areas to work can end up opening your eyes to the things the country really needs. You can take comfort in knowing you’re making a difference with both the physical and mental health of those trusting in you.
We hope you found this information on how Nurse Practitioners can help in Rural areas helpful. Are you a nurse practioner looking for your next position? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing? Click here to view our housing page.
