Adhering to HIPAA guidelines and rules is of the utmost importance to a healthcare professional. However, with technology and social media, this isn’t always easy. Social media platforms are great ways to interact with other travel nurses and make friends with nurses on the other side of the world. They’re also a great tool for keeping in touch with family and friends while away on an assignment.
The HIPAA Privacy Rule prohibits the use of PHI on social media networks. That includes; any text about specific patients and images or videos that could result in a patient being identified. It is easy to think you aren’t doing any harm because you aren’t mentioning names; however, certain details could give away who is being discussed. There have been instances where only slight details were given in the post, but that was enough for others and even the media to pick up on who was being discussed.
Some of the things you witness are hard to keep to yourself.
Wanting to share these experiences is understandable. With social media at our fingertips, it is typically the place we turn to first, thanks to our phones. Even if it is a “private” post, it isn’t always private. People often screenshot posts and share them on their own.
While you may not mention where the experience happened, if you have your place of employment listed on your profile or shared your most recent assignment, it won’t be hard to figure out where it happened. All it takes is one person to tip that hospital or facility off that you posted something. That could put your assignment and license in jeopardy, but you could also face fines.
Here are some tips that Healthcare Compliance Pros suggest considering before making a post on social media in regard to HIPAA violations:
Know the difference between personal and professional use.
Personal use of social media is often referred to as social media use on an account that is registered to an individual that is not used for business purposes.
Professional use is generally using social media for approved business purposes on behalf of an account registered to an organization, practice, or provider. You may have language in place in a social medial policy that states if personal use of social media is or is not permitted during business hours. Your policy may also explain the professional use of social media on behalf of the organization, practice, or provider; in other words, who should post, who should update, what should be posted, etc.
Understand if there are any risks involved with what you are about to post.
Whether posting on your personal account or a professional account, it is important to understand any risks. For example, if you post something, there may be a risk of receiving negative feedback from the public. There may be a risk of sharing proprietary information or content that could get into the hands of someone with malicious intent. Some tips to mitigate risk include posting accurate information, respectfully disagreeing with negative comments, etc.
Remember, communication on social media is powerful.
Just recently, the power of social media has been on full display. Social media allows information to be communicated almost instantly to a broad audience and may be communicated worldwide. Understand when you work for a professional organization, what you post on your personal social media sites may potentially have an impact on your professional reputation. Before you post, consider if anything you are sharing could impact you, your patient’s privacy, or your organization in any way.
Social media can be a great way to improve patient care and coordination. However, if it isn’t used with caution, HIPAA violations can happen. As a federal mandate, all healthcare facilities have HIPAA Privacy and security policies in place. Familiarize yourself with these. They will tell you what you should or should not be posting about on social media.
Compared to staff nursing, everything as a travel nurse is new: New experiences, new adventures, new opportunities… and new processes. Transitioning to travel nursing can feel daunting, especially if you’re unsure where to start or the differences vs. staff nursing.
However, with a bit of preparation, you can decide what’s right for you and map out your new travel nurse adventure!
Travel Nursing vs. Staff Nursing: What’s the Difference?
Travel Nursing is Filled with Change and Adventure
For starters, staff nurses stay in one place, building relationships and growing within a familiar environment. Travel nurses, on the other hand, move from assignment to assignment. This gives you the chance to work in diverse settings, handle various cases, and constantly learn new skills to level up your resume.
Travel Nurses are Temporary Gigs
As a travel nurse, you’ll take on short-term assignments at various facilities across the U.S., typically lasting around 13 weeks. Often, these assignments involve filling in for nurses on leave or supporting understaffed units.
Travel Nursing Pays More
Another major perk of travel nursing vs. staff nursing is the potential for sky-high earnings. In 2024, travel nurses earn as high as $2,764 weekly or $64.75 per hour in base pay based on factors like location and setting. Additionally, you can supercharge your earnings even more with incentives, tax-free stipends, and bonuses!
Pros of Transitioning to Travel Nursing
Get Paid to Travel Across the Country
As a travel nurse, each week brings new experiences you’d normally have to wait and take time off to have. You’ll have the opportunity to explore different landscapes, cultures, and bucket-list destinations.
Earn Life-Changing Money
Increased pay opens doors to new opportunities, especially with higher hourly rates and travel stipends. You might choose a couple of assignments to save up and slice debt or keep going to see more of the country.
Remember: You can always test the waters with a few assignments and see what suits you best. It’s your journey!
Grow Your Career & Confidence Faster
Additionally, the experiences you gain traveling can help make you a better nurse. As you work in new facilities with new people, you’ll grow your skills and confidence and resume fast. You’ll also find exciting roles that might not be available locally.
Travel Nursing vs. Staff Nursing: What to Expect
Quick Onboarding and Orientation Processes
Travel nurses are expected to jump in and adapt quickly. When starting a new assignment, you’ll provide your documents, licenses, and certifications during onboarding. Orientation will likely be brief, so be ready to learn fast, take notes, and keep an open mind.
A Transitional Period
Being away from loved ones and familiar places can be challenging at first. This is normal! Once you find your rhythm, you can build new friendships and gain experiences you might never have otherwise. Travel nursing brings you closer to your goals with endless opportunities for excitement and growth.
Transitioning to Travel Nursing: Tips for Success
Make Sure it’s Right for You
Trying to decide between travel nursing vs. staff nursing? First, ask yourself:
Do I adapt well to new environments?
Am I confident in my skill set?
Am I comfortable being on my own?
Am I open to new experiences and methods?
If you mostly answer ‘yes,’ you’re on the right track!
When transitioning to travel nursing, make sure all your credentials are current. Check if you can transfer your nursing license across states with a travel nurse compact license.
Maintain Your Routine
Adjusting to a new city, lifestyle, and facility can be overwhelming at first. Give yourself time to adjust and make it easier by continuing your routines for physical and mental health.
Take Advantage of Opportunities
Take advantage of the opportunities around you off the clock! Explore your new area, fully experiencing different cultures, foods, sights, and beauty across the country. Discover what’s out there by putting yourself out there.
Lastly, your travel nurse recruiter is the ultimate hack to make transitioning to travel nursing a breeze! From answering travel questions and handling paperwork to reviewing contracts and finding assignments, a recruiter can assist with all of the above.
Ready to dive into the exciting world of travel nursing vs. staff nursing? If you’re looking for a career that lets you explore new horizons, you’re in the right place. Partner with a trusted travel nurse agency like CareerStaff to connect with a recruiter and embark on your dream assignment today!
Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!
Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.
Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment
Do you need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.
Written by: Taylor Dupont, Inbound Marketing Specialist, Medical Edge Recruitment
Travel nursing is not just a career; it’s a lifestyle that demands adaptability, resilience, and a strong sense of community. For healthcare professionals constantly on the move, finding support and building networks can make all the difference between a challenging assignment and a fulfilling experience. Enter travel nurse communities—virtual groups or in-person gatherings designed to connect, support, and empower travel nurses across the globe.
The Rise of Travel Nurse Communities
In recent years, the demand for travel nurses has surged, driven by staffing shortages and the need for specialized healthcare professionals. This increase has also highlighted the importance of communities that cater specifically to the unique needs of travel nurses. These communities serve multiple purposes, from sharing insights and experiences to providing emotional support and professional networking opportunities.
Virtual Networks: A Digital Lifeline
One of the most significant developments in travel nurse communities is the rise of online platforms and virtual networks. These digital spaces offer a convenient way for travel nurses to connect regardless of their location or assignment schedule. Social media groups, forums, and dedicated websites have become virtual hubs where travel nurses exchange advice, seek recommendations, and share stories from the road.
Platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and specialized forums such as Travel Nurse Network and The Gypsy Nurse have become go-to destinations for travel nurses looking to expand their professional network and find camaraderie. These platforms not only facilitate discussions on assignments, housing, and contract negotiations but also serve as virtual support systems where nurses can seek advice on everything from licensure to personal well-being.
In-Person Gatherings: Fostering Community Spirit
While virtual communities are invaluable, the importance of face-to-face interactions cannot be overlooked. In-person gatherings and events tailored for travel nurses provide a unique opportunity to forge deeper connections and friendships beyond the screen. Conferences, workshops, and meetups organized by industry associations, staffing agencies, and community leaders offer a chance for travel nurses to share experiences, learn from experts, and celebrate their shared passion for healthcare.
These events often feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and workshops on topics ranging from clinical skills enhancement to financial planning for travel nurses. They also serve as platforms for recruiters to connect with potential candidates and for healthcare facilities to showcase their opportunities.
The Benefits of Community Engagement
Participating in travel nurse communities offers numerous benefits that extend beyond professional networking. For many travel nurses, these communities provide a sense of belonging and support during what can be a challenging and isolating experience. Here are some key advantages:
Shared Knowledge and Experience: Access to a wealth of information and firsthand experiences from seasoned travel nurses can help newcomers navigate the complexities of travel nursing more effectively.
Emotional Support: Travel nursing often involves being away from friends and family for extended periods. Community members understand the unique challenges and can provide much-needed emotional support and encouragement.
Career Advancement: Networking within these communities can open doors to new career opportunities, mentorship relationships, and professional development resources.
Advocacy and Resources: Many travel nurse communities advocate for the rights and interests of travel nurses, offering resources on licensure, compliance, and legal protections.
Networking and Friendship: Building connections with like-minded individuals who share a passion for travel and healthcare can lead to lasting friendships and a sense of community wherever assignments take them.
Navigating Challenges and Maximizing Benefits
While travel nurse communities offer numerous advantages, it’s essential for nurses to approach them thoughtfully. Here are some tips for maximizing the benefits of community engagement:
Active Participation: Actively contribute to discussions, share insights, and ask questions to make the most of community interactions.
Respectful Engagement: Maintain professionalism and respect confidentiality when sharing experiences or seeking advice.
Diverse Perspectives: Embrace the diversity of experiences within the community, recognizing that each nurse’s journey is unique.
Offline Connections: Take advantage of in-person events whenever possible to deepen connections and expand your professional network.
Giving Back: As you benefit from the community, consider giving back by offering support to others and sharing your expertise.
The Future of Travel Nurse Communities
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, so too will the role of travel nurse communities. The demand for skilled healthcare professionals is expected to grow, creating new opportunities for collaboration and support among travel nurses worldwide. Innovations in technology will likely enhance virtual networking capabilities, while in-person gatherings will remain essential for fostering community spirit and personal connections.
In conclusion, travel nurse communities play a crucial role in the professional and personal lives of travel nurses, offering a supportive environment where knowledge is shared, friendships are created, and careers are nurtured. By actively participating in these communities, travel nurses can not only thrive in their careers but also enrich their overall travel nursing experience.
Whether online or in person, these communities exemplify the power of connection in healthcare, empowering travel nurses to make a difference wherever their journeys take them.
Looking for an online community to connect with?
Medical Edge Recruitment is a premier travel nursing recruitment agency specializing in providing top talent to clients in the healthcare industry. We connect clinical and allied providers to their ideal opportunities, focusing on building long-lasting relationships through honesty and transparency. In travel nursing, bigger does not always mean better. While we have an extensive network of job opportunities, our experienced team is dedicated to making a personalized provider experience a priority. There are a lot of moving parts in getting set up for a new assignment, but we take care of all the details along the way. Adventure awaits. Let Medical Edge Recruitment show you where to go next!
Find Your Next Travel Healthcare Assignment with Our Job Board!
Are you on the hunt for your next travel healthcare gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities. We have opportunities for all travel healthcare professionals.
Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment
For most travel nurses, the goal is not to live to work. Instead, it’s about maximizing income, minimizing expenses, and getting more out of life without having to drastically cut back on the things you love.
Passive income is a key phrase right now for people trying to do more with less, and real estate is a great way to make some extra income without spending tons of hours each week on your side hustle.
Don’t own your real estate? That’s where Furnished Finder comes in. You don’t even need to rent an entire house or own a single-family home to profit from the space.
Reap the benefits of being a “landlord on easy mode,” as one of our landlords put it. Here are a few ways to use Furnished Finder to bring in extra cash while you are on assignment or even just off on your own adventure between assignments.
How To Earn Passive Income While On a Travel Nurse Assignment:
Rent a Room in Your Apartment or Home
Have a two-bedroom but only really need one of those bedrooms? Maybe you don’t want to deal with a true roommate when you are home from time to time. Furnished Finder can help you make that extra space profitable on your terms.
Simply provide basic furnishings and make sure the common areas are organized and stocked with basics. You are ready to rent your extra bedroom to business professionals or travel healthcare workers while you are gone. You can even adjust your availability calendar so your space is 100% yours when you plan to be home.
Rent (Most) of Your Single Family Home
If you own or rent a single-family home, you can still rent most of the space for passive income on Furnished Finder while you are gone. To meet tax rules easily, simply place your personal belongings into a designated bedroom or area of the house. Some travelers will even lock or block off this section of the home while their tenants are living in the rest of the home.
Then, you can either rent the rest of the property as one rental space or rent individual rooms. Renting rooms individually may allow you to bring in more income, but it may also be harder to find tenants willing to share a space with other roommates. Renting the house as a whole (minus your space) means dealing with less tenants, and may make it easier to rent your space out depending on how your rental is priced.
Prepare a Separate Unit on Your Property
If you aren’t ready to have a renter in your actual space, consider if you can add an addition, finish a basement, or even build a small outbuilding on your property that could be used for mid term rentals. Since most travel nurses and business professionals travel light, the space does not need to be large or lavish. It simply needs to have the basics and be clean and comfortable!
This option has some upfront costs and does require home ownership versus renting, but it can also provide a form of income for you for years to come, even if you move back to your home full-time.
Be Sure to Check Tax Laws
One thing you have to be careful of is maintaining a proper tax home if you are receiving tax-free stipends while on assignment. There are different ways to go about this. For best practice, we recommend chatting with a tax professional on how to maximize income while abiding by tax laws.
How Do I Get Started?
Getting started as a landlord on Furnished Finder is much easier than most people expect! Start by visiting the List Your Property page and checking out some of the benefits of renting on Furnished Finder and the resources they provide.
You can sign up directly on this page or reach out to a Furnished Finder team member who can help answer questions and walk you through the process.
Once you are ready, the listing fee is a straightforward $149 for the year. That’s it! There are no other fees or charges to worry about, and your potential renters will be thankful for the straightforward pricing on the other end as well.
We hope you found this article on how to earn passive income while on a travel nurse assignment helpful. Do you rent out your tax home for passive income while on assignment? Comment any tips or advice you have for your fellow travel nurses below.
Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!
Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.
Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment
Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.
Travel nursing is an exhilarating and fulfilling career path. It offers the unique opportunity to explore new places, meet diverse people, and gain invaluable professional experiences. The adventure of working in various healthcare settings across the country provides unparalleled personal and career rewards.
However, some logistics of the travel nurse life can be challenging to navigate, especially if you are a first-time traveler. A travel nurse recruiter can help! With their expert guidance and support, you’ll successfully tackle everything you need for your travel journey – and elevate your travel experience in the process.
How Recruiters Elevate the Travel Nursing Experience:
Optimizing Your Assignment Choices
One key benefit of working with a recruiter is their ability to match you with assignments that fit your lifestyle, including your desired locations, preferences, and career goals. By understanding your unique needs and aspirations, they can identify opportunities that might not be readily available through standard job searches, ensuring you find the best possible assignments.
Utilizing a recruiter is vital to ensuring a smooth travel assignment. Travel recruiters are experts at handling every aspect of travel nursing, such as arranging interviews, helping you find housing, verifying credentialing and licensure requirements, and providing you assistance with your agency’s benefits. This lets you focus on delivering exceptional patient care and frees up your time to enjoy your travel adventures!
Licensure and Compliance
Each state has unique licensure requirements for healthcare professionals, and staying compliant is crucial to avoiding last-minute complications or missing out on your desired assignments. Travel recruiters can assist with licensure applications and renewals and ensure you meet all requirements. Be sure to discuss your licensure status and future travel plans with your recruiter so you can better prepare for every adventure.
Emotional and Moral Support
A good recruiter knows that life on the road is not always smooth. There are bound to be moments of frustration, just like in every career. Recruiters care about their travelers, and they want the best for you. They are always ready to lend a listening ear, offer reassurance, and celebrate your achievements, helping you stay motivated and focused on your journey. They can also help you connect with resources that can help you figure out any issues that arise throughout your journey.
Personalized Career Guidance
Whether you’re seeking to specialize in a particular field, explore new geographic regions, or balance work with personal commitments, recruiters provide insights and advice to help you make informed decisions. Their guidance ensures that each assignment or objective will contribute to your long-term career goals and personal fulfillment.
These are just a few ways your recruiter can help you get the most out of your travel experience. Think of them as your partner in travel: together, you can find the right assignments in the right places to help you thrive in your travel nurse career. They understand your unique needs and aspirations, so tap into their expert knowledge and experience to see how they can help you with your specific goals.
Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!
Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.
Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment
Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.
The travel nursing industry has gone through significant transformations in the past few years, and as we get further into 2024, we thought it was important to explore the current state of this dynamic career path.
Rising demand for travel nurses
Despite the end of “the travel nurses’ gold rush,” the travel nursing industry is still going strong and continues to be a viable option for skilled nurses, says TravelNursing.org.
In the past several years, the travel nursing industry has grown by more than 600%, according to Supplemental Health Care. This is due to various factors, including the ongoing strain on healthcare facilities and the need for specialized skills in different regions, especially more rural areas. This has led hospitals and healthcare facilities to fill staffing gaps with travel assignments and book travel nurses to maintain quality patient care.
Changing demographics of travel nurses
The demographics of travel nurses are evolving, reflecting a diverse and dynamic workforce. Many younger professionals are entering the field, drawn to the flexibility, professional growth, and unique experiences that travel nursing offers. Additionally, more experienced nurses looking for a change or seeking adventure contribute to the growing diversity within the travel nursing community.
However, there is a projected nursing shortage in the U.S., according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, due to more and more baby boomer-generation nurses retiring, adding to the many RNs who left the profession due to pandemic burnout. This is a good opportunity for travel nurses to make the most of the situation as hospitals and facilities look to them to fill those staffing gaps.
Technological advancements in travel nursing
More and more, the travel nursing industry has embraced technological advancements to streamline processes and enhance communication. Mobile apps and online platforms like Medely connect healthcare facilities with travel nurses, making it easier for professionals to find assignments and for facilities to secure qualified staff quickly. These innovations have contributed to the efficiency and accessibility of the travel nursing marketplace and made it easier for travel nurses to not only find the travel assignments they’re looking for but also pick up local shifts in between. Check out this travel nurse’s story here on how she became a travel nurse to see the world and uses Medely to find the shifts she needs.
Salary trends and perks
Compensation for travel nurses has seen ebbs and flows over the past few years, especially when it peaked during the pandemic, but pay still remains high and competitive, according to Health eCareers. Plus, all the perks of travel nursing are still available and enticing to RNs considering this career path, like flexible schedules, benefits, stipends, higher pay, flexibility, exploration, and career growth.
Challenges and opportunities
As the healthcare landscape continues to shift and evolve in 2024, travel nurses continue to play a critical role in healthcare across the U.S. The demand for highly skilled professionals, technological advancements, and the changing demographic landscape show that this resilient and adaptable workforce can grasp many opportunities this year. Navigating the challenges and embracing opportunities will be key to ensuring the continued success and growth of travel nursing in the years to come.
Want to use Medely to sign up for your next travel assignment? We’ve got you covered. Medely works with thousands of the best facility partners across the U.S.
During the COVID pandemic, travel nursing experienced a significant increase in demand as healthcare facilities urgently sought more nurses to fill critical needs. This led to a surplus of high-paying contracts that attracted many nurses who may not have previously considered travel nursing. Now, as the travel pay begins to find a new baseline, some nurses are now questioning whether travel nursing will remain a favorable option in the future.
Post-pandemic travel nursing remains one of the most rewarding and fulfilling career moves you can make, and we’re going to break down exactly why that is! While the pandemic presented unique challenges and opportunities, the pulse of travel nursing remains strong. The essence of this career choice—higher pay, flexibility, new connections, adventure, a politics-free environment, and professional growth—continues to thrive.
In the past several years, the travel nursing industry has grown by more than 600%, and some estimates expect that around 10% of working nurses will remain in contract roles long-term. The foundational shifts driving both the support and demand for healthcare professionals won’t be settled any time soon.
Travel Nurse Pay Remains High
From March 2020 to July 2022, Trusted Health saw travel nurses across all specialties and states making an average gross weekly income of $3,668! Though the average gross weekly income has decreased slightly since then, Trusted is still seeing an impressive average gross weekly of $3,206. This amount is leaps and bounds beyond the national average of $1,711 earned by staff nurses and is still higher than the pre-pandemic average of $2,273 gross weekly for travel nurses.
Healthcare Worker Shortages
First and foremost, there are not enough RNs and other healthcare workers to meet the needs of patients. That goes back, in part, to a shortage of nursing school programs and educators to prepare incoming nursing students.
So, the RN workforce is growing in leaps and bounds, but the tools aren’t always available to train them. When healthcare facilities can’t find local candidates to fill RN positions, they turn to travel nurses to fill those spots.
According to Becker’s Hospital Review, the highest-paying jobs for travel nurses have been in intensive care units, emergency departments, medical surgery, and home health. Contract labor rates are expected to stabilize at 15% over pre-pandemic levels in 2023.
NBC News announced last fall that “the travel nurses’ gold rush” is over. Hospitals are now negotiating down contract rates with travel nurse agencies by as much as 50%. Though not what it once was, travel nursing is far from dead, and the pay is still above average. The mean travel nurse income has stabilized at around $3k per week in 2023. Given that compensation has fallen since the unprecedented pandemic pay, so have the number of travel nurses, making jobs less competitive.
Still, a number of factors, such as whether a hospital is dealing with a natural disaster or strike, as well as market demand in that region, can cause assignments to attract higher prices. According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual travel nurse salary in the United States is $105,021 or $50/hr as of May 2023. This is much higher than the national average for registered nurses, which is $77,600 per year or $37.31 per hour, according to the BLS.
Travel Nursing Is Still A Viable Option For Nurses
Another common attitude expressed by travel nurses is that contract work allows them to focus on patient care. They can avoid the bureaucracy of dealing with management and leadership that some face in staff roles. Travelers also choose which hospitals they will work in. They can refuse facilities that they’ve heard have dangerous conditions or too many patients per nurse. California is the only state to regulate nurse-to-patient ratios. It requires one nurse for every five patients in most departments and intensive care units to have a 1:2 ratio.
Travel nursing is perfect for those who want the freedom to choose the assignment and department that fits their lifestyle and interests. It allows nurses to obtain experience in a variety of settings while having the freedom to travel. Despite the current economic downturn, travel nursing remains a feasible employment option for healthcare workers with the right mindset and skills.
Industry analysis suggests that the US may face a shortage of up to 450,000 registered nurses by 2025. According to one nationwide assessment of the nursing workforce, nurses are retiring in greater numbers, with the typical nurse’s age rising from roughly 43 in 2000 to 52 in 2020. This reality, combined with the impending influx of elderly Baby Boomers who will require more care, is expected to exacerbate the situation. These facts suggest that there will always be choices for experienced nurses in all specialties who want to travel.
Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!
Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.
Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment
Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:
If you are a staff nurse who has never traveled or been interested in being a travel nurse, there is a good chance you might not understand exactly how travel nursing works. Sure, you get the gist of it: the nurse must have some sort of experience, they are hired through an agency, and they will be there for 13 weeks.
But…what kind of experience? Are there checks to make sure they actually know what they are doing? Are they just in it for the money?
Here are a few things every travel nurse wants the staff on units to know. Because we do take pride in our jobs and want you to feel confident when we come to work in your department!
Starting a Travel Assignment Isn’t Easy
Our first assignment as a travel nurse requires a lot of paperwork. We have to gather all of our medical records and get a TB test and drug screen (for Every. Single. Assignment.) We need regular physicals and fill out a lot of paperwork. Usually, once we think we have everything together, there is something else we have to track down. All of this to say–you have to be motivated to travel, and usually for more than just money! Just getting into your first assignment takes a ton of time and effort while continuing to work your regular job.
We Take Regular Competency Tests
Each agency, hospital, and department will have a preferred set of skills checklists and assessments we have to complete before starting our job. This can range from a checklist assessing our comfort with certain diseases to medication calculation tests. Generally, if a hospital requires it upon hiring for full-time staff, we have to complete it as well. Plus, our skills checklists give your manager an “average” of what we rate ourselves in different areas, so they know exactly what they are getting upfront.
Your Hospital Sets the Experience Requirement
Some facilities will take travelers with 1 year of experience, while others may require 2 years. It is also up to the facility whether or not the experience has to be relatively “recent”. Of course, as nurses, we care about our licenses and should not take jobs that we don’t feel confident in, but ultimately, it is the hospital or department that decides what the experience requirement will be.
We Take Pride in Our Work
Just because we don’t have a “home” job doesn’t mean we don’t take pride in what we do. In fact, most of us are self-motivated and take personal pride in our work. We do our best to provide the best patient care no matter the situation or location–even if it’s not an ideal work environment!
We Know There Are Bad Eggs
That being said–we know there are people that give travel nursing a bad name. We usually understand if you have been burned by an inexperienced or unmotivated traveler and are hesitant to trust us. If you have experienced a travel nurse that makes you wary of all travelers, let us know! Maybe we can help reassure you or at least validate the experience you had.
We Are Not in it Just For Money.
While travel nursing can be quite lucrative, there is also a lot of work that goes into it. The credentialing is extensive, but even more taxing is the moving between locations. From finding short-term housing to packing your belongings every 3 months, the sheer effort of relocating causes many travelers to go back to staff eventually. So yes, the money is nice, but we also have to love working as travelers–the money isn’t enough to keep you going long-term!
We Aren’t Here to Change Your Unit
We might have learned how to do things differently than you do things, but that doesn’t mean we are trying to change your department. If you want to learn a new way to do something, we can show you. But if we haven’t seen your way of doing things, it doesn’t mean we aren’t educated–there is always something new for us to learn as well.
In the end, we are professionals and people just like you. Sounds cheesy, but it’s true. We are usually happy to make friends or keep to ourselves. We appreciate being included in things, but we also recognize it can be hard to warm up to us right away. Feel free to ask about travel nursing–most of us love to talk about our journeys!
Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!
Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.
Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment
Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.
Licenses, screening, and immunizations – oh, my! With each travel nurse assignment comes a mountain of compliance requirements. If you don’t have help through your travel nurse agency, staying compliant for each assignment feels like a chore. However, if your travel nursing agency has a QA department, you have a valuable resource at your service. Your quality assurance team should have the know-how to help you navigate the many compliance aspects of this career seamlessly.
Assignment Compliance
First, let’s give a quick breakdown of what compliance requirements you can expect for each travel nurse assignment.
Drug screening & background check
Licensing (if you’re up for renewal or taking an assignment in a non-compact state)
Up-to-date certifications
Up-to-date immunizations
Now that you know what to expect, you can see it’s a lot, especially when each agency and healthcare facility requires a little something different. Imagine all the research it will take to find a place that offers what you need for each compliance piece, scheduling the appointments, and filling out, collecting, and keeping up with all the paperwork. It’s easy to see how helpful a quality assurance (QA) department can be.
But, while lots of agencies have a QA component, it’s important to do some digging into it. Some agencies might give you a list of what you need to have but then say you’re on your own. Others might have recruiters pull double duty to handle assignment compliance or outsource to third parties. And some agencies might have a dedicated, in-house department, so you know you have someone you can call at a moment’s notice when you need help with a compliance requirement (especially when hospitals have last-minute requests just days before an assignment begins).
The Role of Quality Assurance
Compliance is an ongoing process, and all travelers have to meet the necessary compliance requirements mandated by healthcare facilities and regulatory bodies in order to take and stay on assignment.
QA specialists can play a crucial role in verifying credentials, licenses, immunizations, certifications, and any other prerequisites necessary for a successful assignment, as well as helping you schedule appointments, keeping track of paperwork, sending timely reminders for renewals, and assisting you with any necessary updates. Some agencies will even help you obtain the licenses and certifications needed and will pay the fees or reimburse you for them. Check with your agency’s QA team to see what they offer.
Beyond the initial compliance requirements, the quality assurance department serves as a consistent support system throughout your travel nurse assignment that can address any concerns or challenges that may arise regarding compliance and help you navigate through them effectively.
How Can You Make Compliance An Easier Process For Yourself?
By leveraging the expertise and support of your travel nursing agency’s quality assurance department, you can simplify the process of a travel nurse career. When embarking on a new travel nurse assignment, if your travel nurse agency has a QA department, establish open lines of communication with them. Promptly providing them with all the necessary documentation will allow them to verify your compliance status efficiently and get you on assignment more easily. This department should allow you to focus on providing exceptional patient care while your compliance needs are expertly managed.
Nurse certification is a formal process that tests your clinical knowledge, judgment, and experience in a subject or nursing specialty. Certification is the perfect way to accelerate your travel nursing career, increase your salary, and boost your confidence. It’s also a great way to attain personal growth as you strive to live your best nurse life.
This post will cover the basics of nursing certification and explain why each is so important for travel RNs and clinicians who want to take the next step in their travel nursing careers.
The Benefits of Nursing Certifications
The world of travel nursing is vast, and there are many excellent job opportunities available across the country. But on a basic level, earning a nursing certification can significantly boost your career. See below for the benefits.
Better Travel Nursing Assignments
Becoming certified means you have validated, specialized skills in your RN specialty. The more skills you have, the more marketable you are as a per diem or travel nurse. Earning nursing certifications will improve your prospects of getting the travel nursing assignment you want and also make more travel nursing assignments available to you.
Higher Pay & Career Advancement
This also offers the opportunity for upward mobility once you have landed an assignment. The more responsibility you have as a nurse, the more you get paid.
In addition to higher salaries, nursing certifications command recognition and respect within the healthcare world. Your certification proves that you have worked hard to learn a valuable and specialized skill, which makes supervisors and teammates more likely to depend on you and invest in your professional growth.
Personal Growth
Aside from the professional benefits, earning a nursing certification also provides the opportunity for personal growth. The confidence boost from achieving a hard-earned goal can make a real difference in how you feel, which leads to better performance at work and better care for your patients.
Basic Certification Requirements for Travel Nursing
Two basic certifications are required to be a travel nurse: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
However, earning additional nursing certifications will dramatically increase your standing in the job market as well as your earning potential.
Important certifications include Acute/Critical Care Nursing (CCRN), Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP), Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), AIDS Certified Registered Nurse (ACRN), Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN), Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) Certification, and many more.
Plenty of preparation is required to become certified. Check to see if you meet the eligibility requirements, like meeting the minimum years of experience providing care for a specific patient population.
For example, to become certified as a critical care nurse (CCRN) or progressive care nurse (PCCN), you do not need a formal education to apply. But it is helpful to prepare with any available prep courses, study materials, and practice tests so you can get ready for certification. If you’re acing the practice exams for the certification you’re trying to earn, that’s a great sign you’re ready!
While there are many different types of nursing certifications, several highly-regarded ones are common and could be a great place to start. See below to learn about a few different important nursing certifications.
Wound Care Certification (WCC)
Wound care nurses provide care for patients dealing with acute and chronic wounds, assisting with the development of their treatment plans and taking measures to prevent infection.
On any given shift, a MedSurg nurse could care for a patient suffering from an animal bite, a patient with diabetes, a patient recovering from a transplant, and a patient with asthma. MedSurg nurses also may carry a heavier patient load than other specialties, often handling 5-7 patients at a time. They are trained to recognize and understand a large range of medical conditions.
An individual must be a registered nurse (RN) with a current U.S. license, have practiced for at least two years as an RN in a medical-surgical setting, and accrued 2,000 hours of practice within the past three years to be eligible for medical-surgical certification.
Critical Care Certification (CCRN)
A critical care RN provides care for patients with serious or life-threatening injuries and medical problems. Because of the severity of their patients’ conditions, critical care nurses receive specialized training that allows them to remain alert and perform under intense pressure.
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