The COVID-19 pandemic cut deeper into a wound in the healthcare world: the dire shortage of nurses. The patients and short staff of hospitals needed an ally.
It was travel nurses who answered the call. But who are these healthcare heroes?
Wherever nurses are needed, that’s where travel nurses go.
Travel nurses work short-term terms in healthcare facilities. They’re assigned to work at locations with staffing shortages. Employers often cover housing and relocating costs to attract recruits.
Travel nursing and staff nursing both come with perks. Here’s what benefits you need to consider when deciding which career path to take:
Typical travel nursing contacts are 13 weeks (about three months) long. This time relieves healthcare facilities from their staffing shortage and gives them time to find long-term employees.
Some contracts are short-term eight-week (about two months) contracts. There are also long-term contracts that go up to 26 weeks (about six months) long. Travel nurses might also be asked to extend their contracts if there’s still a staffing need.
Seeing the world and meeting fascinating people requires a lot of planning. Here’s what you need to consider before starting a career in travel nursing.
Hospitals and clinics hire travel nurses with the expectation that they won’t take days off. You’re there to respond to a staffing shortage, not be the staffing shortage.
However, being sick is an unavoidable part of life. Keep this in mind and ask your employers about calling in sick. Understand that your agency might reject this since it jeopardizes their pay and your contact. However, most agencies allow for a couple of days off.
A major drawback to travel nursing is the loneliness that comes with moving from place to place. Having a friend or a partner travel nursing with you makes your temporary assignments feel more like home.
It’s possible to travel together with a friend. The key is communication. Talk to your agency and the manager of your healthcare facility that you work together. If you and your travel buddy bounce off each other at work, let them know! This makes your partnership even more appealing to employers.
You also need to talk with your fellow travel nurse. Where do you want to go? What kind of assignments do you want to have? Do you want to work in the same hospital or two different hospitals in the same city? Clear communication is the heart of any good roommate relationship.
There’s nothing that relieves the pain of a stressful shift like a reassuring cuddle with your dog.
Travel nurses are allowed to have pets. But they need to plan. Make sure that your rental housing is pet friendly. Talk with your veterinarian about how to make the road as comfortable as possible for your pets.
Leave time in your schedule to go home for regular appointments with your veterinarian. You’ll also need to find a veterinarian in your assignment location in case of emergency. Don’t forget to bring your pet’s medical records with you.
Many travel nursing agencies offer 401(k) plans and other insurance benefits. They also often receive housing and meal stipends from their temporary assignment employers.
The minimum requirement for travel nursing jobs is an RN license. Here’s what steps you’ll take to get there:
No.
Nurses have their patients’ lives in their hands. You need to prove your understanding of anatomy and healthcare ethics. At the very least, you’ll need a nursing degree. Most employers prefer RNs to have at least a year of experience before they go into traveling nursing.
Nursing gives you purpose.
Become the caregiver your patients need at FVI’s nursing associate degree program. Develop a nuanced understanding of medical ethics and human anatomy in as little as 22 months.
Visit our website to learn more about our ASN program.
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