Travel Nursing Information You Want to Know…and Need to Know.
The travel nursing industry was born out of the simple principal of supply vs. demand. Certain states were seeing an influx of patients, but this change in census didn't last all year. People, in droves, were heading to warmer climates to get out of the cold winters and what hospitals needed was a temporary resource of nurses to meet their temporary demand. That's how travel nursing was born.
Today travel nursing is a popular career choice for a growing number of nurses. They range from young RNs looking for a little adventure to seasoned staff who want to see the country now that their children have left home. Some nurses are checking out new locations to settle down or spending summer vacations with their families in unique places. And others see travel nursing as a way to earn the top salaries they deserve while receiving great benefits and living in cities they would never get to experience otherwise.
What are the benefits of Travel Nursing vs a Permanent position?
No matter where you are in your nursing career, novice or veteran, there are certain travel nursing
"how-tos" you should be aware of before you begin your career:
-
Have at least one recent year of acute-care experience
-
Have good references
-
Be adventurous and ready to try something new
-
Be flexible
-
Be willing to jump in and get your feet wet quickly
Here is some additional travel nursing information that could help you decide if this is the right career move for you:
-
Being a traveler helps you stay current on the latest medical technology. You'll also have a better chance of getting the hands-on training you need to stay ahead in your specialty area.
-
Changing your working environment every 13 or 26 weeks, the typical length of an assignment, will make adapting to new environments second nature to you. You'll be able to learn and accept new ways of doing routine procedures.
-
You decide where to go on your assignments, which allow you to work in prestigious healthcare facilities across the U.S. You'll be working alongside top healthcare professionals, learning new skills and gaining confidence in your own abilities.
When asked to compare their experience working as travelers to their experience practicing in permanent nursing positions:
-
52% of respondents said that travel nursing is more rewarding than working in a permanent job.
-
42% percent thought travel nursing and permanent work are equally rewarding.
-
6% believed permanent work is more rewarding than travel nursing.
Ultimately, being a travel nurse will help you build a better resumé and will make you more marketable as a healthcare professional. No matter what your goal is, traveling with Summit Medical Staffing is your quickest road to success.
How do I become a Travel Nurse?
First, you must obtain a nursing degree and pass the NCLEX to become an RN. Then, you must gain experience in your specialty. Most travel nursing companies will not take a nurse with less than 1 years clinical experience. The last step is to find a travel nurse company that suits your individual needs.
Where can I find Travel Nursing Jobs?
You have come to the right place! Contact your Career Representative today and we can assist you to search through our large database of Travel Healthcare Positions by specialty and location.
How long do I have to be a Travel Nurse?
The average length of an assignment is 13 weeks in duration. You are obligated to finish your assignment, however, there is no contract binding you to work more assignments after. You can take a new assignment right after your last or take a yearlong break. It’s all up to you.