Travel

Travel Nursing: Companies To Avoid And Advice To Succeed

Travel Nursing Companies

Travel nurses are mainly hired as temporary, or as a short-term fill in for a variety of positions. In order to have a successful career as a travel nurse, it’s important to know understand what to avoid and what it’s required to work for the best travel nursing companies. All travel nursing companies operate differently so it is important be able to identify some of the signs that are common within poorly run organizations.

Focusing on education, certifications and versatility is the most effective way to maximize the available opportunities in this field. The best travel nurses are able to manage any position in the hospital, including ER, ICU and the Critical Care Unit as well.

Travel nursing companies need nurses that can work well with other nurses, administer medications and taking vitals, conduct physical assessments and apply wound care, among other tasks. Some of the other areas in the hospital travel nurses can work in include pediatrics, labor and delivery, anesthesiology, occupational therapy and surgery to name a few. An RN license through an associate degree program is the minimal requirement for to become a travel nurse. In order to maximize opportunities and potential salary, nurses should consider a bachelor’s or master’s degree nursing program.

Stress is a common factor in the travel nursing industry. Aspiring nurses often feel anxious or overwhelmed when first scheduling assignments located a few states away. Experienced travel nurses often feel burned out because of the heavy workload, long hours or intense working conditions they are often thrust in the midst of. The more informed an aspiring nurse, is the more at ease they will feel. This include being informed about job, the housing, the assignment and any other pertinent information ahead of time.

Packing is one of the most important steps when leaving for an assignment, so be sure not to rush. Making sure you don’t over or under pack for the upcoming trip- again, get as much information as possible before departing.

Always be sure to take the map or GPS along so you don’t get lost. Aside from missing out on the assignment, arriving late is a significant impediment to actually achieving any long-term success as a travel nurse. When possible, always plan to arrive early, rather than on time. Arriving early will make the entire trip and assignment feel less stressful.

It’s important to work with a company or recruiter that are always available to travel nurses that are working remotely. Asking for help from the staff, recruiter or locals in the area will be very helpful when first getting acclimated in the new area.