In the 1980′s, the widespread nursing shortage in the U.S. demanded aningenious solution–traveling nurses. The concept was conceived to answer thehealthcare demand for more nurses in areas where population fluctuates,particularly in areas with seasonal weather. California, Florida and Arizona,to name a few, are each states that require traveling nurses.
There are about 340 travel nursing companies in the United States that actas the liaison between you, the nurse, and the hiring medical facility. Thereare an estimated 25,000 travel nurses currently employed in the U.S.
Good Reasons to Travel
Today, being a traveling nurse offers many great options for a rewardingcareer. You can see the country, make new friends, add some excitement to yourresume. Traveling also offers personal adventure, higher salary than somepermanent positions and wide opportunities for professional growth anddevelopment.
How It Works
After completing the mound of paperwork required to apply for a travelposition, an agency submits your application to a number of hiring medicalfacilities. Now it is time to wait for an employment offer from your choice ofmedical facilities. Once the offers are returned, it is up to you to decidewhich deal is most beneficial to your career.
Each agency offers different benefit packages. While one might offer fullypaid medical insurance, but no housing allowance, another might offer fullycompensated housing and only a minimal contribution towards medical insurancecoverage. It is up to you to determine the deal that best suits your needs.
Applying
There are basic requirements of employment at most travel nurse agencies.Make sure you have everything in order before beginning the process. You musthave:
Minimum of 1 year clinical experience; 2 or more years is even better Currentnursing license Current certifications Completed employment application Updatedresume Physical exam and MD clearance stating that you are without physicalrestrictions Current TB skin test or chest film and up-to-date immunizationrecords Plus any other individual agency specific requirementsOnce an employment offer is made, a telephone interview is scheduled. Theaverage contract runs for 13 weeks but can range from as few as 4 weeks, iftraveling at domestic, and to up to 1 to 2 years, if travelinginternationally.
Once You Are There
Orientation for traveling nurses is usually minimal, lasting a day or two.The expectation is that you arrive on the job with an abundance of experiencebehind you.
A Few More Tips
Be aware that the Nurse LicensureCompact (NLC) exists in 24 states; with 6 additional states pending. TheNLC is an agreement between participating states that allows a travel nurse towork using their home state license. Historically, travel nurse positions inthe South pay less than those in the North and West. Consult a reputablefinancial planner to assist you, especially for tax implication purposes. Besure to use a Joint Commission Certified agency for the best personalprotection and results. Think about joining the Professional Association of Nurse Travelersfor professional colleague support.If becoming a travel nurse sounds like a great option for you, pack your bagand get ready to head to your dream destination while you earn a salary in acareer that you love.