Traveling the country while providing crucial care is the dream of many nurses, and travel nurse assignments make it a reality. But with so many options out there, how do you land the perfect gig? Fear not! This post is packed with tips and tricks to help you navigate the exciting, yet sometimes overwhelming, world of travel nursing.
Table of Contents
Before You Set Sail
- Know Your Worth: Don’t undervalue your skills and experience! Research average pay rates for your specialty and location. Remember, you’re a rockstar!
- Chart Your Course: What are your must-haves? Is it palm tree-lined beaches, bustling cityscapes, or mountain vistas? Prioritize your preferences – location, pay, specialty, assignment length, etc. – to guide your search.
- Prep Your Paperwork: Ensure your licenses and certifications are current, gather all necessary documents, and polish your resume and portfolio. Think of it as packing your travel essentials!
Finding Your Dream Travel Nurse Assignment
- Agencies Ahoy! Partnering with reputable travel nurse agencies like Cascade Health Services opens doors to many job openings. Their recruiters can be your travel guides, matching you with suitable travel nurse assignments.
- Cast a Wide Net: General job boards like Cascade Health Services have a lot of travel contracts, if you’re open to working in a lot of different locations, or have multiple specialties, being willing to work in different environments increases your chances of finding a contract.
- Social Seashells: Dive into travel nurse communities on Facebook. These online reefs are teeming with insider tips, leads, and connections with fellow adventurers. They are also a great place to network with other nurses and recruiters who can help you find the perfect travel nurse assignments.
Landing the Perfect Gig
- Tailor Your Pitch: Each opportunity is unique, so customize your applications and resumes to highlight relevant skills and experience. Think of it as crafting the perfect postcard to each destination.
- Interview Prep: Practice makes perfect! Prepare answers to common interview questions and research the facility beforehand. Knowledge is your compass!
- Ask Away: There’s no such thing as a silly question. Clarify any doubts you have about the facility culture, patient population, staffing ratios, or anything else that sets your Spidey senses tingling.
See also: Tips and tricks for writing a stellar nursing resume (with Templates)
Bonus Travel Nurse Hacks
- Network Like a Navigator: As we already mentioned, building relationships with other travel nurses is your secret weapon. They can guide you to hidden gems and warn you about rough waters.
- Embrace Flexibility: Be open to different locations, specialties, and contract lengths. The more adaptable you are, the more options you’ll have.
- Read the Reviews: Before setting foot on any new ground, check online reviews from other travel nurses about the facility and agency. Knowledge is power!
- Savor the Journey: Travel nursing is an incredible adventure. Embrace the experience, learn from every port, and enjoy the ride!
Pro Tip: Signing up for a travel nurse newsletter can deliver personalized contracts directly to your inbox.
Remember, finding the right travel nurse agency can make all of the difference in your search. With careful planning, a little research, and these handy tips, you’ll be charting your course to travel nurse nirvana in no time! There are a lot of pros to travel nursing that make this profession worth exploring. With these tips, I’m confident you’ll land your next travel nurse assignment. So, grab your stethoscope, pack your wanderlust, and get ready to conquer the nurse nomad life!
