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What is being a travel nurse like?

I want to know how you even get into it and what the places and environment are like that you go to. #travelnurse

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James Constantine’s Answer

Hi there, Angelina!

Ever wondered what life as a travel nurse is like?

Imagine a job that combines the thrill of travel with the satisfaction of helping others. That's what being a travel nurse is all about! It's a career that offers the chance to work in various locations, picking up priceless experience along the way and enjoying a flexible schedule. As a travel nurse, you could be contracted for a few weeks to several months, stepping in to fill staffing gaps or lend a hand during busy periods.

You'll get to work in a range of healthcare settings, from bustling hospitals to quiet clinics and even long-term care facilities. This variety not only keeps things interesting but also helps you grow professionally by broadening your skills. Plus, you'll interact with diverse groups of patients, enhancing your cultural understanding.

Sure, being a travel nurse can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. You'll face new situations that require quick thinking and adaptability, helping you grow personally and sharpen your problem-solving skills. And let's not forget the perks - competitive pay, benefits, and housing allowances that make for a comfortable living.

So, how do you become a travel nurse?

The journey to becoming a travel nurse starts with the same steps as any nursing career. You'll need to earn a nursing degree, either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

Once you're a licensed nurse, you can start exploring travel nursing agencies. These agencies are your gateway to the world of travel nursing, helping you find job placements, negotiate contracts, and offer support during your assignments.

To thrive as a travel nurse, you'll need strong clinical skills, top-notch communication abilities, and a knack for adapting to new situations. Experience in different specialties can give you an edge when applying for travel nursing roles.

Helpful Resources

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): This organization is a great source of information on nursing degrees, career paths, and resources for both nursing students and professionals.

American Nurses Association (ANA): As the largest professional organization for registered nurses in the U.S., the ANA offers a wealth of information on nursing careers, including travel nursing, as well as resources for continuing education and professional development.

Travel Nurse Source: This leading travel nursing agency connects nurses with healthcare facilities across the nation. Check out their website for job listings, contract details, and tips on getting started in travel nursing.

Lastly, take a peek at my autobiography in the "About James" section. You'll find insights on the best food sources for the nutrients needed to boost mental and brain function, and sharpen your intellect for studying.

Stay blessed,
James.
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Camille’s Answer

Hi Angelina! I am a travel nurse! Typically to get into travel nursing you are required to have at least 1 year experience in your specialty. For instance before travel nursing as a ICU RN, I had nearly 3 years of ICU experience. You can be a travel nurse in any specialty! After gaining that essential experience, you would then contact a few travel agencies. The travel agency will set you up with a recruiter. The recruiter will ask for your experience, recommendations from charge nurses/supervisor/managers, as well as ACLS/BLS/PALS certifications. You get to choose the locations you are interested in traveling to! The recruiter will have the agency reach out to the facilities looking for travel nurses. A facility may choose to interview you before accepting you, or you may be automatically accepted based upon your credentials. You will get to see the pay package before accepting any offer. A contract typically is 13 weeks long, but you are able to extend if the facility offers. Depending on the facility orientation to the hospital could be anywhere from 1 to 3 days. They expect you to hit the ground running! This is why you definitely need experience before pursuing travel nursing.

As far as the work environment, it really depends on the facility. If you have your eyes set on a specific facility, your agency recruiter can get you in touch with another travel nurse that has previously worked at that facility and you can ask that traveler! There's also a few websites online where travel nurses share their experiences with different facilities. Each facility and each nursing unit is different!

Hope this helps! Travel nursing was the best thing I have ever done!
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Mauro’s Answer

Im no travel nurse but I almost become a Nurse Recruiter and i have some friends who are traveling nurses. Essentially a Nursing Recruiter would pitch nurses contracts across different markets.

If the nurse would like to travel there, they would get reimbursed for their stay and such and get paid decently. Its only for number of months or years depending on how you like the area and hospital.

Travel nurses is probably the dream for nurses who just want to travel and work the same time.
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