Diving into travel nursing can be intimidating. There may be more unknowns in your life as a travel nurse compared to a nurse holding a full time job, as travel nurse assignments typically only last thirteen weeks. However, the rewards of travel nursing are numerous. As a travel nurse you will likely reap the benefits of higher pay, more flexible scheduling than a traditional nursing job, and the opportunity to see the county. If you’ve determined that these rewards are worth pursuing, the next question you may be asking yourself is how to become one.

Experience is key

Travel nursing companies typically require two years of nursing experience, with at least one year in the specialty you plan to travel in before you’re eligible to sign a contract. As a travel nurse, you will be expected to dive right into a new facility and work independently after just one to two days of orientation. It’s important to be confident in your skills and unafraid to speak up and ask questions.

Find a trustworthy company and recruiter

There are hundreds of travel nursing companies across the United States. Needless to say, it can be overwhelming to pick one. If you’re working with travel nurses in your full-time job, talk to them. Ask what company they work with and who they have  worked with before. Also, inquire about their recruiter and if they would recommend them.

Determine  your “where” - the opportunities are endless

The next factor to decide on is where you want to go. Are you looking to stay close to your current residence or take a 13-week vacation somewhere new? Do you have family or friends in another city or state that you want to spend some time with? Perhaps you’re flexible and open to finding opportunities in a variety of locations. Once you narrow down the location(s) you are interested in, communicate your thoughts with your recruiter as early as possible so that he or she can research potential assignments for you.

Apply!

If you’re working for a supportive travel nurse company like ExpediteRN, the application process should be easy. Be prepared with professional references, vaccination records, a resume, course completion cards, and speciality certifications in case you need them to showcase your expertise. Once you submit all the required documents for your company, your recruiter will likely place an application on your behalf. At that point, the hard work is done and all you need to do is wait for that phone call requesting an interview.

Interview and ask questions

Hopefully, you will receive a call from the  nursing manager to discuss your potential new job. Compared to other interviews for full and part-time jobs you may have worked in the past, this one will likely be shorter and straight to the point. The manager will probably give you a quick spiel on his or her department and you may be asked a few standard interview questions. After that, it will be your turn. Make sure to prepare workplace environment-related questions that are  important to you, such as nurse to patient ratios and scheduling. Try to get a feel for the culture of the department and understand its needs. After the interview, aim to decide internally whether you would accept as soon as possible because you will have limited time to respond once you receive an offer.

Book your housing

Now that the job is accepted, it’s time to secure a place to live! If you aren’t familiar with the area or don’t have anyone close to your assignment that you could stay with, reach out to your recruiter for help. An excellent recruiter will assist you with finding safe and comfortable housing near your working location.

Travel nursing has become increasingly popular in past years, and for good reasons. Now you too, have the steps you need to get started. If limitations are holding you back, talk to a recruiter as he or she may be able to help you in a way you didn’t think possible.

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