The field of travel nursing is rife with opportunities. It provides competitive pay, schedule flexibility, and the opportunity for adventure. Some travel nurses prefer to stay close to home, while others prefer to travel far and wide. Before committing to a specific contract, it’s a good idea to know what you want out of a travel nursing assignment.

We will be sharing with you a list of items that you need to consider before accepting a travel nursing contract.

• Understand Yourself

The first question to ask yourself is whether the outsourced work fits your schedule, professional expectations, and personality. Travel nursing contracts vary widely, but whatever your job is, there are some things you can expect.

Travel nurses frequently move from contract to contract, which means that when your 8, 13, or 26-week contract expires, it’s time to move on. This is an exciting opportunity for the majority of travel nurses. It offers a wide range of experiences, clinical settings, and destinations in a fast-paced industry, and great pay often permits more time off than staff nursing.

Furthermore, travel nurses are frequently hired as a result of staffing shortages, seasonal fluctuations, or increases in patient census. You will be expected to fill in quickly, provide support, and remain adaptable on the floor in this scenario. Again, this is a source of excitement for travel nurses because they can gain valuable clinical experience and a sense of purpose by caring for patients in these situations.

• Are You Prepared to Float?

The term “floating” refers to moving from one unit to another. Nurses who are permanently assigned to a specific unit may be required to float to another unit in some facilities.

Traveling nurses will assist the staff and will need to hover as needed. Travel nurses who wish to levitate are considered an important resource. Floating gives you an irreplaceable experience, adapts you, and gives you a deeper understanding of your clinical environment.

Versatility is an essential feature of a good travel nurse. When gaining clinical experience, be open about buoyancy. Developing this skill opens the door to more work in more places.

• Are You Decided to Look for an Ideal Contract?

Maintain relationships and demonstrate initiative wherever you work as you look for your next travel nursing assignment. This increases your chances of finding useful mentors and obtaining excellent references.

Contact the unit you are interested in and arrange a tour of the facility. Establish direct connections with employees and department heads. Connect with doctors and institutions on social media to learn about important information and events.

Lastly, prepare for a job interview. Easily projecting self-confidence and knowledge is an invaluable asset when looking for a dream job.

• Are You Prepared to Work as a Team Member?

Travel nursing requires commitment and team spirit. Employees can be overwhelmed before they arrive at the scene. Keep this in mind and do what you can to show that you are there to help.

Don’t be afraid to inquire. Thank a coworker for their assistance. Discuss your teammates’ interests and favorite restaurants in town. Alternatively, bring snacks or coffee to everyone before your shift.

Though some staff members will appreciate the extra assistance on the floor, others may take a little longer to warm up to you. Treat everyone with the same level of respect, whether you adore all of your coworkers or only a few of them.

• Travel Nursing As Fast-Paced Industry

Be prepared to communicate and move quickly in order to secure the desired assignment. Because the industry moves quickly, you may have to be willing to accept a job offer within 24 hours of receiving it.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the travel nursing industry accepts only verbal acceptance. You will always be provided with a contract to sign once you have confirmed the details, but once you have verbally accepted, the facility will rely on you.

Most RNs consider this a worthwhile tradeoff in comparison to the numerous advantages of a travel nursing career!

Start your travel nursing career with Total Nurses Network!

Total Nurses Network offers nurses exceptional, high-paying career opportunities ranging from travel to per diem assignments. Apply now!