Many nurses, CNAs and other healthcare professionals with the freedom to travel and the propensity to explore new sites and surroundings enjoy travel nursing jobs. Without the daunting duties that accompany moving, travel nursing can be a simple and even exciting experience.
Travel Nursing Jobs: How to Apply
To obtain a travel nursing job, a nurse needs to apply to agencies online or receive information by mail with other instructions. She will need to be qualified, list her experiences, provide references and indicate the salary and accommodations she would prefer. Travel nurse job agencies sift through candidates and match them with the employers in need. When a travel nurse is chosen, a phone interview may follow.
Travel Nursing: Benefits & Bonuses
Travel nurses are paid by their staffing agency – not the facility or hospital. Travel nurses may receive direct deposit pay and benefits provided by the agency. Bonuses are another perk that is dependent upon the agency, and may include referral bonuses and completion bonuses (paid upon completion of the employment term). Considering the many advantages such as paid travel expenses, furnished and fully-paid apartment living and free standard utilities – travel nurses employed by such agencies may fare better (financially) than nurses employed directly by the hospitals and facilities.
Travel Nursing Contracts & Length of Assignments
The length of the assignment given to a traveling nurse may be negotiated, but will typically last for a period of 3 months to a year (based on the needs of the facility and desires of the employee). When the traveling nurse has completed her assignment she is free to move on to another facility and location, take a break or perhaps a vacation, or resume employment with the current facility by renewing her travel nurse contract.
Travel CNAs, Therapists & Supervisors
Travel healthcare positions are not reserved for nurses alone. Many agencies seek healthcare professionals such as CNAs, therapists and healthcare supervisors who are interested in the advantages of a travel healthcare position.
Travel Nurse and Travel Healthcare Positions: Disadvantages
Traveling nurses and other travel healthcare professionals with family ties and tight-knit friendships may find it difficult to travel. Relationships might be strained when communication is stretched. For those who seek permanence and stability, a transitory lifestyle can be intimidating and unsettling. In addition, travel nurses who have forged friendships with co-workers may find it disheartening to leave upon completion of their temporary employment assignment. A definite resilience to new situations and settings should be a prerequisite to travel nursing. Travel nurses and travel healthcare professionals should be sure to weigh the advantages against the disadvantages and not make a hasty decision.
