Tips for Landing the Best Travel Nursing Jobs

 

In the world of travel nursing, there are always new opportunities to choose from. Knowing how to compare compensation packages, work schedules, location opportunities, and housing allowances can help you choose your next assignment.

Remember that the staff at each facility differ from those you may have worked with previously. It would help if you learned to adapt your work style to each new hospital.

Be Flexible

Being flexible is one of the most important traits of a travel nurse. Often, hospitals need someone who can come in and hit the ground running. They want a nurse who can take direction well and work efficiently without constantly being reminded how to do things.

During your interview, be sure to highlight this flexibility. It will give the hospital staff confidence that you’re ready to work hard and adapt quickly. It’s also a great way to show you’re a team player. This flexibility can also make you stand out from other nurses applying for the same assignment.

Another big aspect of being flexible is knowing your limits regarding hours and shifts. It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of traveling and seeing new places, and sometimes travel nurses may bite off more than they can chew. Discussing these limitations with your recruiter is important so they can help you find an assignment that will be a good fit for you.

Working with the right agency is also key to landing the best travel nursing jobs. Be sure to ask plenty of questions when meeting with potential recruiters, and don’t be afraid to switch agencies if you’re not happy with your experience.

Work with the Right Agency

Earning a travel nursing employment is a great way to see the country while earning a paycheck. But the right recruiter and agency are essential to landing your ideal assignments. It’s important to remember that travel nursing jobs are temporary, and hospitals want to see that you’re flexible. This may mean accepting a job in a state or facility you’d rather not work at to secure the contract. It could also mean being willing to consider a position that’s lower in pay than you’d prefer.

When choosing an agency, ask other travel nurses about their experiences and which agencies they like working with. Then weigh those options against your own needs. For example, if you need tuition reimbursement or pet-friendly housing options, look for agencies that offer those benefits.

Once you find an agency you’re happy with, stick with them for your travel nursing jobs. But don’t be afraid to talk to other recruiters, too. They might be able to help you land your dream assignment in a different location or even at the same facility. Having multiple agencies to work with gives you more opportunities to find the best travel nurse jobs. Plus, the more you work with an agency, the better your relationship will become. The more they get to know you and your goals, the better they can match you with the right travel nursing jobs for you.

Be Honest

A good recruiter knows what a nurse wants, is honest about the job, and helps the nurse get the best possible package. A recruiter is your advocate, so be respectful and promptly answer their calls or texts.

During travel nurse interviews, you’ll likely be asked several questions about your past experiences and future goals. It’s important to be truthful and honest, so your recruiter can best find the right travel nursing jobs that fit your skill set, experience, and preferences.

It’s also important to be prepared for your interview. Be sure to research the hospital and area ahead of time and have a list of questions for your recruiter. It’s also a good idea to have personal model answers for the types of questions that you might be asked, such as “What is your best achievement in your nursing career?”

Once you land that perfect travel nurse assignment, you must be ready to hit the ground running and adapt to a new environment. Whether it’s a new hospital, city, or team, you must adjust quickly and be flexible. If you don’t love an assignment or the location, you can move on to something better. Depending on where your travel nurse assignment is located, you may also need to be ready for a new housing situation.

Be Prepared

Before you start your first travel nursing assignment, take some time to work out all the details. Figure out how you’ll get your mail, who will receive deliveries, and what you’ll do with any power bills. Establishing these small things can help you avoid the big burnout many travel nurses experience. Also, consider what kind of schedule you want to work at this location. If you’re a night owl and prefer to work graveyard shifts, your recruiter should be able to help you find an assignment that works for you.

Another thing that will help you feel more prepared for your travel nurse assignments is to have all the necessary documents in one place, ready to go. These include your current resume, most recent PPD/chest x-ray, BLS/ACLS certifications, an updated immunization record, and professional references' names and contact information. You’ll also want an up-to-date travel nursing skills checklist and a copy of your state licenses.

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