Travel Nurse Leap

My Leap

In August 2014, I took a leap of faith and jumped into the field of travel nursing, which I don’t regret one second. I gave my home hospital of 3 years my two weeks’ notice and headed to my first travel assignment in Miami. I was so adamant on starting this journey, that I even took a shift I did not want, which was working overnight. Here, I will provide some initial tips on how to leap into your travel nurse career.

As a new travel nurse, I made many rookie mistakes my first travel assignment, well actually my first three. At that time, I felt that I received enough experience as a Labor and Delivery nurse, but once I went to certain units I realized that I could have used a little more. My initial training was in a busy hospital in a metropolitan, which exposed me to many types of high-risk patients and it is also where I learned my labor Spanish, empujar! Travel Nurse Tip: New graduates, please get your experience BEFORE you begin searching for contracts! There is basically little to no orientation provided once you begin contracts. Therefore, your hard-earned license may be at risk. I suggest at least 2-3 years depending on your specialty.

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Midair

Prepare yourself by researching! Join Facebook groups, I’m in a gazillion each specific to what I need more information on. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, I was sent a list of questions that I need to ask my recruiter BEFORE submission and what to ask the manager DURING the interview process.

Once you’re ready to take the travel nurse leap, here are a few steps that you may encounter.

1. Gather a few reputable agencies that you would like to work with. I have gone through many agencies and don’t have an issue getting more. Apply to those agencies and lock down a recruiter that you can get along with throughout the process.
2. Ask for jobs wherever you are licensed. If you are in a compact state, then that’s a good start. Start your wish list of licenses and make California your last license, if that is possible, due to delays it may cause in getting other licenses.
3. After researching the jobs sent. Which includes researching the area for housing costs, asking the necessary questions related to your specialty and of course agreeing with the pay package that you have been provided. Then ask to be submitted! Travel Nurse Tip: I ask for all forms of communication via email, a paper trail is always handy.
4. Prepare for your interview, ask necessary questions that clarify your assignment details and nail it. Plus, you get to do all of this in the comfort of your car, couch or bed, since most interviews are over the phone.

The Landing

Once you nail your interview, things start moving quickly until your start date. You have to complete pre-employment tasks, secure housing and move among other things. My first travel assignment, I packed up my whole apartment, DO NOT do this, lol. Pack what is necessary and look for housing that has everything that you will need for at least the next three months. I suggest heading to your assignment a couple of days before your start date, to start unpacking, locate where your hospital is and to prepare for orientation. Travel Nurse Tip: start tracking your expenses for tax purposes. Getting there a couple of days early also provides you with time to enjoy your new city before you begin work.

My first assignment was in South Miami and I made sure to enjoy every second I had while fighting my night shift insomnia. Be a tourist, sightsee, try new foods, immerse yourself. Trust me, those three months fly by! My favorite travel assignment thus far was in New York, not because of the hospital but because of the amazing city! Not to mention, that my hair loved it!

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The Glance Back After Leaping

I recently hit year four as a travel nurse and again, it was one of the best decisions that I have made in my career. I have paid off many debts and have met many friends. Not only do I get to travel the country, and one day internationally, but I get to fulfill my passion as a Labor and Delivery Nurse while doing it. Potential travel nurse what is stopping you from your travel nurse leap?

“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.”

Jennifer Lee