5 Factors to Consider Before Becoming a Travel Nurse

Be sure to keep all your medical records, immunizations, and other documents organized. Often, travel nurses do not work back-to-back assignments, so it is important to create a budget and know how much you will earn for each assignment. Think about how your travel nursing career will impact your family. Ensure your spouse, partner, or children are prepared for your absence.

Insurance

Health insurance for travel nurses is a crucial consideration. If your agency offers a plan, it may be less expensive than private insurance, but it could have limited coverage and be difficult to keep up with between assignments.

Generally, a travel nurse should get private or individual insurance. Having a national PPO network with an agency like United Healthcare or Cigna will give you peace of mind as you transition between assignments. There are many advantages to exploring travel nurse jobs in Ohio. However, this type of nursing is only for some. Travel nurses are typically contracted to work at hospitals for short-term assignments, which can be weeks or months long in locations nationwide. This allows hospitals to fill temporary staffing needs quickly and effectively. It also allows travel nurses to work in different areas of the country and gain experience in various medical facilities. Non-taxable stipends and travel reimbursements are other perks of being a travel nurse. Travel nurses are typically paid more than permanent staff nurses due to their additional responsibilities.

License

The first step in becoming a travel nurse in Ohio is earning an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Obtaining your state nursing license is a must.

Then, you need practical experience. Travel nurses typically jump right into assignments with minimal orientation, so you must have the skills and background to adapt quickly and effectively in different situations and healthcare facilities.

One of the most important steps in becoming a travel nurse is establishing a relationship with an experienced recruiter. A staffing agency can help you find contracts that fit your needs and provide benefits such as housing stipends. Choose a recruiter who understands your goals and values and takes the time to listen to your requests. If you interview multiple recruiters, find one who makes you feel comfortable and confident that they have your best interests in mind. A great recruiter can make your travel nurse journey seamless and fun.

Certification

Becoming a travel nurse allows you to gain experience and explore new locations, all while earning competitive pay. However, it’s important to fully consider the requirements of this career before jumping in with both feet.

Generally, travel nurses must have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). In some cases, healthcare facilities may accept LPNs for certain positions. Those with a BSN will have access to more prestigious hospital and healthcare systems and potential career pathways they might not otherwise have had.

In addition to a degree and license, travel nurses must be certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Some staffing agencies will cover the cost of these certifications; however, it’s good to have them before you sign on for an assignment. Similarly, some travel nurse specialties require credentials in dialysis, care coordination, and operating room techniques. You should also acquire as many additional qualifications and certifications as possible to make yourself a more valuable employee.

Experience

Travel nurses often work in many different hospitals and medical facilities, learn multiple computer charting systems, and care for diverse patient conditions. All of this experience can help you improve your overall clinical skillset.

You should also have a love of traveling and a desire for new experiences and adventures. This is important because travel nursing assignments are typically short-term and could take you far away from family and friends.

Because travel nurses are frequently on the go between assignments, it is important to have a strong professional network that you can tap into. This network can include permanent staff, fellow travelers you meet at each hospital, and recruiters who can help you find your next assignment.

A good recruiter can help you navigate the world of travel nursing, so it’s essential to find one that is a good fit for you. Choose a recruiter who listens to what you want and doesn’t push your agenda. The right recruiter will help you find the best assignments for your needs and career goals.

Housing

Some travel nurses choose to use agency-placed housing, a furnished apartment provided by an agency in a new location. Others prefer to find their housing. This choice depends on the nurse’s preferences, goals, and finances. Hotels can offer convenience but often lack the privacy and amenities of a rental property. Travel nurses can also rent Airbnb properties in over 81,000 cities and 191 countries worldwide.

Landlords enjoy renting to travel nurses because they’re reliable and pay their rent on time. They typically have a housing stipend from their employer, meaning landlords don’t have to deal with noncompliance or other common tenant issues that can arise in traditional rentals.