If you're thinking about becoming a travel nurse, you're in the right place. Working as a travel nurse means you have a very rewarding and fast-paced career that can provide you with experiences and memories you will remember for a lifetime. However, this career will be different than you're used to, so there are certainly some things you should consider when deciding to make the leap from being a traditional nurse to a travel professional. This helpful list of basic information about travel nursing can help answer some of your questions and start preparing you for an exciting career change today.
1. Travel nursing requires experience. Different travel nurse recruitment agencies and hospitals require different amounts of experience. Most will demand that you have a minimum of one year of RN experience in a hospital setting. Others will require experience with charting software or a minimum number of years in a speciality area.
2. Assignments are typically 13 weeks. Most travel nursing assignments in hospitals are 13 weeks, or a little over three months. Some assignments will be closer to 26 weeks, and others will be as long as one year. You will always know how long your assignment is going to be before going, and if you love the area you're in and would like to stay longer, simply contact your Account Manager to discuss the possibility of an extended assignment.
3. Travel nursing is a flexible career. One of the best aspects of a career in travel nursing is that you can work when and where you want. If you've always wanted to visit a big city, head to New York City for an assignment. Interested in spending time on the West Coast? Request an assignment in San Francisco. Furthermore, you have the opportunity to take time off between contracts or keep working as long as you want.
4. Your housing is provided. Don't worry about where you'll stay while on assignment because your travel nursing agency will provide you with accommodations near the hospital or clinic at which you'll be working. The agency pays for your rent and furnishings including furniture, bedding and kitchen supplies. Many of the apartments feature excellent amenities, such as tennis courts and swimming pools, where you can have fun and unwind between shifts.