6 Key Points in Nailing Your Travel Nurse Interview 

6 Key Points in Nailing Your Travel Nurse Interview 

by | Sep 2, 2023 | Travel Nursing

6 Key Points in Nailing Your Travel Nurse Interview

Are you interested in working as a travel nurse? Nailing your travel nurse interview is the key to your success! But how can you do that? What are the critical points in answering an interview for this position? 

How to Prepare for your Travel Nurse Interview

Your travel nurse journey begins when you pass your travel nurse interview. Here are helpful ways to do that:

1. Conduct your research about the healthcare facility.

The first thing you must do is research the company, health care facility, or clinic interested in working as a travel nurse. For a potential employer to be interested in you, you must also show them that you share the same sentiment. 

Reading about the facility before the interview helps you know the kind of nursing services they offer. It will also give you an idea of what they are known for (ex., if they specialize in treating cancer patients, care for the elderly, etc.) and if your skills match what they are looking for. It is also essential for nailing your travel nurse interview on your first try. 

2. Get a grip on what travel nursing is.

As a nurse, your primary concern is to take care of patients. However, as a travel nurse, your contract is a bit different. Your first travel nurse job may vary from the usual staff nurse duties. Having a broad understanding of what this job is about can help you nail that interview. 

For your first interview, you must show your ability to organize and prioritize tasks even with few instructions. Your ability to adjust to different settings and willingness to float is essential to let your future company know. 

3. Ask your travel nursing agency for help.

Use your travel nurse agency if you want to pass the interview on your first try. A good travel nursing agency will help you go through the process of your initial onboarding [1]. They can walk you through what you need to know and how you can answer the health care company or facility correctly. 

Your recruiter is familiar with the clients, personalities, and even the staff. They can fill you in with that, so it is easier for you to answer questions.  It is also your recruiter’s job to act as your career coach. They can help you create a better resume and even schedule mock interviews. This way, you are fully prepared for the travel nursing interview. 

4. Create an ideal interview setup.

Understand that there will be times when the interview for your travel nursing job will not be face-to-face. Of course, there will be instances when you will be asked to come for an interview. But most of the time, it could be via video chat, phone, or video apps like Skype, Zoom, and Google Meet. 

Whether you are asked to come for a face-to-face interview or video call, you must wear clothes suitable for the interview. Wearing appropriate attire for this interview is a must. The right clothes help, of course. Keep in mind that you are a professional, so you also have to dress to impress. It will also show how confident you are. 

If, by chance, you are asked to do a video call for an interview, make sure to check your setup. Ensuring that your mic is working correctly and the audio is good. The lighting must also be enough to light up your face, the internet connection must be uninterrupted, and your camera is working correctly are essential in helping you land that job. 

5. Be ready to answer their questions.

During the interview, make sure to take the time before answering the question. Ask your travel nursing agency if they can give you an idea of the questions that companies usually ask potential nurses. Since they know the clients better, agencies can provide you with some tips on what is expected during the interview. Here are some common yet essential questions that potential clients will ask you:

Why do you want to be a travel nurse? – this is the part where you can “sell” yourself about your interest in becoming a travel nurse. Show your excitement and eagerness in this field and why you chose this path, and they might consider you for the job. 

What are your strengths and weaknesses as a travel nurse or a nurse in general? – if you decide to answer this question with a weakness, make sure to follow it with your strengths. Be sure to emphasize this strength and tell them how this has helped you in your career as a nurse. 

How are you in your current nursing position? – reflect on your current work status, your education, and your credentials. Tell them if you have any plans for additional education or certifications in the future. 

Can you share or describe an experience where you have handled a difficult patient? – in this question, share any experience that you may have when it comes to handling unruly patients. Did you have a good experience? If yes, explain how it went and what you learned from that experience.

6. Don’t be afraid to ask your questions as well.

An interview is not a one-way street between you and your potential employers [2]. It would be best if you also asked questions to show them that you are genuine in your interest in working as a travel nurse. 

It is always good to be ready with your questions once you set foot in the interview room. Your questions will help you determine if this is indeed a suitable travel nursing contract to pursue or not. 

What are the most common questions you can ask your potential employer? Here’s what we have gathered:

  • What is your policy or policies regarding floating?
  • Do you use any type(s) of charting? 
  • What kind of onboarding or orientation would be available to me?
  • How long does onboard briefing take?
  • Can you describe the culture of the unit/management?
  • What shifts are available, and what are your scheduling methods?
  • Is a call available? If yes, is it required?
  • What are your overtime policies?
  • Do you frequently offer extensions for contract assignments?
  • Why are you bringing in travel nurses? 
  • Why do you continue to bring in travel nurses?
  • What are the nurse-to-patient ratios?
  • Do you require a patient ratio?

You can also add your questions to our list. If you don’t have any in mind yet, this would be a great way to engage with the potential employer. 

Your Takeaway

Being a travel nurse is ideal for nurses who want to avoid hospital politics and enjoy working and exploring in different locations. If this sounds like you, it would be best to contact a travel nurse agency for an assignment. 

Before you sign a contract, an interview is conducted to see if you fit the position. Coming in ready and confident for the job is a must. Hopefully, our post gave you an idea of what to expect during the interview. So, break a leg and nail that job interview! Good luck!

Looking for more nursing and travel nursing information? Check out these helpful links!

Why Nurses Become Travel Nurses

Why Nurses Become Travel Nurses

by | Aug 26, 2023 | Travel Nursing

Why Nurses Become Travel Nurses

These days many nurses are leaving bedside nursing to pursue travel nursing. With the many perks and benefits of travel nursing, we can’t blame them too. Travel nursing allows nurses to explore and experience diverse practices and new environments.

It is also a great way to connect and work with nurses in different nursing communities. With great pay, free housing, and many more, it is no wonder nurses are packing up their bags to become travel nurses. 

As a travel nurse, you can work in all 50 states as your assignments vary and can be as long as 13 weeks. You also have the liberty to choose which assignment works for you based on many factors. These factors include:

  • Climate
  • Nursing opportunities
  • Payment and incentives
  • Location
  • Proximity to friends and family
  • Activities to do
  • Compensation

Besides having this option, there are also many pros to travel nursing, which makes it more favorable. Among these include:

  • There are fewer nursing responsibilities.
  • Many assignments have higher pay.
  • You have free housing or housing options with bigger discounts.
  • There is flexibility to work as much or as little as you want.
  • You get to explore different work cultures.
  • All your travel expenses are reimbursed when moving from one contract to another. 
  • You get to explore different places. 
  • There are work bonuses. 

So Many Reasons Why

Another good reason why many nurses pack up and leave the bedside is stress. There are many reasons why nurses are stressed at work. It could be due to nursing shortages, unfair nurse-to-patient ratios, workplace politics, and exhaustion. If you are a nurse yearning for better pay and a less stressful environment, this could be a great opportunity to grab. 

The idea of working in a different place is also awesome. You get to explore new places, and if you’re the adventurous type, you can explore so many places as a travel nurse. Activities like hiking, camping, trekking, and even going to the beach are only among the recreation you can do as a travel nurse. Depending on where you are assigned, adventure awaits many travel nurses! 

You can also choose the nursing specialty or unit you want to work as a travel nurse. There are many special areas that you can apply to. If you have experience as an ICU nurse, you can look for assignments that allow travel nurses to work in ICU. The same goes for those with experience in PICU, ER, and many others. 

It is no secret that many travel nurses are paid more than staff nurses. Most of your travel nurse salary is tax-free simply because you travel more than 50 miles from home. However, hourly wages are usually non-negotiable. But you will be given bonuses and benefits as it fits. 

Conclusion

We can’t blame nurses who are packing up to become travel nurses. Many reasons may affect their decisions too. Whether for their clinical experience, money, or adventure, it is a good way for nurses to get some weight off their backs and see the world.

Travel nursing offers adventures, reliable income, and flexibility; as a nurse, this sounds like the freedom you’d want to get your hands on. 

Looking for more nursing and travel nursing information? Check out these helpful links!

Travel Nurse Contracts: Crisis vs. Rapid Response

Travel Nurse Contracts: Crisis vs. Rapid Response

by | Aug 12, 2023 | Travel Nursing

Travel Nurse Contracts: Crisis vs. Rapid Response

As a travel nurse, you will find yourself in different places and scenarios all the time. It is why learning about travel nurse contracts is essential.

While it is part of your job as a travel nurse to be assigned to different parts of the country, there will come a time when you need to answer a crisis or rapid response call.

That said, you must know the difference between a crisis and a rapid response contract so you can choose which one works well for you.

The Difference Between Crisis and Rapid Response Travel Nurse Contract

A contract is vital in a travel nurse’s job, but a few differences exist between a crisis and a rapid response contract. Knowing them both can help you identify which one is more favorable for you.

What is a Crisis Contract?

Travel nurses are usually the first people who respond to any crises across the country. A crisis contract is given to nurses when a geographical location or hospital is confirmed to be under an emergency. 

As a nurse, you must understand that this contract will put you in high-risk conditions, so reading it thoroughly is necessary.

If the crisis is urgent, this contract may also become a rapid response contract. If the problem is urgent, you may get higher wages for both contracts.

A crisis can be anything alarming or overwhelming. The best example of this case is the Covid-19 pandemic that we are experiencing right now. Another good example is when the crisis is an isolated case.

It means the issue is only specific to a particular hospital or area. For example, when natural disasters like hurricanes, flooding, etc., hits a location, travel nurses are given crisis contracts to answer the call for help.

The payment of a crisis contract varies depending on the nature of the crisis at hand [1]. The amount may also differ according to these factors:

  • The hospital’s budget.
  • The agency’s ability to negotiate the terms and conditions of your work.
  • Your skills as a nurse – if you have skills in specialized areas like ICU, OR, DR, and others, the better the pay you will get.

As you go through your contract, you will see that it outlines the specifics of your crisis pay. It may include both a higher base wage, additional stipends, and your bonuses, and overtime pay.

A crisis contract may also be shorter than a regular travel nurse contract. Your assignments are often short-term, while the standard travel nurse contract is around 16 weeks.

Many hospitals opt to hire nurses under this contract on shorter terms because they’re paid higher than others. So it would be wise to hire them for a short period than hire them for a long time and pay at higher rates.

What is  Rapid Response Contract?

A rapid response contract is when a healthcare facility hires travel nurses to fill in the job. The situation may not always be a crisis. But nurses are needed if there is a:

  • New software upgrade
  • An internal occurrence
  • An influx of non-emergency patients
Travel nurses must stay close to the facility and be ready if the hospital calls them on short notice.
 
As a rapid response nurse, you may also receive bonuses, higher base wages, and more stipends [2]. It will also depend on the following:
 
  • Education and certifications.
  • The number of years you are working as a rapid response nurse.
  • Nursing skills that you have.
 
Housing stipends are also included in your compensation. It is because finding housing near the facility on short notice is difficult.
 
Expect to work right away when you accept this kind of contract. It means you don’t have to go through lengthy briefings. 
 
In case you find yourself in this situation, being ready is always a good thing. Be sure to work with your agency in every step, so you have everything you need before working.
 

Choose the Right Contract

Whether you work as a crisis or rapid response nurse, be sure to choose the work where you will be happy working as one. Both positions are well compensated and need you to travel. If this makes you happy, go ahead and take the offer. Make sure to read your travel nurse contracts well for your security and safety.

 

Looking for more nursing and travel nursing information? Check out these helpful links!

6 Travel Nursing Specialties That Are in Demand

6 Travel Nursing Specialties That Are in Demand

by | Jul 22, 2023 | Travel Nursing

6 Travel Nursing Specialties That Are in Demand

Do you know what travel nursing specialties you want to work in? Travel nursing is a nurse who travels for work, but did you know that there are many areas of nursing where travel nurses can thrive? If you have been considering working as a travel nurse, this is a sign to find a travel nurse recruiter and begin your journey to be one. 

Travel Nursing Specialties 

Working as a travel nurse is one of the best areas of nursing. You can work in different places where you can mix work and recreation. If this sounds like the kind of work you’d enjoy, here are six areas of travel nursing you will enjoy working in. 

1. ICU or Intensive Care Unit Travel Nurse

One of the best unit travel nurses can work in is the ICU. It is one of the most requested assignments for travel nurses. ICU nurses care for high-acuity, high-risk patients with the skills to monitor them closely.

As an ICU nurse, you are responsible for patients with life-threatening diseases or injuries. You must be able to communicate with your patients, their families, and physicians. 

If you like challenges, then this particular area is for you. Here you will handle frequent changes and must be able to manage stress and use your critical thinking skills to resolve issues within the ICU.

Travel nurses specializing in ICU must know how to adapt quickly to a new environment and be familiar with the hospital’s electronic medical record system. 

2. ER or Emergency Room Travel Nurse 

Another travel nurse specialty that is in high demand is ER nursing. These nurses work in a fast-paced environment where they care for critically ill patients and patients who have experienced trauma.

An emergency nurse must provide emergency care to various patients with different injuries, illnesses, and mental health issues. 

Travel nurses working in this unit must have good communication skills, diffuse tensions, and quickly assess any volatile situations.

It is also crucial that travel nurses who want to work in this position can start working with minimal orientation. 

3. Telemetry Travel Nurses

A telemetry nurse’s job is to monitor their patient’s vital signs, and heart rhythms, closely in an intermediate care unit. One of the best examples is when a patient is placed on an electrocardiogram.

Telemetry nurses monitor patients with cardiovascular abnormalities or complications and those recovering from cardiac surgery. They also help and assist doctors in administering medications and procedures as needed. 

One of the specialties of telemetry nurses is they are trained to use and interpret technological devices.

They also monitor a patient’s internal functions and vital signs. You can quickly secure this position if you already have certifications in telemetry. 

4. PCU or Progressive Care Unit Travel Nurse

PCU is another nurse specialty unit that is often in demand for travel nurses. Among their responsibilities include monitoring patients who don’t need intensive-level care but are not ready to move into a regular bed or be discharged from the hospital. 

A PCU is a unit that is sometimes called intermediate care unit or step-down unit. The patients who come to PCU often have chronic health conditions or are recovering from surgeries.

In many cases, these patients are on multiple medications and are at high risk for complications. Progressive care unit nurses monitor and assess these patients and communicate with members of the care team and patients to provide them with care toward recovery. 

5. L&D or Labor and Delivery Travel Nurses

Working in a Labor and Delivery unit will be a fun experience as a travel nurse if you’re a nurse with a specialty in the maternity unit. Nurses in this area help women through the birthing process and assist during Cesarean sections.

They also provide patients with antepartum care, especially women with high-risk pregnancies. Nurses also provide postpartum care, instructions, and how to care for their newborns. 

As a travel nurse in the L&D unit, your responsibilities include monitoring maternal and fetal health. They also provide encouragement and support to patients.

Travel nurses interested in this position must have basic or advanced life support and neonatal resuscitation program credentials to qualify for this area. 

6. Pediatric Travel Nurses

Pediatrics is one of the best travel nursing specialties you should also consider. Travel nurses working in pediatrics attend to patients from birth to 18 years of age. Working in pediatrics requires impeccable clinical skills paired with infinite amounts of compassion, patience, and the ability to have fun.

Remember that your patients are children, so having a playful quality is ideal. 

Pediatric travel nurses must also know how to communicate effectively with children, teens, and adults. One of your qualities is dispelling your patient’s fears, especially when dealing with different procedures.

You are also responsible for educating the patient’s families on managing their child’s special needs or chronic conditions. 

In addition, you may also be assigned to work in subspecialties like pediatric oncology nursing, pediatric ER, PICU, and many others. 

In Closing

Working as a travel nurse is a lifetime experience; honestly, we enjoy our time as travel nurses. If you love the idea of working as a nurse and traveling, then this is an opportunity you shouldn’t miss. Talk to a travel nurse recruiter today and find out where your assignment will be. 

 

Looking for more nursing and travel nursing information? Check out these helpful links!

6 Travel Nursing Positions with the Highest Pay

6 Travel Nursing Positions with the Highest Pay

by | Jul 1, 2023 | Travel Nursing

6 Travel Nursing Positions with the Highest Pay

Working as a travel nurse is one of the most liberating areas of nursing. You can choose the areas you want to work in and even enjoy the benefits of financially lucrative travel nursing positions.

If you are interested in becoming a travel nurse, get to know which areas pay the most.

Nurses can choose almost any specialty area to work in, in the travel healthcare sector. As travel nurses, you will be making more than a staff position in a position or specialty.

It is wise to select from some of the highest-paying nursing specialties. 

1. Intensive Unite Care Nurse or ICU Nurse

One of the most in-demand areas for travel nurses belongs to the ICU. If you have experience in this department, you are in luck, as many hospitals use nurses in the ICU to float around other units because of their broadened skills and knowledge.

It makes them valuable members of the team.

ICU nurses are trained to care for the critically ill and have a broad array of skills. As a travel nurse, you too can work in this area as long as you have the skills or experience of an ICU nurse. Most facilities look for at least 1-2 years of experience.

2. Labor and Delivery Nurse 

Nurses specializing in obstetrics and women’s health, especially in antepartum and postpartum care, are constantly in-demand. L&D nurses are also among the highest-paid nurses in the country and one of the travel nursing positions with the highest pay.

However, before you sign the contract, consider a few things first. While you will be taking care of healthy patients in this area, you must be ready to handle any emergencies that could occur.

These may include emergency C-sections and many others. If you are up for the challenge, then this could be a fantastic opportunity for you. 

3. Emergency Room or ER Nurse

Do you enjoy a fast-paced environment while working as a nurse? If you do, then working as an ER nurse is the best place for you.

Many travel nurses can work in this department and earn more pay than their staff job.

Remember that working in the ER means you have to constantly use your critical thinking skills, so if you love solving problems, this could be the right place for you.

When looking for an ER position, it is always good to look at the hospital trauma level, it may be more acute than your used to.

4. Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurse or PICU Nurse/ Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or NICU

As a travel nurse, you will have the chance to work with some of the latest technology used in childcare, with plenty of nursing opportunities in states like Texas, New York, New Jersey, California, and many others. 

5. Medical-Surgical/Telemetry Nurse

The need for nurses with exceptional skills and knowledge in medical-surgical nursing is in demand these days. Since the number of Covid patients is still elevated, there is always a need for nurses in this area.

Travel nurses can apply for this position and earn up to  $5,000/week. If you are a nurse who can handle several patients and can manage time effectively, this could be an excellent opportunity to take.

6. Operating Room Nurse or OR Nurse

One of the most interesting areas and travel nursing positions with the highest pay belongs to the Operating Room.

You will be a valuable asset to many hospitals across the country for travel nurses with perioperative skills.

If you are certified at a specific OR skill or have a wide range of operating room experience, t you can snag any  OR position, 

In Closing

Consider also the location of the place for your travel nursing assignment. Some states pay higher than others. Now that you know which areas pay travel nurses the most, find a good agency that can get you a position in these areas.

It is also an excellent option to do more research on travel nursing before asking for an assignment. That way, you know what to expect and still earn more than staff. 

 

Looking for more nursing and travel nursing information? Check out these helpful links!

5 Awesome Qualities of a Good Travel Nurse Recruiter 

5 Awesome Qualities of a Good Travel Nurse Recruiter 

by | May 27, 2023 | Travel Nursing

5 Awesome Qualities of a Good Travel Nurse Recruiter 

As a travel nurse, your travel recruiter must be willing to work with you and help you when you need them. And while being a travel nurse is exciting, having a trusted nurse recruiter is one of the keys to success.

How can they help you? What are the excellent qualities of a reputed travel nurse recruiter you should look for? 

The Best Qualities

A successful travel nurse job relies on how good your nurse recruiter is. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, and many end up with a recruiter that isn’t as helpful. So, here are the qualities you should look for when working with a travel nurse recruiter. 

1. Must have extraordinary communication skills.

A recruiter’s ability to communicate is vital to the success of a travel nurse. They must have an open line of communication and be in close contact with those new to travel nursing.

Even pros in travel nursing still need to contact their recruiter in case of emergencies or when a contract suddenly gets canceled. 

Being in a new place and starting a new job in a different part of the country as a nurse can be an overwhelming experience for new travel nurses.

It is essential that nurses feel supported by their recruiters so they don’t feel alone during this transition. 

2. Honest and has integrity.

An excellent recruiter will tell you how it is whether you are trying to decide if a travel nursing job is the one for you or dealing with a situation while on contract; your recruiter must know how to relay facts and information as accurately as possible.

However, this must be a two-way relationship. 

To build good relationships with your recruiter, you must also be open to communication and constructive criticism. You must know how to communicate your needs and be upfront about your expectations.

Your recruiter must also reciprocate this honesty. And be the help you need, whenever and wherever.  

3. Pleasant to work with.

Anyone who isn’t pleasant to work with brings down the excitement of the job, right? The same goes when you are working with a recruiter.

Look for a friendly travel nurse recruiter who is open to good interaction.

They must also be kind, compassionate, and caring. In short, they must also have nurse-like qualities.

Find someone with who you can have a genuine connection. You’ll not only work with recruiters but may also build lifelong friendships with them. 

4. Must be patient

Our society is fast-paced, and everyone is in a hurry to do anything. Travel recruiters must have one of the most-needed qualities: patience.

Look for a recruiter who takes the time to listen and answer your questions.

Find someone who can provide you with the reassurance you need. And find a recruiter that has the patience to help you through each step of the process. 

5. Trustworthy

How can you work with a recruiter that you don’t trust? It sounds ridiculous if you ask me. That said, you need to find a trustworthy recruiter.

As a travel nurse, you need someone honest, attentive, and dedicated to your needs.

A travel nurse recruiter that wants to know you and treats you fairly, and understands that not all positions fit everyone. 

In Closing

If you can find a recruiter with all these qualities, then consider yourself lucky. It’s hard to work away from your family and comfort zone as a travel nurse, so finding a recruiter that stands by you is like having someone you can call a friend.

Make sure to take note of these outstanding qualities, good luck!

Looking for more nursing and travel nursing information? Check out these helpful links!