Travel Nurses: Solve a riddle and Play the Game!
If it were a riddle it would go something like this: “what compensates RNs with an upwards of six figure salaries, provides free housing and health benefits and makes coming to work an absolute joy?” The answer would be: Travel Nursing Jobs.
But RNs on the move, sharing their talents and skills across the country are far too busy thriving on the nursing career path to trouble themselves over riddles. Why is a raven like a writing desk? Never you mind; however, please be our guest in this review of common misconceptions of travel nursing careers.
We’re here to clear those up and reveal travel nursing jobs for what they are: fantastic fun that spells out the very best in patient satisfaction and healthcare. Read up on why thousands of nurses have switched to travel nurse jobs and cherish the career’s personal and professional freedoms on America’s open roads.
If you’ve been contemplating a career as a travel nurse, but are sitting on the fence, let seasoned travel nurses here attempt to change your mind with an enlightening round of True or False!
Question 1: True or False?
Travel nurses are all young and single.
FALSE: By the year 2010, 40% of the RN workforce will employ nurses at least 50 years of age—news that makes sense given the fact that the average travel nurse is in her mid forties. If the average age of RNs isn’t enough to convince you, family profiles of those employed by a travel nurse company include healthcare professionals from all walks of life and every marital status: single, married, divorced, and in-between.
Question 2: True or False?
Travel nurses are encouraged to bring their family, friends and pets along for the next job assignment.
TRUE: Though, it’s not a well advertised benefit, a quality travel nurse company is interested in promoting its employees’ overall sense of well being, which is exactly why we provide accommodations ideal for families and pets. RNs are encouraged to read testimonials that prove job satisfaction and performance sky-rocket when a travel nursing company promotes companionship by welcoming families and pets, with whom to share exciting aspects of a new town and place to work.
Question 3: True or False?
Because they are required to move every three months, travel nurses shouldn’t bother to unpack.
FALSE: Instability in travel nursing jobs are pure fiction; truth be known, the skill set of the traveler and needs of the hospital are often such an idealized match, it results in an extended contract. In travel nursing jobs, work as little as three weeks or as long as 8 months, with the opportunity to extend the job indefinitely; says Clinical Coordinator, Deborah Bacurin, “Travel nurse jobs are often continued at the request of the nurse and the hospital. In fact, some travelers go on to permanent placement.” Whether you stay a long time or a fortnight, travel nurses work two consecutive assignments (equal to 6 months) on the average—that’s half a year to put down roots!
Question 4: True or False?
Travel nurses leave friends & family behind.
FALSE: Again, another fallacy we are happy to disprove. In actuality, travel nurses make lifelong friends on travel assignments, often working in family-filled locations along the way, meaning that your travel nurse company expects you to take a family member along, or choose an assignment in a state where plenty of family is located. And let’s not forget that meeting new people and learning about new places are among the top reasons for travel nursing.
Question 5: True or False?
Travel nurses are well liked and respected by permanent staff.
True: Because permanent staff understand that travel nurses have been hired to improve patient care, they remain 100% confident that their traveling colleagues possess strong nursing skills and are highly adaptable. Travel nurse recruiters suggest taking full advantage of the interview process to ask management where they stand on this issue; however, before that, you can take heart in the fact that travel nurses improve nurse/patient ratios and raise morale among permanent staff.
What will always be true?
Travel nursing jobs are ideal for qualified candidates with at least one year clinical experience. Tenured nurses are especially attracted to travel nursing after raising a family or reaching retirement requirements at their permanent position.
“I Love Travel Nursing” wants to hear what you think! Take a moment to comment, or, better yet, forward this article to a friend sitting on the fence and wondering, should I become a Travel Nurse?
