Ashley Hotovec | July 7th, 2023
So you just graduated from nursing school, eh? Congratulations! And now you’re thinking about becoming a travel nurse. That’s awesome! Travel nursing is a great way to gain experience, see new places, and make more money.
But before you go all-in on the travel nursing life, there are a few things you should know. Here’s some advice for new grads who are thinking about becoming travel nurses:
- Get your experience first. Most travel nursing agencies require that you have at least one year of experience as a registered nurse before you can be hired. This is because travel nurses are often responsible for providing care to patients in a variety of settings, and they need to have the skills and knowledge to do so safely and effectively.
- Do your research. There are a lot of different travel nursing agencies out there, so it’s important to do your research and find one that’s a good fit for you. Some things to consider include the agency’s reputation, the types of jobs they offer, and the benefits they provide.
- Be flexible. As a travel nurse, you’ll be moving around a lot. This means being flexible with your schedule, your living arrangements, and your work environment. You’ll also need to be able to adapt to new situations quickly.
- Network with other travel nurses. There are a lot of online forums and social media groups where you can connect with other travel nurses. This is a great way to get advice, share tips, and make friends.
- Be prepared for the challenges. Travel nursing can be challenging, but it’s also very rewarding. You’ll get to see new places, meet new people, and learn new things. But you’ll also have to deal with long hours, frequent travel, and the challenges of being away from your family and friends.
If you’re up for the challenge, travel nursing can be a great way to start your nursing career. It’s a great way to gain experience, see new places, and make more money. Just be sure to do your research, get your experience first, and be flexible. Here are some additional tips for new grad travel nurses:
- Start networking early. Talk to your professors, classmates, and clinical preceptors about their experiences as travel nurses. They can give you valuable advice and help you connect with recruiters.
- Get your resume and cover letter in order. Make sure your resume highlights your skills and experience, and your cover letter explains why you’re interested in travel nursing.
- Be prepared to answer questions about your experience. Recruiters will want to know why you want to become a travel nurse, what your skills and experience are, and what your goals are for your career.
- Don’t be afraid to negotiate your pay and benefits. Travel nurses are in high demand, so you should be able to negotiate for a competitive salary and benefits package.
- Be prepared for the unexpected. Things don’t always go according to plan when you’re a travel nurse. Be prepared for flight cancellations, last-minute schedule changes, and other unexpected challenges.
Transitioning from student to travel nurse can be a daunting task, but it’s definitely possible. With a little planning and preparation, you can make the transition smoothly and successfully.
If you aren’t already heading to your next assignment, let’s chat! 😊
Email [email protected] to get connected with a recruiter!
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Like what you’re reading? Read more here: Travel Nursing Comes With It’s Perks