Chloe’ Sizer | October 20th, 2023
Hey there, new grad nurses!
Thinking about becoming a travel nurse? You’re not alone. More and more new grads are choosing to start their careers as travel nurses, and for good reason. Travel nursing offers a lot of advantages, including:
- Competitive pay and benefits. Travel nurses typically earn more money and have better benefits than staff nurses.
- Flexibility. Travel nurses can choose their own assignments and locations. This gives them a lot of flexibility and control over their careers.
- Experience. Travel nurses have the opportunity to work in a variety of different hospitals and healthcare settings. This can give them a broad range of experience and help them develop their skills.
But is travel nursing right for you? Here are a few things to consider:
- Are you independent and self-motivated? Travel nurses need to be able to advocate for themselves and work independently. They also need to be able to adapt to new environments and quickly learn new things.
- Are you willing to move frequently? Travel nurses typically move to a new city or state every few months. This can be a great way to see the country and experience new cultures, but it’s not for everyone.
- Are you comfortable working in different healthcare settings? Travel nurses may work in a variety of different hospitals and healthcare settings, including large urban hospitals, small rural hospitals, and specialty facilities. It’s important to be comfortable working in different environments and with different types of patients.
If you’ve decided that travel nursing is right for you, here are a few tips to get started:
- Get your nursing license and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. This is a requirement for all nurses, including travel nurses.
- Gain some experience as a staff nurse. Most travel nursing agencies require at least one year (ideally two years) of experience as a staff nurse before you can apply for travel assignments.
- Find a travel nursing agency. There are many different travel nursing agencies out there. It’s important to find one that is reputable and has a good track record.
- Create a travel nursing profile. This is a document that will highlight your skills and experience. Be sure to include your resume, cover letter, references, and any other relevant information.
- Start applying for travel assignments! Once you have a travel nursing profile, you can start applying for travel assignments. Be sure to tailor your applications to each specific assignment.
Becoming a travel nurse can be a great way to start your nursing career. It offers a lot of advantages, such as competitive pay and benefits, flexibility, and the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of different healthcare settings. If you’re independent, self-motivated, and willing to move frequently, then travel nursing may be the right career path for you.
Here are a few additional tips for new grad travel nurses:
- Network with other travel nurses. There are many online and in-person communities for travel nurses. Networking with other travel nurses can help you learn about the industry and find job opportunities.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your travel nursing agency should be able to provide you with support and guidance. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- Take care of yourself. Traveling for work can be stressful. It’s important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Make sure to eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly.
Travel nursing can be a rewarding career for new grad nurses. By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success.
If you aren’t already heading to your next assignment, let’s chat! 😊
Email [email protected] to get connected with a recruiter!
Apply Here to get started today!