Are you someone who loves to travel?
Do you struggle to take out time from a busy and hectic schedule?
Or, are you unable to take a quality vacation because you lack the funds?
If the above applies to you and you also happen to be a medical professional, then you are in luck. There is an easy and innovative solution: Travel Nursing!
What Is Travel Nursing?
Hospitals and healthcare facilities face a shortage of nurses, both nationally and globally. The concept of travel nursing was first developed in the US as a response to this shortage.
Under a travel nursing contract, nurses are employed by hospitals or other healthcare facilities for short-term assignments. As a result, there is a flow of personnel between regions, which helps mitigate the shortage to a certain extent.
In recent years, the definition of the term has been expanded to refer to nursing and allied healthcare professionals, physicians, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, dentists and other support staff including certified nursing assistants.
How Does It Work?
While the concept is basic enough, you may be wondering how such a system works. Well, it all comes down to Travel Nursing agencies.
These agencies act as an intermediary between nurses and hospitals or other healthcare facilities. They help nurses find assignments, act as a liaison during the recruitment process, and even provide assistance while the assignment is on.
So, the key to having a beneficial and fulfilling experience as a travel nurse is to find a good agency.
Why Should I Become A Travel Nurse?
Like we told you right at the beginning, becoming a travel nurse is a great way to travel while building your career. You get to visit new places frequently without spending any money. In fact, you actually end up earning. Most travel nursing assignments are very short, i.e. only 13-26 weeks long, which means that you can complete multiple assignments in a year.
There are other benefits, offered by many agencies. Such as:
- housing or housing stipend
- 401K contributions
- paid liability, health, and dental insurance premiums
- travel reimbursement to and from assignments
- competitive pay rates
Furthermore, if you perform well during an assignment, you may also be offered a permanent position.
Where To Begin?
If you have read thus far, the chances are that you have become interested in travel nursing and want to give it a try.
Of course, entering a new industry niche can be tough, but luckily the process to begin the journey is quite simple. All you need to do is follow two simple steps:
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Obtain necessary documentation
In order to be employed as a healthcare worker, one has to obtain certification or licenses. As the rules for the same differ from place to place, it is important that you obtain all documents required to practice in a state or country different from your own.
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Find an Agency
The next step is finding an agency which will help you obtain contracts and provide you with health insurance, pay, and so forth. There are many agencies to choose from, so make sure you find one which meets your needs and takes proper care of their nurses.
If you research carefully and comprehensively before joining an agency, you are guaranteed to have a rewarding experience.