Lucky you!
You have a job that lets you get out and see the world, while also making a fundamental difference in the lives of others.
If you’ve been dreaming of life as a travel nurse, we get it! We want you to take advantage of this unique opportunity, and that’s exactly what we’re here to do. We’re here to show you how to find the perfect travel nurse assignment, and set you up for success.
After all, if it was as easy as simply picking a spot and heading that direction, you would have done it already. So, we cover some of the practical essentials (like finding the perfect place to stay) to help spur you into action.
1. Where would you like to go?
Perhaps this is the easy part, or maybe it’s because you’re so overwhelmed with choices that you haven’t made a move.
Either way, it’s ok.
The first thing to do to land your perfect assignment is to pick a location.
Feeling stuck? These questions can help:
- Climate: warm or cool?
- Area: City or rural?
- Activities: Do you want to go somewhere with a ton of outdoor recreation opportunities – and if so, what kind – or do you prefer the city? How about a little of both?
- Are you traveling alone, or will people and pets be accompanying you?
If you pick more than one location, great!
That’s step one.
2. What’s your perfect gig?
Working in your preferred environment goes hand in hand with the perfect assignment, so make sure you have a clear picture of what that looks like.
Think about:
- Healthcare facility: Which type is ideal?
- Do you want the traditional 13-week assignment, or would you like something longer or shorter?
- Do you love pediatrics, or thrive in something more intense, like ER?
When you know the answers to these questions, you can move on to the next step…
3. Use an agency to get hired
One way to begin your search is to use a travel nurse company. There are many online; do your research and pick one that’s established and reputable. Be sure to note which organizations they’re affiliated with, and what kind of benefits they offer.
After making your selection, a recruiter will reach out to you. Share with your recruiter where you’d like to go, and what area of nursing you’d like to work in.
While enlisting the help of an agency is convenient, bear in mind that those who use a company to secure their job end up earning 10-15% less than those who search and secure a contract independently.
4. Get hired as an independent contractor
If you’d rather not lose that additional income, you work to secure your own contracts as a 1099 independent contractor.
Despite the increase in take home pay, few travel nurses use this option. When you factor the additional administrative work that goes into self-employment, working with an agency has its perks. Additionally, 1099 employees need to secure their own healthcare since they’re technically not employees.
Read this if you’d like a more in-depth look at the pros and cons of working with an agency vs. being hired independently.
5. Set yourself up for success
A chance to travel and see the country (and get paid for it!) is the dream. Along with finding the perfect assignment, enjoying your time off the clock should be a priority too.
You’ll need to find a home that’s comfortable, and when it comes to short-term housing rentals, check this out.
Travelers Haven is one of the top sources travel nurses use to secure accommodation. They work with properties all over the country, from bustling cities to one horse towns.
Their team works with you to find the perfect home, taking all your needs into consideration. Once they’ve compiled a list of homes that meet your criteria, you get to choose your favorite. Oh, bonus! Their service is free.
Besides the importance of finding short-term housing that truly feels like home, you can use your travel assignments as a fresh start.
What are you hoping to see, learn and do?
Traveling is life changing, and provides new perspectives, opportuntities, and experiences.
Conclusion:
It’s normal to overcomplicate things, especially the unknown. Thankfully, the process of getting going as a travel nurse is not as daunting as it seems.
If you still have questions or concerns, feel free to share them with your recruiter. Additionally, you can join a forum, or check online.
Know that once you get started, it will all fall into place. And when you arrive at your new home in the region you’ve been dreaming of, it will all be worth it.
