Introduction – For those who seek a varied career that allows them to explore various locations, becoming a travel nurse could be the ideal choice. Due to the wide range of specializations available in this field of medicine, there is an opportunity for significant compensation. When choosing your field of study, knowing which kinds of travel nurses make the most money can be helpful. This post explains the duties of a travel nurse and includes a list of some of the highest paying positions that fall under this category. Travel nurses are becoming more crucial than ever in healthcare provision as the demand for nurses in the profession rises.
What is a travel nurse – Travel nurses commonly fill short-term job openings. Nurse-to-patient ratios directly impact patient safety, and healthcare organizations frequently hire staffing firms like ND Global Healthcare Staffing to cover positions at understaffed sites temporarily. Although a travel nurse’s assignment duration varies, most assignments last between eight to 26 weeks. Registered nurses who have completed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and obtained a Bachelor of Science or Associate of Science in Nursing degree are considered travel nurses. Along with gaining expertise, they have concentrated on the specializations in which they have the greatest interest. Before offering their services, they must ensure they have a license in the states where they will function. The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC), in which numerous states take part, permits nurses to practice in multiple states using a single license. A registered nurse who satisfies these prerequisites can register with a staffing agency, which will connect them with open positions at hospitals, clinics, and underserved health systems.
Depending on their specialization, travel nurses’ jobs can involve tasks similar to those of a Registered Nurse. Some of a travel nurse’s employment responsibilities include the following:
- Examining Patients Physically to Determine Their Current State of Health
- Offering Patients and Their Families Counselling
- Examining Injuries and Replacing Bandages
- Preserving Records of a Patient’s Ailments
- Giving Patients Vaccinations and Drugs
- Working Together with A Medical Staff to Develop a Patient’s Treatment Plan
- Preparing Meals for Patients That Are Nutrient-Specific
- Carrying Out Post-Operative Care for A Patient
- Examining Patients and Discussing Their Issues with Them
Highest paying travel nurse jobs: Discover the highest-paid travel nursing specialties and gain more insight into some of the most in-demand travel nursing specialties by continuing to read.
Are you prepared to select a specialization as a travel nurse and begin your journey toward becoming one? The first step in pursuing a nursing profession is to complete a recognized nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) exam. This is true regardless of the travel nursing or nursing specialty you want to pursue. The following list the essential steps to becoming a registered nurse.
Steps to follow to become a travel nurse:
Step 1: Enrol in a nursing program: There are two options for nursing schools if you want to become a registered nurse (RN):
- A two-year Associate of Nursing Degree (ADN).
- A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which often requires four years of study
While most community colleges provide ADN programs, attending a university is necessary for a BSN. While obtaining your ADN first can be quicker and more affordable, certain hospitals prefer to hire nurses with a BSN over an ADN.
You can earn your BSN later, even while working as a full-time nurse, even if your first goal is to gain an ADN. Bonus: if you get hired, certain hospitals or facilities will even cover the cost of your BSN.
Step 2: Get an NCLEX-RN pass: To obtain a registered nurse (RN) license in both the US and Canada, prospective nurses need to clear the NCLEX-RN exam. After completing an accredited nursing program, you can only take the NCLEX at an authorized testing facility.
Step 3: File for a state license: You are immediately registered to practice as an RN in your current state after passing the NCLEX. However, you must ensure that the individual state boards of nursing are in charge of awarding nursing licenses if you wish to practice outside of your home state. The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) allows nurses who love to travel to Practice nursing in several jurisdictions with just one nursing license. The NLC is in effect in 41 US states and territories, with a few still pending full implementation. You will need to submit a straight licensing application to the state’s nursing board if you decide to work in a state where you do not currently reside and that does not accept an NLC.
Step 4: Get Practice at the Bedside: It is advisable to gain some nursing experience before starting your first travel nursing employment. To be considered for travel nursing assignments, the majority of hospitals and travel nursing firms require candidates to have two years of bedside experience. You may have specialized in med-surg or general knowledge. Specialty positions usually offer more competitive travel nursing rates when combined with experience.
Step 5: Speak with a recruiter for travel nurses: You can talk to a recruiter at ND Global Healthcare Staffing at any point in the application process if you want to become a travel nurse. You can even do so while gaining experience as a staff nurse. A good nurse recruiter will help you locate a contract that works for you. Nurse recruiters work for travel nursing companies to identify competent nurses for temporary nursing employment. Suppose you’d prefer to work in a certain function or a specific section of the country. In that case, speaking with a nurse recruiter at ND Global Healthcare Staffing early on for guidance on what experience would offer you a competitive edge can be beneficial.
How to Pick a Specialty in Nursing: Your interests or clinical experiences during your academic career may serve as a guide when selecting a nursing specialty. Here are some questions to think about to assist you in making a decision:
- Which type of workplace—outpatient or hospital—do you prefer?
- Which kind of work—with adults or children—is more appealing?
- Do you feel at ease working weekends or night shifts?
- Would you rather spend more time one-on-one with patients, or do you do better in a fast-paced environment?
- Do you want to execute medical operations such as NG tube insertions and IV starts?
- Do you have an interest in procedural areas?
- Are you willing to treat patients getting close to the end of their lives?
- After receiving your RN license, are you considering obtaining any other certifications?
- Would you like to work in a specialty like wound care that lets you visit several hospital units?
- Are you able to remain composed in times of crisis?
The High Demand for Travel Nursing Jobs: Five Reasons: The rising demand for travel nurse positions might be attributed to various factors. Let’s examine a few factors contributing to travel nursing positions’ popularity.
- The National Shortage of Nurses: According to the American Nurses Association, until 2024, there will be more positions available for nurses than for any other profession in the country, reflecting the increased demand for nurses. According to some estimates, 1.2 more registered nurses will be required by 2030 to help with the shortage.
- An Ageing Population: The need for nursing and other healthcare services increases as Americans age. According to data from the US Census Bureau, 41 million Americans were 65 years of age or older in 2011. By 2030, that figure is expected to increase to 73 million.
- Geographical Location: An Additional Element Travel nurses are in high demand because of the need for nurses nationwide. Certain states or cities are more in need than others. For instance, travel nurses assist in filling the gaps in the provision of critically required nursing care in rural towns, which are more affected by the shortage of nurses than metropolitan areas.
- Burnout Among Nurses Leaving Posts That Need to be Filled: Nurse burnout is a real thing, and long hours, stressful assignments, or the need for a break can bring it on. Hospitals don’t close their doors, or patients stop getting sick because nurses need time off. Rather, positions need to be filled, which is where travel nurses come into play. Travel nurses provide much-needed time off for staff members and help reduce the stress of nurse burnout. Examples of this employment include our featured highest-paying travel nursing jobs.
- A Deficit of New Nurses and Retiring Nurses: The nursing population ages with the general population. A significant portion of nurses are approaching retirement age. There needs to be more new nurses to cover the vacancies left by retirements due to the departure of nurses and the absence of nurse educators. Therefore, travel nurses can meet nursing professionals’ needs in those roles.
Eight Advantages of Well-Paying Travel Nursing Positions: You’ll probably be curious to know if there are advantages to going for this type of work as you read more and discover the highest-paying travel nursing jobs.
- Select your workplace: Having the option to select your workplace is one of the advantages of accepting one of the highest-paying travel nurse positions we’ve highlighted. Numerous organizations will provide you with possible job locations and inquire about your top choice. Some people choose locations close to friends or family to take advantage of these advantages. Some utilize it as a means of exploring new places.
- When you work is another option: Contract labor includes work in travel nursing. Some contracts last from a few weeks to many months. The benefit is that you can decide how much downtime you desire between jobs and whether to accept extended or short travel nurse assignments.
- Travel nurses gain a range of professional experiences: Every assignment a travel nurse takes on offers the chance to develop new abilities and experiences. There are countless prospects for job advancement whether you work at a huge healthcare center across the country, a small rural hospital, or a long-term care facility.
- You can make a good living: Travel nurses are well-paid, as you will see when we discuss the highest-paying travel nursing jobs in this post. More than $130,000 is earned yearly by certain travel nurses.
- Your employment will be secure: Employers find registered nurses valuable in various global healthcare contexts due to their skill set. Travel RNs are in a position to locate lucrative work in an area where there is always a need due to the nationwide nursing shortage.
- There’s a chance you won’t burn out: Travel nurses are often less prone to burnout or nursing weariness, yet these issues can occur in any setting for nurses. Travel nursing allows nurses to continue pursuing their passion for their work while getting to know new people and locations.
- Travel nurses frequently receive top-notch benefits: Nurses in one of the highest-paying travel nursing positions typically receive additional advantages, privileges, and excellent revenue potential. For instance, many travel nurses receive tax benefits, free private housing, and travel reimbursements.
- Spend less on necessities for breastfeeding: Employers frequently refund license fees for travel nurses and provide free continuing education, preventing nurses from having to pay for these necessities out of pocket.
Conclusion – Choosing a career as a travel nurse offers a unique blend of adventure, professional growth, and financial reward. With the increasing demand for nurses across various specialties and locations, travel nursing has become an attractive option for many healthcare professionals. becoming a travel nurse opens doors to a rewarding career filled with opportunities for personal and professional development. Whether you’re motivated by the desire to explore new places, advance your skills, or earn a competitive salary, travel nursing offers a fulfilling path for nurses seeking adventure and fulfillment in their profession.
How ND Global can help travel nurse- ND Global Healthcare Staffing can assist individuals who aspire to become travel nurses by providing leads of hiring opportunities and guidance throughout the application process. They offer the following services:
- Connecting with a recruiter: Prospective travel nurses can speak with a recruiter at ND Global Healthcare Staffing at any stage of the application process. Recruiters help candidates find suitable contracts and provide guidance on gaining experience and obtaining necessary qualifications.
- Finding suitable contracts: ND Global Healthcare Staffing helps candidates locate contracts that align with their preferences and career goals. Recruiters work with travel nursing companies to identify competent nurses for temporary nursing employment.
- Offering advice: Nurse recruiters at ND Global Healthcare Staffing offer valuable advice on gaining experience, selecting specialties, and obtaining certifications. They can provide insights into what experiences would give candidates a competitive edge in the travel nursing field.
How ND Global can help healthcare facility – ND Global Healthcare Staffing can assist employers in several ways:
- 1. Staffing Solutions: ND Global Healthcare Staffing provides travel nurse solutions to healthcare organizations facing shortages. They have access to a pool of qualified and experienced travel nurses who can fill short-term job openings and help alleviate staffing shortages.
- 2. Recruiting Services: ND Global Healthcare Staffing offers recruiting services to help healthcare organizations find competent travel nurses for temporary nursing employment. Their team of recruiters identifies suitable candidates based on the organization’s specific requirements and facilitates the hiring process.
- Flexible Staffing Options: ND Global Healthcare Staffing offers flexible staffing options to meet the needs of healthcare organizations. They can provide travel nurses for assignments of varying durations, ranging from a few weeks to several months, allowing organizations to adjust staffing levels according to demand.
- Quality Assurance: ND Global Healthcare Staffing ensures that all travel nurses placed in assignments meet high standards of competence and professionalism. They carefully screen candidates, verify credentials, and conduct thorough background checks to ensure quality assurance.
- Dedicated Support: ND Global Healthcare Staffing provides dedicated support to both employers and travel nurses throughout the staffing process. They offer personalized assistance, address any concerns or issues that may arise during assignments, and ensure smooth communication between all parties involved.