Travel nursing is an incredible opportunity for registered nurses who are looking to experience new locations and grow within their career. Healthcare Recruiters at Green Key are finding more and more nurses choosing this path to advance their skills and live in different parts of the country.
What is travel nursing?
Travel nurses take on temporary positions in high-need hospitals and facilities to assist where necessary. The pandemic increased the demand for travel nurses around the world. They step in when healthcare settings become understaffed and provide quality care without the need to hire a permanent employee.
What are the benefits of travel nursing?
Many travel nurses praise the benefits of this opportunity, crediting the competitive pay, choice of location, generous stipends, and flexibility.”
Victoria Ceballos, Recruiter on the Healthcare New York team at Green Key, mentions that travel nurses are less likely to experience burnout, while also gaining new experience to build their resume. “Every hospital and city functions differently, so they have to able to roll with the punches. But they also get exposed to a variety of different software, demographics, and caseloads as they float between floors.”
Jon Danko, Director of the Healthcare New York team specializing in case management consulting, adds, “Hiring travel nurses eliminates the need to train someone new. They are seasoned and confident in their skills and are less likely to receive training. Adaptability is the most important trait in a travel nurse.”
“No one is there to hold their hand,” Victoria reiterates. “As a staff nurse, if you make a mistake, your supervisor is going to help focus on it and guide you appropriately. Travel nurses learn to adjust as they work and move around.”
Unlike salaried employees, travelers get paid for the exact amount of time they work. They clock in and clock out, while also receiving a stipend for lodging and food during their contract. This is a huge benefit that attracts nurses to the idea of traveling.
“The rates ebb and flow throughout the year,” Jon adds. “It picks up both in the Spring after hospitals determine their new budgets and then again in the Fall. It’s also a great opportunity if a nurse is looking to relocate completely. Permanent placement is offered quite a bit and they typically receive a higher salary, considering the client knows exactly what they are getting.”
What is required to become a travel nurse?
Travel nurses generally work on a 13-week minimum contract. Depending on the role, Jon and Victoria emphasize the requirement of a Registered Nurse licensure or a Case Management Certification. If a nurse has a licensure in the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC), they are able to practice in all 37 states within the compact.
“You also need at least two to three years of true nursing experience,” Victoria stresses. “Travel nurses need to be able to jump right in, so it’s important that they have experience nursing in a hospital or facility.”
Jon and Victoria both have candidates who regularly rely on their services. “They know we have their backs. We have groups of travelers who remain on our billing year after year because they trust us to place them.”
If you’re interested in travel nursing or case management, don’t hesitate to connect with Jon or Victoria on LinkedIn or visit our open jobs in Healthcare today! Start your traveling journey with Green Key’s support!
