Description
As the job title suggests, the work of those with travel nurse jobs requires him or her to travel. Both Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) can work as travel nurses. Nurses of this variety receive short-term assignments for virtually any type of healthcare establishment. That includes medical clinics, physicians' offices, hospitals, and so on. Typically, those who work in travel nurse positions are assigned to work at a particular location for two or three months. However, this timeframe is based on the particular needs of the medical facility.
The term "travel-nurse" was coined during the 1980s, resulting from a shortage of certified nurses. In fact, that shortage has continued until today, creating many opportunities for those interested in a travel nurse career. Such nurses are ideal for meeting the temporary need that a medical organization may need.
Requirements
What are the requirements for those who want to become a travel nurse? In fact, any LPN or RN can serve as travel nurses. If you have an adventurous spirit or simply like to travel, then this might be the perfect career for you. However, it should be noted that nurses who specialize in a particular area within the broader nursing umbrella, are particularly marketable for travel nurse employment. This is an important issue to consider if you're still in the process of completing your LPN or RN coursework. Also, travel nurses are typically required to have a minimum of one year of experience in the area of clinical nursing.
Duties
What exactly are the duties and responsibilities of those with travel nurse jobs? As previously noted, the work of travel nurses is basically the same as the work of any other LPN or RN. This involves the typical duties that a LPN or RN would engage in. While an LPN and RN perform many of the same duties, there are some significant differences, which those interested in travel nurse positions should be aware of. Due to their training RNs are certified to conduct more tasks than LPNs are. Also, LPNs must work under the supervision of an RN or a physician. However, regardless of whether you work as an LPN or RN traveling nurse, the position can certainly be a rewarding one.
The primary noteworthy difference between a traveling nurses and non-traveling nurses is in the duration of the nurse's tenure at a medical organization. Instead of reporting to the same location via a long-term contract, traveling nurses tend to work at a particular location for two or three months. Those interested in travel nurse career should be willing (and able) to change their workplace on a regular basis.
Where to Look
There are several methods for finding a travel nurse positions. Here are some helpful tips for finding the right one:
1. Get personal referrals.
This is one of the best ways to find travel nurse employment. Indeed, sometimes who you know can be just as important as what you know.
2. Consider specializing in a certain area.
If you're interested in working as a traveling nurse (and haven't completed your coursework), then consider choosing a particular specialization. While you can find a position without having one, you'll be much more marketable if you specialize in areas such as emergency care.
3. Call or e-mail staffing agencies for nurses.
This is a fantastic way to find available travel nurse positions, if you want to reduce the amount of legwork that you must do.
4. Go to job fairs for nurses.
This will give you an excellent chance to learn about various medical facilities that are looking for traveling nurses. You can start networking and become one step closer to landing one of the available travel nurse jobs.
Conclusion
Visit NursingCrossing.com today, in order to launch your travel nurse career. At this one site, you can find thousands of listings for nursing positions. After registering, you can receive a FREE trial, and be on your way to finding the nursing job you've always dreamed of having.
