You must be a graduate of an accredited program and hold a valid nursing license to be eligible for travel nurse jobs. Many agencies require eighteen months of experience on your resume. If you are going into a specialty area, you may be required to have two years experience. These areas include, but are not limited to psychiatry, rehabilitation, intensive care, and cardiac care.
In order to successfully fulfill a travel contract, you have to have a great deal of flexibility. Your clinical skills must be top-notch and your spirit for adventure needs to be at the same level. You need to be a very quick learner. Many of the facilities that hire travel nurses do not provide any orientation program and you will start your first day with patient assignments. If you are not adaptable and secure in your skills, that could be a problem.
Traveling will benefit your resume. When you decide to come off the road, your many travel assignments will indicate your ability to accept change and be adaptable. You have the ability to adjust to a new setting and excel. This looks very good to a potential employer.
One of the most important steps in starting this adventure is to find the right agency. Travel nurse jobs are readily available through a variety of agencies. Before you commit to a company you will need to educate yourself as to their available positions. It is your responsibility to find out if they have assignments in the area of the country and the field you are proficient in. In the event that you are not happy with your current agency, the experience you gain will help you to find another agency that may have more acceptable travel nurse jobs.
The fact that you are in charge of your career, gives you the opportunity to choose where you work and the hours that you work. Make your desires well known to your recruiter. Don't settle on something that will not be exactly what you are looking for.
Each state has its own licensing requirements. The agencies usually have specialists that will ensure that you have the proper documentation to obtain work in the state you are choosing.
International Travel Nurse Jobs
The need for qualified nurses spans the globe. With nursing shortages in many countries, the opportunity for international travel nurse jobs can be found easily. You can choose to work a few months or for several years. It depends on your commitment and your desire to stay in a specific country.
International travel nurse jobs will allow you to collect higher salaries, have free housing, and licenses paid by the company. With most agencies your travel expenses and health insurance are also covered. This will all depend on the country you choose to travel to.
Recruiters for international travel nurse jobs require at least one year experience in your chosen field of nursing. It is important that you are comfortable with your skills and are adaptable to the area you will be working in. There is a lot more to it than just picking a country.
Some countries have long waiting lists for visas. The United States is one of those countries. You must be sponsored by your agency and pass the NCLEX exam before you can gain employment in the US. Agencies pay the fees for testing and will assist in any way they can. You may wait six months for a visa, but it can be renewed annually.
The Middle East is another area that is in need of travel nurses. Most of the facilities are good and your assignments range from one to two years. You will have the opportunity to fly to your home free of charge between your first and second year. Wages in the Middle East (up to a limit) are tax-free.
Australia generally requires a two year contract and fluency in English. After a two year assignment, you may be eligible to apply for residency.
There are opportunities for international travel nurse jobs in Europe and Canada as well. To put it simply, the world is your oyster and you have many wonderful opportunities.
