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Have Experience — Will Travel
Margaret Hawke, RN, MA, and Suzy Harrington, RN, MS, CHES

Travel is something that most of us associate with vacations — a respite from our work life. But for many nurses, traveling takes on a different focus — one that offers a challenging and rewarding nursing career. The demand for travel nurses continues to grow as hospitals seek nurses to fill positions resulting from the growing shortage. “Travel nurses are needed to work in all areas and specialties,” says Rosemary Westra, RN, MS, C, director for learning and career resource management at Cross Country TravCorps.

Travel nursing, however, is not a field for new graduates. “Facilities expect a seasoned, clinically competent nurse who can hit the ground running,” says Westra. Most travel companies require that a nurse have at least one year in the clinical subspecialty.

There are as many reasons why nurses choose travel nursing as there are places to go. If you wish to see more of the world, spend time near relatives or friends, or simply check out a place where you may want to relocate, travel nursing could be right for you. “We see the young RN who wants to see the world,” says Westra, “and older empty-nesters who are now free to travel.” Some nurses take one assignment and decide travel isn’t for them, while others find it an ideal career.

Is Travel Right for You?

Travel nursing certainly is not for everyone. You may have the clinical expertise and the desire to travel, but that is not quite all it takes. “You must be confident in your nursing practice,” says Westra. “Each new situation presents different challenges.” Orientation differs for every assignment, but generally the expectation is that the nurse will do well with a limited orientation. “You need to be able to identify your learning needs,” says Westra, “then feel comfortable seeking the required knowledge.”

Along with confidence, add adaptability as a necessity. “Having the right attitude is more important than anything else,” says Jerry Smith, RN, a traveling nurse employed by NovaPro Staffing. An OR staff nurse, Smith says he tries to mold himself to each new assignment. “I’m there to fill a need, so I form-fit myself to their style,” he explains. After several weeks of a new assignment, says Smith, he gains the confidence and trust of the staff. “Then I’m able to share things with them that I’ve seen in other places.”

This is a second career for Smith. Before nursing, he served in the military in a variety of roles, including medic. “The military taught me that every job is a new job,” he adds. He works close to home at the present time, while his wife, Judy, a psychiatric nurse, is finishing her Army career. Once she retires, they’ll begin to travel greater distances together. “We’re looking at places that we’ve always wanted to visit, like Vermont,” he says. “Being in the military hooked us into traveling.”

Ready, Set, Travel…

You have the right stuff — a solid clinical base, a desire to travel, and a strong sense of adaptability. Now you’re ready for your first travel assignment. The first step is choosing a travel company that’s right for you. Generally, most travel companies offer benefits like travel reimbursement, free or subsidized housing, health insurance, and a 401(k) plan. Some offer tuition reimbursement or other benefits, as well. After a thorough reference check and possibly a competency test, you’re ready to begin.

After signing on with a placement company, travel nurses work with a recruiter to choose locations and assignments. In most companies, the recruiter is also your liaison when you’re on assignment. “A good working relationship with your recruiter is key,” says Jahn Herrick, RN, CCRN, an OR and ICU nurse employed by Medical Staffing Network. The recruiter negotiates your contract with the hospital and helps with issues that involve policies or licensure and any other matters, such as housing. “The recruiter is the umbilical cord to your livelihood,” says Herrick.

You will also need to apply for a nursing license in the state where you are assigned. Currently, there are 17 states that belong to the Nursing Licensure Compact. That means that nurses holding a license in any one of these states may practice in any other of the compact states provided they follow the laws and regulations of the state in which they are practicing. To find out which states are part of the compact, go to www.ncsbn.org.

Choices, Choices

Now, it’s time to select your destination. Often assignments are available in popular vacation spots at the height of tourist season — a time when healthcare facilities must increase their staff. Herrick travels with his wife, Cindy, a CCU and ICU nurse. “We give our recruiter a region that we’re interested in,” says Herrick. “We plan our assignments around family events, as well.” One of the key considerations for the Herricks is the opportunity to work the same shift. Since they’ve begun traveling, they’ve worked in California, Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas.

Generally, assignments are 13 weeks long. Sometimes, there’s an option to extend that assignment. Salaries are competitive and typically based on the going geographical rate. In some cases, bonuses may be part of the contract. Before you sign on the dotted line, read your contract carefully. It should outline your working hours, salary, and any other issues, such as a floating policy.

Tips for Successful Traveling

During their travels, Smith and Herrick have learned ways to enhance their experience and streamline the process of moving from place to place. They offer these suggestions:

• Take a little piece of home with you — a picture or a favorite pillow, something that signifies home.
• Invest in a laptop to stay in touch with family and friends.
• Support your leisure activities. If you bike or play tennis, take your own equipment.
• Network with other travelers and your coworkers.
• Develop a system to get your regular mail. You could arrange to have it forwarded or perhaps have a family member send it weekly.

Travel nursing offers the chance to meet new people and grow personally and professionally. “By traveling, you gain experience,” says Smith, “because every place has people who love to share their knowledge.” For Smith, sharing this knowledge is reciprocal. He maintains a book that contains the name and contact information of nurses that he works with, plus information about where supplies can be purchased. “Sometimes, I meet people who have a need for something that I may have encountered in a past assignment,” he explains. “So by staying in contact, I’m able to help wherever I go.”

For Herrick and his wife, each travel destination provides a chance to learn about other ways of life. “In our travels, we’ve been able to work with other cultures that we would never meet in our small hometown,” he says. “Nothing is better than the great dynamics of firsthand experience.”

Margaret Hawke, RN, MA, is a frequent contributor to Nursing Spectrum.

© Copyright 2008 Gannett Healthcare Group