Those looking for a flexible and rewarding career path may have wondered: Is travel nursing the right field for me? Whether you’re an experienced healthcare industry professional or are simply curious about what a travel nurse career might look like, we’ve outlined a few things to think about before taking that critical next step.
But first, what is a travel nurse? Perhaps you’ve learned of travel nursing in the wake of the pandemic, during which time many hospitals and caregivers found themselves in need of additional staff. “Due mainly to this significant demand, travel nurses, placed by staffing agencies, were sought out to provide support and fill the gap. Travel nurses tend to fulfill all the routine duties of a traditional nurse, yet need to be ready to jump into many situations at a variety of healthcare facilities,” stated Andrew Doro, CEO and Founder of Millbrook Support Services Inc. (Millbrook).
So, is travel nursing the right choice for you? Travel nursing may present an exciting future if you…
Can Commit to the Necessary Training
The first step in becoming a travel nurse is completing the necessary training. This starts with the pursuit of a nursing degree. And once you complete your degree, you’ll need to complete your National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and acquire your nursing license.
Once you’ve earned your degree and license, you’ll want to obtain experience in various real-life settings that will prepare you for the work and demands of a travel nursing career. Nursing positions at hospitals, doctor’s offices, and care facilities can help develop your skills in patient interaction and discover any specialties that strike your interest.
This training requires dedication and shouldn’t be taken lightly. But if you’re up for the challenge, it provides an essential foundation for launching a successful career in the travel nursing field.
Enjoy Career Flexibility
If you’d like a career that offers a lot of freedom, travel nursing may be for you. Once you’re working with a reputable travel nurse staffing firm, you’ll likely have access to various contract positions at any number of healthcare organizations. These roles can often last a few days to several months or even longer. In control of your schedule, you get to decide when and how much you work, allowing you to plan vacations, take part in personal interests and events, and more.
Enjoy Travel — A Lot!
A travel nurse has to be ready to travel. And because travel nursing puts you in control of your schedule and desired location, opportunities to travel and explore the U.S. are abundant. In your free time, you can take advantage of whatever your current location offers. Many travel nurses also choose locations to follow nice weather and preferred climates throughout the year.
Are Eager to Explore Various Specialties
If you’re eager to learn, travel nursing may be the right fit. There are almost endless specialties in travel nursing, from labor and delivery to intensive care unit nursing and beyond. As a travel nurse, you can explore various opportunities and ultimately share your specialty with hospitals around the country. And whether you choose a specialty for the compensation or simply because it’s what you’re passionate about, there will always be a chance to use it.
Find Value in Helping Others
Last but not least, travel nursing offers many rewarding opportunities to those who sincerely value helping others. Though the job can be fast-paced and demanding, travel nurses find satisfaction in bringing aid to hospitals, healthcare clinics, and countless patients that need assistance. “Having a genuine interest in patient care and well-being is key to building a successful and last travel nursing career,” adds Andy Doro.
Where to Seek Additional Resources
If travel nursing sounds like a promising career path, consider exploring additional resources through an established staffing agency such as Millbrook.
Andrew P. Doro is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Millbrook, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. Millbrook supplies Physicians, Nurses, Advanced Practice Providers and Allied Healthcare staffing services to government agencies and commercial clients nationwide.