Congratulations, you just graduated from Nursing School! You’ve chosen a career that is growing in demand across the country so you have many options. If you’re interested in travel nursing, we can help. Before you start inquiring with agencies, we want to let you know that you’ll need at least 1-2 years of experience in a staff role. Once you come close to completing that time, you can begin the process of contacting agencies and recruiters.
As a travel nurse, you will be working with staff nurses and other medical professionals at the facility where you accept a contract. Contracts are typically 13-weeks at a time. Working with your recruiter, you can request a contract extension, if available, or opt to take time off or move on to another contract elsewhere. You’re in control of your career.
If you’re considering becoming a travel nurse, we have a few recommendations.
This is an exciting time to be a nurse! According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Registered Nurses earn between $60,000 and $120,000 depending on the area and experience. If you decide to become a travel nurse, you can expect to earn even more than staff nurses.
Not only is there earning power, but there is also an opportunity to visit different places, even a place you’ve always wanted to live. The highest paying states for travel nurses include New York, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Hawaii. If any of these are on your must-visit list, then this may be a good option for you.
As you’re earning, you will also broaden your experiences professionally and personally.
- Gain knowledge of patient management systems.
- Learn new skills.
- Expand your professional network.
- Meet friends around the country.
- Experience new cultures.
Our travel nurses also explore the great outdoors wherever they are living and working. National parks, hiking and biking trails, winter sports, camping, food and cultural festivals, museums, and art galleries are all places they love to check out in their cities and towns. If you love exploring, you will have the chance while you’re on the road!
Starting a Travel Nursing Career
As we said earlier, while there is a nursing shortage, becoming a travel nurse typically requires 1-2 years of job experience before taking a travel position. The most common specialties for travelers include the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Emergency Room (ER), Medical/Surgical, Labor and Delivery (L&D), and Clinic. Working in these areas will make your resume more attractive to agencies like AB Staffing, making it a smoother transition from staff to travel nurse.
As you’re looking for your first job out of nursing school, we recommend building your resume with nursing school experience. Mention school, of course, specialties, awards, and recognitions, and community experience. Keep it simple and easy to read while at the same time telling your professional story.
- List job history in chronological order.
- Highlight certifications and special accomplishments.
- Keep important documents ready to send to recruiters.
Lastly, ask three or four colleagues for their contact information so you can easily use them as a reference. Of course, ask if you can use them as a reference and let them know when you’ve shared their information. Let your reference know the position for which you have applied so they can speak specifically to those skills and experience.
Reaching Out to Travel Nurse Agencies
Contact AB Staffing and other agencies about their job opportunities. Research each agency to learn more about them, making sure they are reputable. Read reviews and their websites to find a company that is the right fit for you. When you’re ready, reach out and get connected to recruiters.
Ask the recruiters questions about the facilities with whom they contract, travel and housing, and the process to contract with them. The recruiter should be able to answer all your questions and/or be able to get back to you with answers. If you’re not comfortable with their level of knowledge, they may not be the right recruiter for you. If this is the case, you may try another recruiter or go to a different agency.
Because you’ve already been in contact with recruiters, it will be an easier transition from staff to travel nurse. When you’ve gained the experience, let them know you’re still interested in pursuing contracts. Together you can review opportunities. If you’ve got a dream place you’ve always wanted to visit or work, let your recruiter know. They love placing nurses in bucket list places!
