How I became a travel emergency nurse ✨
Before I became a travel nurse I made sure I got my 2 years of experience as a staff nurse and learned as much as I could. There are a lot of agencies out there for travel nurses so my next step was finding the right recruiter for me and make sure you have a few recruiters because you need to be your own biggest advocate. The recruiters will do most of the work from there and I only had to interview a couple times but some hospitals don’t even want you to interview.
A big challenge of mine was finding the right contract for me, I was very picky with my location and not wanting to work night shift but again since I had an amazing recruiter the right assignment fell into my lap.
How I found a recruiter was doing some online research and word of mouth. I asked all the travelers that I would meet at my staff job which agency they used and who their recruiters were. My next question would always be “tell me your honest opinion about the agency and do you feel supported” I decided to go with aya as one of my agencies because it is one of the biggest ones and then I picked another one which my friend used (EPIC).
Next stop was making sure I had enough savings. How I did this was looking at my lifestyle (rent, car payment/gas, groceries, gym membership, and any other bills) and saving up for at least 2 months. Meaning that if I didn’t have any income I would be okay for 2 months.
I have learned that with travel nursing you have to be flexible and must have some sort of saving before going into it because you never know how the assignment really is or how much break you have to take between assignments.
Travel nursing is an adventurous career that offers nurses the chance to explore new places while providing care. To start, nurses typically need at least two years of bedside experience, as this builds the foundational skills required in varied clinical environments. Choosing the right recruiting agency is critical; agencies like Aya and EPIC offer extensive networks across different locations, which can be beneficial for landing the right positions. It's important to network with fellow nurses and seek recommendations on agencies and recruiters to ensure you feel supported throughout your assignments. Financial preparation is essential; potential travel nurses should save at least two months' worth of living expenses, factoring in rent, groceries, and other recurring costs. Flexibility is a crucial trait for travel nurses. Contracts can differ significantly, and being open to various locations and shift patterns can lead to rewarding opportunities. Additionally, understanding the specifics of each assignment is important, as you may encounter hospitals with varying levels of support and resources. In conclusion, becoming a successful travel emergency nurse involves careful planning, networking, and financial readiness. With these strategies in mind, travelers can fully embrace the rewarding experiences that come with this unique nursing pathway.
So proud of you and excited to see where you will go 🤍