If you are new to travel nursing, travel renal social work, or dialysis technician work you may be wondering how to get started. There are probably a million questions going on in your head. That’s why we are here to help you get started.
Hospitals and clinics everywhere hire talented RNs, social workers, dialysis technicians, and Bio Meds to fill their temporary staffing gaps. Oftentimes, if you end up loving it there and would like to stay, they’ll offer to hire you on permanently. We will walk you through this process as well.
Travel nursing/travel dialysis jobs are highly respected and an increasingly popular career option. Traveling healthcare workers are some of the most skilled RNs and dialysis healthcare professionals in the field due to their broad experience, ability to start the job with little to no training/orientation, and adaptability. These characteristics make for an alluring resume and a more desirable hire for any employer. Travel nursing is one of many ways to make more money and be less overwhelmed by having customizable time off and the ability to explore many fascinating locations on this journey.
Here are some answers to a few questions you may have on how to get started. If haven’t found the answers to your questions, please feel free to call us at 832-509-1517 so that you can answer any questions you may have.
How to become a travel nurse?
Most if not all disciplines of nursing can become travel nurses. All dialysis positions can travel including RNs, LVN/LPN Dialysis Technicians (PCT, CCHT, etc.), Renal Social workers, Dieticians, biomedical technicians, and more. Different agencies specialize in different staffing needs so make sure the agency you’re working with works with your specialty. In addition to being licensed in your discipline (Nurse, RN, LVN, LPV, CCHT, PCT, Social Worker, Technician, Bio Med, etc.) you need to have at least one year of experience in a staff position before becoming a traveler.
If you have a desire to become a travel nurse or technician there are endless opportunities, and you can boost your pay and resume by earning certifications in your specialty. Below is a list of what to do to get started.
Choose A Staffing Agency & Recruiter
Once you discover that traveling as a healthcare professional is what you want to do, the next step is to find the best healthcare staffing agency that specializes in your area of expertise of nursing and/or dialysis healthcare. Recruiters are your advocate between you and the highest paying travel nursing, hospital, or dialysis facility assignment. Onyx and Jasper Healthcare recruiters are the best in the industry. We help you through each phase, from resume submission to start date and beyond. Your recruiter will be your #1 advocate making sure you get the best pay and location you’re looking for. Call us at 832-509-1517 to begin today. Or if you prefer you can schedule a consultation here and we’ll give you a call within 24 hours. Submit your resume, documents, interview, and get hired. The process is simple. Call us today!
How Long Would You Like Your Travel Assignments To Be?
Most assignments are 13 weeks but can be as short as 8 weeks. Most travel contracts can be extended if the facility still has a need and a desire to extend your contract. This is one of many reasons why it’s good to make a good impression so that if you decide you want to extend your contract, they may choose to extend, even if they don’t choose anyone else.
You may decide to take a week or more off between contracts, just let your recruiter know before the contract is finalized.
If you choose not to renew your contract with a hospital or facility, just let your recruiter know 2 weeks to a month before your contract ends, so your recruiter can start to search out a new job for you, that way you can start as soon as you’re ready.
Choose their location
Yes. Freedom and flexibility are why many RNs and Technicians pursue a career in travel nursing. You can choose the state, hospital, and healthcare setting, length of the contract, days off and negotiate pay. Everything is customizable, one of the many reasons to choose travel nursing as a career path.
We have travel nurse jobs in big cities as well as in rural and suburban areas across the country, even in Hawaii. Tell your recruiter exactly what you are looking for and we’ll do everything in our power to find it for you.
Choose Your Housing
Once your contract is signed and you know exactly where you are going, it’s time to find housing. There are many decisions to make before your housing search: Are you traveling with a spouse, friend, or pet? How many beds, bedrooms & baths do I need? How much do I want/can I afford to pay in housing per month? (the more you save the more you keep). Do I want to stay at an extended stay, Airbnb-type housing, hotel, roommate/rent-a-room, short-term lease in an apartment complex? Rent or travel by trailer or mobile home? etc. There are so many options, you just have to choose which one is best for you.
Many travelers enjoy their experience more when they are accompanied by a partner or pet. If you traveling with a pet, be sure that the housing arrangements are pet friendly before booking. If you decide to use our housing concierge to book your reservations for you, make sure to inform us that you are traveling with a pet before booking.
Don’t Forget to Refer your Friends to Your Favorite Recruiter
In the travel nursing industry, referrals are gold. Nurses and other dialysis co-workers are more likely to trust a friend or co-worker that’s had the experience than they are a random advertisement. We pay referral bonuses to incentivize you to refer your friends and to motivate us to give you the best and most responsive service possible so you’ll want to.
What are your own best healthcare agency/recruiter/travel hacks?
If you’ve had an experience with travel agencies or recruiters that can help your fellow healthcare traveling professional please share them below.