10 Tips for New Travel Nurses

Buy a Laptop

Contacting recruiters online can save you time and money. Most travel nurses use the internet to find jobs, locations and check the reputation of the hospital.

Travel Nursing is a Business

You'll learn about contracts, negotiating rates, locations and travel. Your recruiter's job is to put her company first and she will. You'll develop a close relationship because of the nature of the job but it's still a business relationship.

Safety Issues

Always be cautious when traveling, going to and from work and while living at your new apartment. Sometimes we're the talk of the town and news travels fast. Gossip may not always fall on honest ears.

Back Up Money

You'll need at least $500 at your disposal for emergencies. Rental cars, hotels and apartments have been known to fall through at the last minute.

Pay Issues

You'll need an education for this and I'm not talking CEU's here. Hourly wages are fine to compare but once you add in per diem wages, it's a different story.

When in Rome

Nursing procedures are done differently depending on what locale you are. That doesn't mean it's wrong. Keep an open mind and go with the flow. Give yourself adjustment time before you start teaching them the right way!

Think Simplicity

You'll be traveling either by auto or airplane. You're allowed two suitcases and a carry on via air. Have you attempted to pack your daily necessities in a suitcase or two? I would advise you to make a prioritized list. You can always chop it down to a realistic amount once you start packing. Traveling can be exhausting even though it's exciting.

The Interview

The interview will be different than any you've experienced to take a staff job. Most of the time they simply ask, "When can you be here?"

This is your chance to interview them. You'll find different situations when traveling the country. One hospital may say their census is high but to another it would be gravy. Always get the numbers.

Bill Paying - Banking

Another reason to have a laptop is for online banking. The more details you can handle online, the more time you'll have to see the sights.

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