Take full advantage of your recruiter’s knowledge and support
At Wayward Medical, our philosophy is to build careers, not just place people in jobs. We endeavor to give you the best possible advice and support for you at whatever stage you are in your travel nurse journey. There is no substitute for getting to know you as an individual and taking time to understand your goals. We will help you build your confidence and develop your plans. We understand that the first assignment is particularly nerve-wracking for first-time travel nurses, and we are right behind you, offering moral support and ready to answer ALL your questions.
Focus on your goals
Your personal goals are critical to a successful travel nursing career. People choose this path for many different reasons, and, as they gain experience, these often change. You might start attracted by the extra money or a desire to spread your wings and see more of the country. As you go on, you might see things differently – more in terms of a career choice with all the benefits of considerable opportunities to develop and expand your clinical experience and skills. Keep us informed, and we will help you find and select assignments that help you get to where you want to go.
Getting your state license and certifications
Your recruiter will, of course, advise you about this. All the states have different regulations for nurses and other fees, and you can also check out our handy interactive guide to the requirements of various US states.
When you are just starting, your choice of location might be influenced by how easy it is to get your state license and fulfill their certification requirements. As you move forward in a career in travel nursing, the conditions will very likely be less of an issue.
Be open-minded
The best and most exciting opportunities occur when you have a few assignments under your belt. Obviously, as an experienced travel nurse, you become more and more attractive to employers as time goes on. The trick at first is to get your first foot on the merry-go-round. It doesn’t mean accepting any old thing but be prepared to be flexible and adopt a “Let me at it!” attitude. Get out there and help out. Do your best. You’ll soon be picking and choosing assignments. Don’t forget that all our employing facilities are well-vetted and known to us. We won’t be sending you into the unknown or a situation unsuitable for an early-career nurse. Just that at first, you’ll need to rely on our advice and guidance as a trusted travel nurse agency and have faith in us to move you forward.
Thirteen weeks fly past!
Travel nursing assignments are typically only 13 weeks long. If you are not enjoying it that much or it’s okay but not your ideal, that isn’t that long when working in a busy facility. One of two things might happen. You might love it and want to stay longer. Check out our article Whatever next? Staying in control of your travel nurse assignments which has lots of information about how that works and when you need to let us know to see if the facility is willing to extend. If you’re finding it tough or just not gelling with the people of the district, well, it IS only 13 weeks; you can cope with that. And you can comfort yourself that every single experience you have as a travel nurse adds not only to your employability but to your capability to look at future choices with a discerning eye.
You can travel lighter than you think!
There’s no need to drag your entire life’s possessions with you when you go. Remember to travel light. Put everything you plan to put in “just-in-case” into a packing box. You can always get it sent on to you. After a few trips, you will soon have figured out if any of those items really would have been worth having immediately at hand. Or if, in fact, a third of what you did put in your suitcase ever got touched. Small self-storage units are easy to find in any town. Just put your stuff in one of those and give the key to a trusted friend, just in case you need something sent to you.
Choose your accommodation wisely
It would be best if you were comfortable and well-rested to be in tip-top shape for your shifts. Don’t skimp, and don’t take risks. Please read up on the easiest and most efficient ways to find your home-from-home in our post Where to stay: we review travel nurse temporary accommodation options. You’ll find a heap of great tips, advice, and resources to help you sort out your pied-a-terre.
