What a travel nurse company seeks in you
Want to travel? Find out if you're a suitable candidate.
BY JEAN T. PENNY, RN, ARNP, PhD
President
JTPenny's, Inc.
Jacksonville, Fla.
Do you have the experience and qualities that travel nurse companies seek
in a nurse? If you're not sure and you're thinking about signing up with
a travel agency, find out if you fit the bill before taking action.
First, you should know that some travel companies prefer to hire nurses
who are certified. So if you're not already certified, consider obtaining
specialty certification. This way, you'll have an edge over other travel
candidates.
Second, seasoned travelers can tell you that the ideal candidate has
a strong clinical background with at least 1 year of recent experience.
Some recruiters recommend that you get experience in as many specialty
areas as possible before applying for a travel position. One way to gain
this experience is by floating to different units within your facility.
Other recruiters recommend exposing yourself to high-census units so
that you can get used to multiple assignments. If you can't do this in
your present setting, consider working per diem for a while before pursuing
a travel career.
If you have experience and superior clinical skills, you're one step
ahead. But remember, having the right personal qualities is also critical
to being a successful travel nurse. Here are the qualities travel agencies
seek:
flexibility. Being flexible enables you to cope with the unexpected
and adapt to the constant change associated with being a travel nurse.
Remember, you'll have to adapt regularly to new environments, policies
and procedures, cultures, and work flows.
assertiveness. As the new kid on the block, you'll need to speak
up for yourself and ask for things you need.
organization. Traveling to a new location every 3 months or so
requires excellent organization skills. Each time you accept a new assignment,
you'll need to gather important paperwork and coordinate your move to
ensure a smooth transition.
a desire to seek challenge. You must thrive on challenge, particularly
because travel agencies expect you to float, work rotating shifts, and
take on other hard-to-fill positions within different institutions.
strong interpersonal skills. To work well in new environments
and make friends easily, you must be outgoing, friendly, even-tempered,
and open-minded. A sense of humor and excellent communication skills will
help you succeed as a travel nurse.
Keep in mind that recruiters also look for confidence, independence,
and a desire to learn new skills and techniques.
Taking action
If you're ready to make a major lifestyle change and you have what
it takes to become a travel nurse, go for it. Keep these tips in mind:
Carefully print or type your application. Remember, this is your
first opportunity to make a favorable impression. How you present yourself
on paper speaks volumes about your professionalism and ability to follow
directions.
Supply impeccable references. Make sure the people you choose
speak highly of you and present you in the best possible light.
Be honest when completing the clinical skills checklist. Base
your self-report on how you currently rate yourself, not how you think
you'll perform in a new setting. Your travel nurse company will use this
checklist to match your skills with an appropriate assignment.
Refine your interviewing skills. Whether conducted over the phone
or in person, the initial interview is your chance to create a lasting
impression. To make sure you shine, develop a 30-second presentation about
yourself. Then practice it until you feel comfortable. Anticipate the
questions a recruiter may ask you and prepare responses so you won't be
caught off guard.
To make things easy on yourself once you've signed on with a travel
nurse company, request only assignments that match your skills and experience.
This will minimize stress and help ensure that you're comfortable with
your first few assignments.
If you follow these tips and have the right experience and disposition,
you're sure to be a solid candidate for any travel nurse company.
