Each year, thousands of people travel to Denver to enjoy a vacation—especially during the winter when the surrounding ski slopes are powdery white. For traveling nurses- whether the destination is cold and snowy, warm and sunny, or some place in between - part of the appeal of the job is being able to do good and fill a critical need, while also getting paid and seeing a new part of the country.
If you’re not familiar with the concept, a travel nursing is a RN who is sent to an area where there may be significant shortage in skilled nurses to provide care. For example, a hospital may need extra support during the pandemic due to an influx in patients that the in-house nursing staff can’t handle. Rural healthcare facilities may also need temporary help due to a shortage in nursing candidates in the area. To meet the demand, healthcare facilities bring in traveling nurses as temporary help.
- You can be a generalist or a specialist. While a variety of nursing specialties including trauma, oncology, cardiology, pediatrics, and outpatient care are in demand, generalists can also find positions. The contract length may vary, but assignments are most often for 13-week blocks. RNs receive a travel nurse salary and free housing or a housing allowance. Contracts also include benefits, such as health and dental insurance, retirement packages, and travel reimbursements.
- You can go to a big city or a small town. The locations vary, and you can often choose where you want to go. Traveling nurses are needed in big cities like New York, beach resorts such as Key West, or outdoor adventure destinations like Big Sur or remote islands in Alaska —practically anywhere patients may be! Being a traveling nurse allows you to see the country as you explore new locations on your downtime.
- You can build your skillset while you truly make a difference. Working as a traveling nurse can expose you to different work environments as well as different areas of the country. also help you to build your skill sets. You’ll get exposure to different departments as well as different styles of care and management, which can boost your resume.
- You are not alone! Many traveling nurse contracts encourage you to move with your family or take a friend along for the adventure. For many contracts, you can even take your pet.
Some traveling nurses enjoy the variety of facilities, locations and work responsibilities that come with being a traveling nurse and choose to do it practically full-time, moving from one location to another every three to six months or longer. Other nurses might choose to take a leave of absence from their regular employer to work as a traveling nurse for shorter periods of time. To become a traveling nurse, you will need at least 12 months of acute care clinical experience. Once you’ve got some experience under your belt, traveling nurses can register with agencies that place nurses into these short-term staffing opportunities. Your contracting agency may help you obtain your necessary state licenses and even provide continuing education opportunities.
Have you been thinking that nursing may be the perfect career for you? Denver College of Nursing can help you get started in the field. Click here for more information or call us today at (800) 600-6604 and speak to one of our career counselors.