Travel Nursing FAQ
What
Are They?
When
looking into a new career in nursing like travel nursing there are many
travel nursing FAQ's one has. Even though the travel nurse
opportunities
are abundant it's one of the jobs in nursing that many do not have the
answers to questions they have.
Here are some of the
top
questions RN's, LPN's, LVN's and CNA's ask who are looking into
traveling
nurse jobs. You can also find out more information on
specific areas by clicking on Travel
Nursing Pay or Self-Assessment
or How To
Choose An Agency. Each of these pages have helpful
information that will assist you further.
There are
many travel nursing faq's. You may have more that
you will add to your list.
What exactly is travel nursing?
You contract with a hospital or
facility through a travel agency for a minimum of 4 weeks or more.
What type of nurses travel?
RN's, LPN's, LVN's and CNA's
travel.
From the seasoned nurses to the new nurses. Ages
range from the 20's to the mid 60's.
What type of pay and benefits are
offered?
This
is the top travel nursing
faq nurses have. Most
travel companies offer high pay, health, dental and vision insurance,
travel reimbursements, free housing and utilities, guaranteed hours,
completion bonus, extension bonus, referral bonuses, loyalty programs,
401K plans or other retirement plans, free continuing education, double
overtime or time and a half and shift differentials, workman comp,
liability insurance and licensure reimbursement
What if I like where I am at and
want to stay?
Most
travel agencies offer relocation assistance if you want to stay where
you are contracted with your nursing job if you continue to contract
with them.
What if I live close and don't
need housing or insurance?
You will still be paid so much
each month in cash for housing and insurance.
How long does it take to get
started?
Usually,
after the paperwork is
completed some assignments can be started in a week.
What's the process after I apply?
This is another top travel
nursing faq. Your
benefits and compensation plan will be completed. Your
nursing
recruiter will get you set up with the hospital or facility you prefer.
You will visit with a hospital manager or recruiter in person
or
on the phone which is a two way interview (yours and theirs). You may
choose to tour the hospital or facility. Orientation will
start then
work.
Do all states require a license?
Yes. The majority
of states grant temporary licenses. Some for 90 days
while others are up to a year.
Where are the assignments located?
In
all 50 states from small towns
to large cities (another top travel nursing faq). There
are many
nursing positions all over the United States and abroad, it's
just deciding where you want to go.
What is considered full time?
8 and 10 hour shifts are 40 hours
while 12 hour shifts are 36 hours.
What about my mail?
Some have their mail directly
forwarded while others have a friend or family member send it to them.
Are there tax advantages?
Yes, this is something to visit
with the travel agency or your accountant with.
How am I paid?
Most agencies pay by direct
deposit usually every other week.
How do I get
to my assignment?
Most will drive while others
fly. Travel reimbursements are offered for both but check
with your agency on how much.
How long are
the travel nursing assignments?
The minimum is 4 weeks with
most starting at 13 weeks and on up.
Are the houses furnished?
Yes you will have a furnished
house.
Can I travel with my family, a
friend or my pet?
Yes. Most travel
agencies will work with you to make sure that you are happy and
comfortable. Some housing may require a small additional fee
for a pet.
How much experience do I need to
be a traveling nurse?
Most
agencies request 2 years of experience with 1 year of recent experience
in the specialized field you are wanting to go into. Some
hospitals will offer cross
training or extended orientation for nurses who have been out of the
hospital setting for awhile.
Will the housing be set up for my
computer?
Most
places have computer access
or wireless access. There may be an additional charge to you.
What type of health records do
you requires?
Immunizations, last TBST,
tetanus, physical within a year and hepatitis B series are normally
required for the travel nursing agency.
What type of forms do you
requires from me?
An application, resume,
references and a history of your past nursing jobs.
Are there any other forms or
papers that will be required?
A nursing skills
checklist which shows what you have experience in or know and most
travel agencies will do a competency testing. Another form is required
for a background check.
Do the hospitals require all of
the paperwork also?
Your agency will provide the
hospital employment with your paperwork. The hospital may require you
to take a test also which your travel agency will prepare you for it.
If
you have other travel nursing faq's write them down to add to your list.
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