Tuesday, March 11, 2008

How to Maximize Your Potential as a Traveling Nurse

Traveling Nurse

It never fails to amaze me how many nurses express their frustration with the world of travel employment. Most often, they wonder why they can not get the assignments they want and deserve, they wondered why placements can take so long, and they wonder why their agencies do not do more to help.

This is understandable, nurses feel like this. Finding the right opportunity can be a timely, stressful, or not satisfying in the end, especially if their placement agency is not put in a lot of time on their behalf. However, what many nurses do not realize is that in order to succeed as a travel nurse, there is a job that should be done on their part, too! As in any job, you get what you put in - your potential is directly related to your involvement in the investment process. In light of all this, here are some tips to help guide nurses being proactive in the job search to help find the best possible assignment each time.

BE PREPARED

First, always be prepared to demonstrate your skills at any time. Nursing placement agencies will need copies of your current nursing-room technician operating, or Allied Health Professionals licenses. You will need to demonstrate experience in your specialized area. And you will need to verify all of your certification, education and experience. Candidates who are not prepared to verify their qualifications often find themselves with the less-desired positions.

BE AWARE

Secondly, what type of facilities are most desirable for you, and make your placement agency aware of this too. For example, do you like teaching or non-teaching facilities? Large metro or small rural hospitals? Volume high or low majors? If you specify your preferences, from the beginning, you are more likely to find placement in the type of work environment that best suits you.

Be aware of the time

Third, do your best to have a mastery of the schedule that you plan to stay. Although the industry standard for nursing assignments is a thirteen week period, many missions can be shorter or longer. Knowing when you plan to leave, or if you want to apply for one or more extensions. When you give your placement agency of this type of information, you give them the time needed to find a job that fits your future and the planned trip.

BE REALISTIC

Fourthly, the concept of pay rates of nursing in business travel. In many cases, the higher paying positions offer more money for a good reason. Before accepting a big salary position, make an attempt to understand why it is high wages. For some nurses, a pay increase is not worth working in hospitals with low nurse-patient ratios of emergency extended hours or extremely poor. If you do this research before accepting a position available, you are less likely to engage in something unexpected.

BE INFORMED

Fifth, and finally, read the entire contents of your contract. Although in the past, many travel nurses often work around verbal agreements, contracts are absolutely necessary. Reread your attention. Contact your recruiter with any questions or concerns before signing. If something is not specific enough, ask for changes. Plus you are on the precise details of the contract, the more control you have on your posting.

If you provide all of this information, you will give your placement agency the tools to be able to go to work for you and be there every step of the way. They have everything they need to make sure the best nursing experience travel possible. Above all, you will be happy to know that your additional commitment to your future work actually help you maximize your potential for a good travel nurse.

Who is the author?

Janet Fikany is a "Senior investment" for HealthCare Staffing Network. For travel advice nurses, please visit HSN http://www.hcstaffingnetwork.com/?Travel_Nurse_Jobs online, or call toll free 1-800-388-2610.

Nat@hcstaffingnetwork.com

Traveling Nurse

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