Travel Nurse: 4 Things To Do Before Applying To Healthcare Agencies
Are you ready to apply for assignments and lock-in that first travel contract?! Here are some things to acquire and ponder before applying to healthcare agencies…
1. Proof of Experience/Certifications
Some hospitals require you to have at least two years of RN experience and preferably Level IV experience, especially when applying to children’s hospitals. However, lacking Level IV experience does not mean that you should not apply. Just be honest about your skill-set during your interview and you should be fine!
Of course, make sure to have an updated RN license, BLS and NRP certifications. If you live in a compact state, I recommend obtaining a compact license so you would not have to keep applying for different licenses in every state. Other certifications that are preferred, but not required are the STABLE, PALS, and RNC-NIC. Your healthcare agency should reimburse any out-of-pocket costs incurred, if any of these certifications are needed.
2. Job References
Make sure to attain contact information from colleagues (usually the nurse managers, supervisors or charge nurses) who know your work ethic. Most hospitals and healthcare agencies ask for at least two references from your previous staff jobs and travel assignments.
3. Travel Agencies
Apply to different healthcare agencies. I advise beginners to apply to at least two agencies and connect with a recruiter. It may seem a little overwhelming in the beginning, with different agencies blowing up your phone all week. However, once you get a couple of assignments under your belt, things will begin to calm down and flow with ease. You could even start applying to other agencies and connect with a recruiter or apply solo, without a recruiter.
I personally prefer to work with a recruiter. So far, I have had the best experience with both recruiters that I connected with. I have such a great bond and have built a strong rapport with my current recruiter, that I am comfortable working with him only. Before you choose a healthcare agency, make sure to ask about reimbursement benefits, e.g., relocation fees, certifications attained, and lodging… just to name a few.
4. Health Insurance
Each healthcare agency provides different health insurance. Therefore, if you decide to switch to a different agency, your health insurance will change. The insurance will remain active for a short period of time before it is completely terminated.
If you are on your parents’ or spouse’s health insurance, that’s a plus! I normally utilize the agency’s health insurance during my assignments, but have purchased private health insurance while taking an extended break between assignments. Pricey? Yes, but I felt better having ongoing health insurance in between my assignments.
It may seem a little overwhelming at times, but you got this! 😃👍🏾
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