"So how you doing finding work?" is the common question I am being asked, even though I am not currently looking. It still seems to be the theme topic among travel nurses, and those who don't travel for that matter.
Many hospitals are currently filling up positions with recent graduates and canceling travel positions, but does this still mean the end for travel nurses?
First I would like to take a look at the basics for travel nurses. Let's consider a locale that receives a large seasonal population for the winter and then they leave again for the summer. For the local hospital is it worth hiring a large staff to accommodate a seasonal swell in the population? Perhaps it is more likely to hire agency nurses for the increase in population and then let them go, rather than to pay them on an annual basis, even if they are more expensive. With this in mind travel nursing only makes sense.
I can think of other situations where it behooves a hospital to hire temporary help as opposed to full-time, just get me started. Here's one, a hospital is initiating a new computer charting software system and they need experienced staff to help during the transition.
Travel nursing isn't going away; is it going to change? Absolutely.
Will it return like it was a couple of years ago? Probably not, but opportunities will still remain for those willing to adapt.
So here are a few tips on how to ride the changing wave of travel.
Educate. That is worth saying again...educate, educate, educate yourself. There are a lot of new grads coming into the market that are willing to do what you do and do it for less as jobs become more difficult to find. Furthering your education keeps you ahead of them, and is perhaps the single thing that will elevate your opportunities.
Keep your resume' updated. When working assignments for longer than 13 weeks like I have it, becomes easy to let the resume' slide. I keep a folder that I can easily slip certificates inside and have them scanned later, having a resume' ready to go on short notice is key to having a jump on other travelers.
Stay connected. Most applications want referrals even for positions held several years ago. Something that caused me to learn that managements having been having a tremendous turnover rate. That one manager or charge nurse you knew a year ago most likely isn't there anymore. Facebook is great for keeping in touch with acquaintances, but nothing wrong with obtaining emails addresses from coworkers and cell phone numbers.
Expand yourself. Specialized roles are great when you are a hospital employee, you fill a niche that they need, but you will also limit your possibilities when it comes to travel nursing. The nurse who can do most anything will have the most opportunities when it comes to travel.
Practice your interviewing skills. After you get a hospital manager to consider your application above the stack of others sitting on the desk, the interview will seal the deal, but how can you stand out? This is an area that is so important and should not be approached lightly. Read up on how to be successfully interviewed. This topic alone is worthy of a separate blog so I will go into more detail later.
I was recently asked why I don't want to settle down since I currently have a great job in a wonderful location already. The answer is because I am a travel nurse. I love using my skills that are unique to travel nursing and I enjoy the benefits of traveling across the nation living like a local.
Happy Travels!
