Even within the ever-growing professional field of nursing, there is a specialization that is in extremely high demand in many countries throughout the world. It’s the traveling nurse.
Traveling nurses fill non-permanent positions, particularly in hospital settings where meeting staffing requirements is a challenge for whatever reason. Traveling nurses work in networks and move about to areas where additional employees are needed. Assignments can be short or long-term.
As far as regular duties are concerned, traveling nurses are no different than their permanent colleagues. Daily duties include assisting doctors on cases that fall within a wide range and that may include life-threatening injuries and illnesses. Traveling nurses also work independently to prepare patients with minor ailments such as fevers, cuts and bruises, yeast infection, asthma attacks and any of a myriad other conditions.
Even as the profession has become more and more common over the past two decades many people still have misconceptions about what it entails. Here are the 5 most prevalent myths about traveling nurses and the truth you really need to know if considering an exciting and ever-changing career move:
Traveling nurses are treated poorly by their permanent counterparts – This couldn’t be further from the truth. Remember that the purpose of a traveling nurse is to help ease the stress of an understaffed facility. In reality, a traveling nurse can be the best friend regular staff can have.
Frequent changes in assignments will reflect negatively on resumes – Actually, a traveling nurse’s schedule demonstrates flexibility and a willingness to address the needs of the organization. Additionally, the work environment strengthens depth of knowledge and shows an ability to adapt to varying situations. Finally, industry experts know that traveling nurses require very little training and are mostly able to jump right into a work situation with minimal instruction.
You can’t choose your work assignments – Traveling nurses choose which assignments they want to accept and locations they are willing to work. Recruiters typically match work preferences with available assignments in an effort to ensure traveling nurses are happy and want to continue providing this important service.
Traveling nurses can’t work extended assignments and must change jobs every few months – This myth persists despite widespread evidence to the contrary. Most travel assignments last approximately three to four months; however, frequently nurses can extend their assignments for additional months and some even may stay for a year or more at the same location. The work is all about flexibility.
Traveling nurse recruiters only want to consider younger workers – There are no age restrictions for traveling nurses. In fact, late in their careers, many nurses choose to pursue travel assignments to add some variety to their professional lives and to experience new places. It is also true that seasoned nurses are in high demand because of their experience and ability to handle most any situation.