Interview With A Travel Nurse: How Did You Prepare to Travel Even Before Nursing School?
Everyone has a story about how they became a travel nurse. We interviewed one nurse to see how he prepared before, during and after becoming an RN.
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When deciding to become a nurse, was travel nursing always a part of the plan?
Yes, before entering into nursing school I knew that I wanted to travel, but I did not know all the fine details about the role. Nursing schools hit the high points of what travel nursing is, but fails to deliver the overall positive experience a nurse can have from it. I knew this was something I wanted to do, but I did “tip toe” into travel nursing with a lot of reservations because if it sounded too good to be true, then it probably was. Much to my surprise I was wrong! It was everything I was told and much more.
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How did your plans to travel effect your nursing career?
I did not cater my nursing career to become a travel nurse. There was no need too. The most important qualities a nurse must have, in order to be a successful travel nurse is the ability to communicate, have strong and confident assessment skills, a sense for adventure, and be comfortable with changing work locations every three months or so.
Were there any travel nursing requirements that made you nervous?
The only requirements that I was made aware of was that you needed at least two years of experience, before applying to become a travel nurse. That frustrated me as a nursing student because two years seemed so far away.
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What was the biggest challenge you had when starting your travel career?
The most difficult part was getting my first contract. I did not know where to start and was overwhelmed with the process.
How did you overcome this obstacle?
For me, the key was finding the right travel nursing agent to represent me. Choosing the right company made what could have been an overwhelming experience a breeze.
Did travel nursing play a part in choosing your specialty?
Travel nursing never played a part into my decision of getting into critical/acute care. For me, I enjoyed the critical care world. I loved helping people in the most critical times of their lives, so I was naturally drawn into that specialty. Then when I decided to become a travel nurse, they found open jobs for me based on my experience and current certs. Nurses with specialty jobs always get paid a little more also, so that’s always a nice perk!
Find travel assignments in your specialty here.
To learn more about Kyle and his decision to become a travel nurse, check out A Journey into Travel Nursing.
For more on this series:
Interview With A Travel Nurse: Preparing for a New Facility
Interview With A Travel Nurse: How to Recover From Failing the NCLEX
Interview With A Travel Nurse: How To Prepare To Be A Rock Star Travel Nurse – Before You Are One
Interview With A Travel Nurse: Sure-fire Signs You’re Working With The Wrong Staffing Agency
Interview With A Travel Nurse: What Was Your First Travel Assignment Like
RNs can make up to $2,300 per week as a travel nurse. Speak to a recruiter today!
