It’s natural to get a case of nerves when starting your first travel nurse assignment. These tips will help you be ready for a strong start as a first time travel nurse.
What to expect on your first travel nurse assignment
Knowing what to expect can ease any anxiety you might feel. Your onboarding to the first of your travel nurse contracts will involve orientation and possibly additional training. You might meet fellow travel nurses, which can help you quickly find your comfort zone.
How long are standard travel nurse contracts?
One question that comes up when new is how long are travel nurse contracts. Some last as little as two weeks and some go for 26. The standard is 13 weeks.
Can you get out of a travel nurse contract?
A travel nurse contract is a binding agreement that protects you and the organization hiring you, making sure you both understand the details of travel nurse terms. However, it is possible to cancel a contract.
The process for getting out of a travel nurse contract varies. You may have a personal illness or family emergency, for example. In general, unless you have a serious reason, you should try to resolve the issue before canceling. Your agency can help you work out issues to protect your reputation and not risk your nursing license.
6 tips to prepare for your first travel nurse contract
Taking on your first travel nurse assignment is both exciting and stressful. Working as a travel nurse is ideal if you like new challenges and are comfortable with change. These tips for a first time travel nurse will get you off to a good start. Being ready is one way to overcome nurse anxiety on your first travel nurse job.
1. Understand your travel nurse contract
Of all your travel nurse docs, travel nurse contracts are the most important. You’ll find details like how long are travel nurse contracts, what does it mean to buy out a travel nursing contract or cancel it, what your specific duties will be, and more. Verify your compensation and take a good look at the tax benefits around travel, housing, per diems, and other allowances when working away on a temporary basis. Watch out for the one year rule. If you work in a location for more than a year, all the tax breaks of a temporary assignment go away.
2. Read your travel nurse assignment terms
Everyone, not just a first time travel nurse, should read the travel nurse terms on your contract. Make sure you understand your pay rate and the agency fee that comes out of that number. Sometimes, you will see a number that has taxes already taken out and in others, you’ll see non-taxable reimbursements added in. You should know what things are reimbursed and what benefits, from meals, to housing, to stipends, and even scrubs, might be included.
3. Bring the required documents for travel nursing
Being organized is a great way to make a good travel nurse first impression. Here are some organization tips for a travel nurse. Whether you are a seasoned hand or on your first travel nurse assignment, you need to organize and keep handy these travel nurse docs.
- Valid nursing license
- Travel nurse paperwork
- Basic life support certification
- Passport and other forms of identification
- Driver’s license/photo identification
- Immunization records and other medical records
- Educational transcripts
- Drug screenings
- Fingerprint card
- Current and past travel nurse contracts with travel nurse terms for this assignment
4. Schedule a physical exam beforehand
Many healthcare organizations, particularly since COVID-19, require you to have an updated physical exam before starting your assignment. You’ll need to be up-to-date on all immunizations and be willing to share any medical conditions you have and medications you may be taking.
Request a copy of your medical records
Talk to your recruiter or speak to the primary contact at your upcoming assignment about what medical records are required. Take care of this task right away. Collecting records or scheduling a physical exam can take some time and you don’t want to jeopardize your contract.
5. Create a skills checklist
Your travel nursing agency may require a skills checklist outlining tasks you are comfortable performing. From your first travel nurse assignment onward, you will continue to build this list to enhance your attractiveness to potential employers. Take every opportunity to acquire specialty skills and highlight them when looking for your next assignment. They are sometimes the key to getting a higher rate of pay.
6. Pack efficiently for your travel nurse assignment
Travel means packing. While you can buy things at your new assignment, you can save money by bringing the things you really need with you. Think about clothes you need for work as well as for your free time. Consider the climate and the things you would like to do in your temporary location. Include toiletries, medications, and day-to-day necessities. The key is to bring what you need, but not overpack and create a burden for yourself.
Land your next travel nurse contract
A career as a travel nurse can be exciting. You’ll be able to explore new places as you build your skills. Is it really for you? Explore the truth about being a travel nurse to see if this role might be a fit.
With these tips, you’ll be more than ready as a first time travel nurse and will soon be wondering about your next travel nurse contracts. You might wonder: Do you get breaks between travel nurse contracts? The answer is up to you. You might find an opportunity that you want to jump on right away or you might want to take some time to recharge before starting a new contract.
Either way, we invite you to apply for a travel nursing job through Sunbelt. We are committed to bringing you the best opportunities and benefits and to setting you up for success.