If you’re a nurse seeking a change of scenery, you might consider becoming a travel nurse. Travel nursing is a unique opportunity that allows nurses to work in various healthcare settings across different states or countries. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about becoming an NJ travel nurse, including job requirements, benefits, and how to get started.
What is a Travel Nurse?
A travel nurse is a healthcare professional who works on a temporary basis, usually for 13 weeks, in different healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Travel nurses fill temporary staffing shortages, which can occur due to increased patient demand, unexpected illnesses or injuries among permanent staff, or seasonal fluctuations in healthcare demands.
Requirements to Become an NJ Travel Nurse
To become a travel nurse in NJ, you must meet the following criteria:
- Hold an active nursing license in New Jersey or a Compact State.
- Have at least one year of nursing experience in your specialty.
- Be able to provide professional references.
- Complete your application with a reputable travel nursing agency.
Benefits of Becoming an NJ Travel Nurse
Travel nursing offers many benefits, such as:
- Higher pay: Travel nurses can earn 10-20% more than staff nurses.
- Flexibility: You can choose your work schedule and location.
- Experience: Travel nursing provides an opportunity to gain experience in different healthcare settings.
- Travel: You can travel to different parts of the country or the world while working.
- Bonuses: Many travel nursing agencies offer sign-on bonuses, referral bonuses, and completion bonuses.
How to Become an NJ Travel Nurse
Here are the steps to become an NJ travel nurse:
- Research travel nursing agencies that place nurses in New Jersey.
- Complete your application with the agency.
- Provide references and submit necessary paperwork, such as your nursing license and resume.
- Search for available travel nursing jobs in New Jersey.
- Choose the assignment that suits your needs and requirements.
- Complete any necessary pre-employment screening, such as drug testing and background checks.
- Sign your travel nursing contract and start your assignment.
FAQs About NJ Travel Nursing
Question | Answer |
---|---|
How long are travel nursing assignments? | Typically, travel nursing assignments are 13 weeks long, but some can be shorter or longer depending on the healthcare facility’s needs. |
Who pays for my travel expenses? | Travel nursing agencies usually cover travel expenses, such as airfare or mileage reimbursement, as well as housing costs. |
Do travel nurses receive health insurance and other benefits? | Travel nurses can receive health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits depending on the specific agency and assignment. |
Can I bring my family or pets with me on my assignment? | It depends on the healthcare facility’s policies and the travel nursing agency’s guidelines. Some assignments allow travel nurses to bring their families or pets, while others do not. |
What happens after my assignment ends? | You can choose to renew your contract with the healthcare facility or travel nursing agency, or you can seek other assignments in different parts of the country. |
Conclusion
Becoming an NJ travel nurse is an exciting opportunity for nurses who want to experience different healthcare settings, travel to new locations, and earn higher wages. With the right qualifications and a reputable travel nursing agency, you can start your travel nursing career today.