Are you an experienced RN ICU nurse looking for a new adventure? Then travel nursing might be the perfect career move for you! Not only will you have the opportunity to work in some of the best hospitals and medical facilities across the country, but you’ll also get to explore new cities and experience diverse local cultures. With high demand for ICU nurses in many regions, there are plenty of travel RN ICU jobs available. Read on for everything you need to know to get started.
What are travel RN ICU jobs?
Travel RN ICU jobs are temporary nursing positions that involve moving to different locations across the country or even internationally. As an ICU nurse, you’ll work in intensive care units of hospitals and medical centers, providing critical care to patients who are seriously ill or injured. You’ll work for a specified period of time, typically around 13 weeks, before moving on to a new assignment in a different location. These jobs offer higher pay rates, benefits, and travel and housing allowances.
Why become a travel RN ICU nurse?
There are many reasons to become a travel RN ICU nurse. Firstly, you’ll have the opportunity to work in some of the best and most renowned medical facilities and hospitals across the country. You’ll gain valuable experience and develop your skills as an ICU nurse, working with different patients, medical teams, and equipment. Secondly, these positions offer higher pay rates than regular nursing positions, and you’ll also receive benefits, such as health insurance and retirement savings. Finally, travel nursing allows you to explore new cities, cultures, and cuisines, with the added perk of travel and housing allowances from your employer.
What qualifications do you need for travel RN ICU jobs?
To become a travel RN ICU nurse, you typically need to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, although some employers may accept an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a diploma from an accredited nursing program. You’ll also need to be licensed as a registered nurse (RN) in the state where you plan to work, and have at least one year of experience working in an ICU setting. Some employers may require additional certifications or training, such as Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
Where can you find travel RN ICU jobs?
There are several ways to find travel RN ICU jobs. Firstly, you can search online job boards and websites that specialize in travel nursing jobs, such as TravelNurseSource.com, NurseFly.com, or Indeed.com. Many hospitals and healthcare facilities also have job listings on their websites, or you can contact travel nurse staffing agencies that will help you find assignments that match your skills and preferences. It’s important to research the job opportunities thoroughly, compare the pay rates and benefits, and read reviews from other travel nurses to find the best fit for you.
How much do travel RN ICU nurses make?
Travel RN ICU nurses typically make more money than regular nursing positions. The exact pay rate will depend on factors such as your experience, location, and employer. According to Glassdoor, the average pay rate for a travel RN ICU nurse in the United States is around $84,000 per year. However, some positions may pay significantly more, especially in high-demand areas or during peak seasons. You’ll also receive additional benefits, such as travel and housing allowances, health insurance, and retirement savings.
What are the benefits of working with a travel nursing agency?
Working with a travel nursing agency can offer several benefits. These agencies specialize in matching nurses with travel assignments that fit their skills, preferences, and lifestyle. They handle the logistics of travel and housing arrangements, provide support and guidance throughout the assignment, and offer benefits and perks such as health insurance, 401(k) plans, and referral bonuses. They can also negotiate higher pay rates and offer bonuses for extending or completing assignments. Some of the top travel nursing agencies include Aya Healthcare, Medical Solutions, and Cross Country Nurses.
What are the challenges of travel RN ICU jobs?
While travel RN ICU jobs offer many benefits, they also come with some challenges. Firstly, you’ll need to be flexible and adaptable to different work environments, medical teams, and patient populations. You’ll need to be able to quickly learn new protocols, policies, and technologies, and be comfortable with a fast-paced and often stressful work environment. You’ll also need to be comfortable with moving frequently and living in different temporary housing arrangements, such as apartments, hotels, or even RVs. Finally, you’ll need to be a self-starter and able to manage your own schedule and finances, as travel nursing can sometimes have inconsistent or unpredictable work and pay schedules.
Conclusion
Travel RN ICU jobs offer a unique and exciting career path for experienced ICU nurses. You’ll have the opportunity to work in some of the best medical facilities across the country, gain valuable experience and skills, and explore new cities and cultures. Although these positions come with some challenges, working with a travel nursing agency and staying adaptable and flexible can help you overcome them. Ready to take the leap? Start your search for travel RN ICU jobs today!