As a registered nurse, there are many career paths you can take. One of the most exciting and rewarding options is to become a pediatric travel RN. This allows you to work with children in different parts of the country or even the world, while also earning a great salary, learning new skills, and building your resume. If you’re considering a career as a pediatric travel RN, here’s what you need to know.
What is a Pediatric Travel RN?
A pediatric travel RN is a registered nurse who specializes in working with children and travels to different locations to provide care. These locations can include hospitals, clinics, schools, and even private homes. As a travel RN, you will work with different healthcare teams and adapt to different environments, which can be both challenging and rewarding.
What Are the Requirements to Become a Pediatric Travel RN?
In order to become a pediatric travel RN, you must first become a registered nurse. This requires a nursing degree from an accredited program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. You should also have experience working with children, either through a pediatric nursing job or through clinical rotations during your nursing education. Additionally, you must be willing to travel and be flexible with your schedule.
What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Pediatric Travel RN?
There are many benefits to becoming a pediatric travel RN, including:
- The opportunity to travel and see new parts of the country or world
- A higher salary and additional benefits, such as housing allowances and travel reimbursements
- The chance to gain new skills and experience working in different healthcare environments
- The ability to build your resume and advance your career
- The satisfaction of helping children and their families in need
What Are the Challenges of Becoming a Pediatric Travel RN?
While there are many benefits to becoming a pediatric travel RN, there are also some challenges to consider, such as:
- The need to be flexible and adapt quickly to new environments
- The potential for long hours and a heavy workload
- The possibility of being away from home and loved ones for extended periods of time
- The need to maintain licensure in multiple states, which can be time-consuming and expensive
How Do I Find Job Opportunities as a Pediatric Travel RN?
There are many resources available to help you find job opportunities as a pediatric travel RN. Some options include:
- Travel nursing agencies, which can match you with assignments based on your skills and preferences
- Online job boards, which list available travel nursing positions
- Networking with other healthcare professionals, who may be able to refer you to job openings
- Contacting healthcare facilities directly, to inquire about travel nursing positions that may be available
How Do I Prepare for a Job as a Pediatric Travel RN?
Before starting a job as a pediatric travel RN, there are several things you can do to prepare, including:
- Researching the locations where you will be working, to familiarize yourself with the area and its culture
- Packing appropriately for your travels, including any necessary equipment or uniforms
- Completing any required training or certifications, such as BLS or PALS
- Organizing your finances and paperwork, including your nursing license and any necessary visas or work permits
Conclusion
Becoming a pediatric travel RN can be an exciting and rewarding career choice, offering the chance to travel, work with children, and gain new skills and experience. However, it is important to understand the challenges and prepare accordingly, in order to make the most of this unique opportunity.