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Introduction
Travel nurses offer a valuable service to healthcare facilities seeking to fill temporary staffing gaps. By hiring a travel nurse, facilities can maintain a high level of patient care and avoid burnout among their permanent staff. However, some facilities may be hesitant to host travel nurses due to concerns about logistics, costs, and finding the right candidate. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about hosting travel nurses and how to make the process as smooth as possible.
What is a Travel Nurse?
A travel nurse is a registered nurse who works on a contract basis for short-term assignments, typically lasting 13 weeks. They are licensed to work in multiple states and are often employed by staffing agencies that specialize in travel nursing. Travel nurses are highly skilled and adaptable, able to provide temporary coverage in a variety of specialties and settings.
Benefits of Hosting Travel Nurses
Hosting travel nurses offers many benefits for healthcare facilities, including:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Flexibility | Travel nurses can be hired on short notice to cover staffing shortages, seasonal demand, or special projects. |
| Cost Savings | Travel nurses are paid by their staffing agency, which covers their salary, benefits, and housing. This can save the facility money compared to hiring a full-time employee. |
| Expertise | Travel nurses are highly skilled and experienced, able to step in and provide quality patient care without a lengthy training period. |
| Reduced Burnout | By providing temporary relief to permanent staff, travel nurses can help reduce burnout and improve morale among the team. |
How to Host Travel Nurses
Hosting travel nurses requires some preparation and planning on the part of the healthcare facility. Here are some steps to follow:
Step 1: Determine your staffing needs.
Identify which departments or specialties are most in need of temporary coverage. Consider factors such as patient volume, vacations, and seasonal demand.
Step 2: Choose a staffing agency.
Research travel nursing staffing agencies to find one that fits your needs. Consider factors such as the agency’s reputation, the quality of their candidates, and their rates.
Step 3: Create a job description.
Work with the staffing agency to create a job description that outlines the position requirements, schedule, and compensation.
Step 4: Interview candidates.
The staffing agency will provide you with a list of qualified candidates. Conduct interviews to assess their skills, experience, and fit for your facility.
Step 5: Prepare for the arrival of the travel nurse.
Make arrangements for housing, orientation, and any necessary training or credentialing. Assign a preceptor or mentor to help the travel nurse acclimate to the facility.
FAQ
What are the requirements for becoming a travel nurse?
Travel nurses must be registered nurses with a current license to practice. They typically have at least one year of experience in their specialty and are willing to work in multiple locations. Some travel nursing agencies may require additional certifications, such as ACLS or PALS.
How much do travel nurses earn?
The salary for travel nurses varies depending on location, specialty, and experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for registered nurses was $75,330 as of May 2020. Travel nurses typically earn more than staff nurses due to their short-term contract assignments and the added cost of housing and travel.
Can travel nurses work internationally?
Yes, some travel nursing agencies offer international placement for travel nurses. However, there may be additional requirements such as language proficiency or visa sponsorship.
Conclusion
Hosting travel nurses can be a cost-effective and flexible solution for healthcare facilities seeking temporary staffing coverage. By following these steps and working with a reputable staffing agency, you can ensure a smooth and successful experience with travel nurses.