Healthcare professionals often choose to become travel nurses to explore new places, gain valuable experience, and earn money while doing what they love. One of the popular options for travel nurses is to work as an internal travel nurse for a large healthcare system like Atrium Health. This model offers multiple benefits, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of being an Atrium Health internal travel nurse.
What is Atrium Health?
Atrium Health is a nonprofit health system based in Charlotte, North Carolina. It operates 42 hospitals and 900 care locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The system employs over 70,000 people, including more than 2,500 physicians and advanced practice providers. Atrium Health offers a broad range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialty care, cancer care, and behavioral health.
What is an Atrium Health Internal Travel Nurse?
An Atrium Health internal travel nurse is a registered nurse who works for Atrium Health and is assigned to different Atrium Health facilities based on their staffing needs. Unlike traditional travel nursing, where nurses work for an agency and are contracted out to different hospitals, internal travel nurses are permanent employees of the health system. They receive similar benefits and job security as other Atrium Health nurses, but they are expected to work in multiple facilities within the system.
The Pros of being an Atrium Health Internal Travel Nurse
Job Security
One of the most significant advantages of being an Atrium Health internal travel nurse is job security. Unlike traditional travel nursing, where nurses work for an agency and are contracted out to different hospitals, internal travel nurses are permanent employees of the health system. They receive similar benefits and job security as other Atrium Health nurses, but they are expected to work in multiple facilities within the system.
Familiarity with Facilities and Staff
Since Atrium Health internal travel nurses work for the same health system, they have the opportunity to become familiar with different facilities and staff. This familiarity can help them adapt to new work environments more quickly and feel more confident in their jobs. It can also lead to better patient care, as nurses are better able to understand the resources available in each facility.
Opportunities for Career Growth
Working as an Atrium Health internal travel nurse can provide opportunities for career growth within the health system. Nurses can gain valuable experience in different clinical settings and build relationships with different healthcare professionals. They may also be able to take on leadership roles within the health system, such as becoming a charge nurse or taking on a management position.
The Cons of being an Atrium Health Internal Travel Nurse
Working in Different Facilities
One of the challenges of being an Atrium Health internal travel nurse is the need to work in different facilities. While this can be an advantage for some nurses, others may find it difficult to adapt to new work environments and establish relationships with new staff members. It can also be challenging to keep up with different policies and procedures at each facility.
Travel and Relocation
Internal travel nurses are expected to travel between different Atrium Health facilities, which can require significant time and expense. They may also be required to relocate for extended periods if there is a staffing need in another area. This can be a challenge for nurses who prefer to work in a specific location or have family commitments.
Less Control over Assignments
As an Atrium Health internal travel nurse, you have less control over where you are assigned to work than if you were a traditional travel nurse. While you can express preferences for certain facilities or areas, you may be required to work in different locations based on the health system’s staffing needs. This lack of control can be frustrating for some nurses.
FAQs
1. What are the benefits of being an Atrium Health internal travel nurse? | Atrium Health internal travel nurses receive job security, familiarity with different facilities and staff, and opportunities for career growth within the health system. |
2. What are the challenges of being an Atrium Health internal travel nurse? | Atrium Health internal travel nurses face the challenges of working in different facilities, travel and relocation, and less control over their assignments. |
3. How do I become an Atrium Health internal travel nurse? | You can apply for internal travel nursing jobs at Atrium Health through their career website or through a staffing agency that works with the health system. |
4. What are the qualifications for becoming an Atrium Health internal travel nurse? | Qualifications for internal travel nursing positions at Atrium Health vary depending on the specific job, but generally require a registered nursing license and some prior experience. |
Conclusion
Working as an Atrium Health internal travel nurse can be a rewarding and challenging experience. Nurses who are interested in this opportunity should carefully consider the pros and cons and their own personal preferences before committing to a job.