If you’re a nurse looking for adventure, consider long-term care travel nursing. This growing field combines the stability of long-term care nursing with the excitement of travel. You’ll get to work in different regions of the country and even different countries, all while helping patients in need. In this article, we’ll explore what long-term care travel nursing is, what to expect, and how to get started.
What is Long-Term Care Travel Nursing?
Long-term care travel nursing is a type of nursing job that involves working in long-term care facilities across different regions of the country or even in different countries. These travel nurses typically work on a temporary or contract basis, meaning they provide care for a set period of time before moving on to a new location.
Long-term care travel nurses perform many of the same duties as traditional long-term care nurses, such as administering medications, managing patient care plans, and monitoring vital signs. However, they must also be comfortable with adapting to new environments, building relationships with patients quickly, and working independently.
Requirements for Long-Term Care Travel Nursing
To become a long-term care travel nurse, you must first have a nursing degree and be licensed in the state where you’ll be working. You should also have experience working in a long-term care facility or a similar setting, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
In addition, many travel nursing agencies require certain certifications, such as Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). These certifications can be obtained through your nursing program or through additional training.
Finally, you’ll need to be comfortable with traveling and working in unfamiliar environments. This means being able to adapt quickly to new surroundings, building relationships with patients and staff members, and being able to work independently.
What to Expect in Long-Term Care Travel Nursing
Long-term care travel nursing can be a rewarding and exciting career choice, but it’s important to know what to expect before you get started. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- You’ll be working in different locations: As a travel nurse, you’ll be moving from one long-term care facility to another, often in different regions of the country or even different countries.
- You’ll need to be adaptable: Each new location will come with its own unique challenges and patient populations. You’ll need to be able to adapt quickly to new environments and build relationships with patients and staff members.
- You’ll have a lot of autonomy: Long-term care travel nurses often work independently and are responsible for managing their own patient caseloads. This means you’ll need to be comfortable with making decisions on your own.
- You’ll have access to many benefits: Travel nursing agencies often offer competitive pay, travel reimbursements, housing allowances, and other benefits to attract top talent. You’ll also have the opportunity to build your resume and gain valuable experience in different settings.
How to Get Started in Long-Term Care Travel Nursing
If you’re interested in becoming a long-term care travel nurse, here’s how to get started:
- Research travel nursing agencies: There are many travel nursing agencies that specialize in long-term care placements. Research the different agencies and find one that fits your needs.
- Review the job requirements: Make sure you meet the job requirements, including licensing, certifications, and experience.
- Submit your application: Once you find an agency that fits your needs, submit your application and resume.
- Interview with the agency: If your application is approved, you’ll be invited to interview with the agency. This is your chance to ask questions and learn more about the job.
- Accept the assignment: If you’re offered a position, review the contract and accept the assignment.
FAQ
Q: How long do long-term care travel nursing assignments typically last? | A: Assignments can vary in length, but they usually last between 8 and 26 weeks. |
Q: Do travel nursing agencies provide housing? | A: Many agencies offer housing allowances or provide free housing for their travel nurses. |
Q: How much do long-term care travel nurses typically earn? | A: Pay can vary depending on the agency and location, but many travel nurses earn competitive salaries and may also receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. |
Q: Can I bring my family with me on long-term care travel nursing assignments? | A: Some travel nursing agencies allow family members to travel with their nurses, while others do not. Check with the agency before accepting an assignment. |
Conclusion
Long-term care travel nursing can be an exciting and rewarding career choice for nurses who enjoy travel and adventure. With the right qualifications and a sense of adventure, you can become a travel nurse and help patients in need across the country or even around the world.