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If you’re looking for a career in healthcare that allows you to travel and explore different parts of the country, becoming a regional travel nurse may be just what you need. As a regional travel nurse, you get to work in various healthcare facilities across different states, providing care to patients in need.
But what exactly does being a regional travel nurse entail? How do you become one? And what are the benefits and drawbacks of this type of job? Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to regional travel nursing and find out.
What Is a Regional Travel Nurse?
A regional travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who works on a temporary basis in different regions of the United States. These nurses are typically employed by staffing agencies that specialize in providing healthcare facilities with temporary nursing staff as needed. Regional travel nurses may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and more.
While travel nursing in general has been around for decades, regional travel nursing has become more popular in recent years as healthcare facilities seek to fill temporary staffing needs in specific regions of the country. Regional travel nurses may work in a particular state or group of states, such as the Northeast or the Midwest.
How Do You Become a Regional Travel Nurse?
Becoming a regional travel nurse requires a few key steps:
Step 1: Become a Registered Nurse
The first step to becoming a regional travel nurse is to become a registered nurse (RN). You can do this by earning a nursing degree from an accredited nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
Step 2: Gain Experience
Most healthcare facilities require travel nurses to have at least one year of experience in their specialty area. This means that you’ll need to gain experience as an RN first, either by working in a hospital or other healthcare setting.
Step 3: Research Staffing Agencies
Once you have the necessary experience, you can begin researching staffing agencies that specialize in placing regional travel nurses. Look for agencies that have a good reputation and offer competitive pay and benefits.
Step 4: Apply and Interview
Once you find an agency that you’re interested in, you’ll need to submit an application and go through an interview process. This may involve an initial phone or video interview, followed by an in-person interview at the agency’s office or at a healthcare facility where you’ll be working.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Being a Regional Travel Nurse?
Just like any other job, there are both pros and cons to being a regional travel nurse. Here are some of the key benefits and drawbacks:
Pros:
- Flexibility: Regional travel nurses have a lot of flexibility in terms of where and when they work.
- Travel Opportunities: As a regional travel nurse, you’ll get to see and experience different parts of the country.
- Competitive Pay and Benefits: Travel nursing agencies typically offer competitive pay and benefits packages to their nurses.
- Professional Growth: Travel nursing allows you to gain experience in different healthcare settings and become a more well-rounded nurse.
Cons:
- Transitions: Moving from one facility to another can be stressful and require a lot of adjustment.
- Short-Term Contracts: Regional travel nursing contracts typically last between 8 and 26 weeks, which may not be long enough for some nurses.
- Travel Expenses: While travel nursing agencies often cover travel expenses, there may be some costs that you’ll need to pay out of pocket.
- Unfamiliar Settings: Working in different healthcare settings can be challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with the facility’s policies and procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What specialties do regional travel nurses work in? | Regional travel nurses may work in a variety of specialties, such as critical care, emergency room, medical-surgical, and more. |
| Do regional travel nurses need to be licensed in each state they work in? | Yes, regional travel nurses need to be licensed in each state where they’ll be working. |
| How much do regional travel nurses make? | Regional travel nurses typically earn more than staff nurses, and their pay varies depending on factors such as their specialty, location, and experience. |
| Do regional travel nurses receive benefits? | Yes, most travel nursing agencies offer benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and housing assistance. |
| Can regional travel nurses bring their families with them? | Yes, many travel nursing agencies offer family-friendly housing options for their nurses. |
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a career in healthcare that allows you to see new places and gain valuable experience, becoming a regional travel nurse may be just what you need. While there are some challenges to this type of job, the benefits can be significant, from competitive pay to professional growth opportunities. If you’re interested in becoming a regional travel nurse, take the time to research different staffing agencies and prepare yourself for the interview process. With hard work and dedication, you may just find your dream job as a regional travel nurse.