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Travel nursing, especially in the long term care setting, offers a unique opportunity for nurses to grow their professional experience, earn competitive wages and benefits, and explore different parts of the country. However, it also presents challenges and responsibilities that require preparation, adaptability, and communication skills.
What is long term care nursing?
Long term care nursing refers to the care of patients who require ongoing medical supervision and assistance with daily living activities due to chronic conditions, disabilities, or advanced age. These patients may live in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or private residences with home health services.
What is travel nursing?
Travel nursing is a temporary staffing solution for healthcare facilities that need to fill short-term vacancies or seasonal demand for nurses. Travel nurses work with staffing agencies to find job assignments that typically last from 8 to 13 weeks, with the option to renew or extend the contract.
What are the benefits of travel nursing in long term care?
Travel nursing in long term care offers several advantages for nurses, including:
| Benefits | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Higher pay rates | Travel nurses can earn more than permanent staff due to their short-term commitment and specialized skills. |
| Flexible schedule | Travel nurses have the option to choose their assignments and locations based on their availability, preferences, and skills. |
| Professional growth | Travel nursing exposes nurses to diverse patient populations, healthcare settings, and best practices that enhance their clinical skills and career prospects. |
| Travel opportunities | Travel nursing allows nurses to explore new cities, states, and cultures while pursuing their passion for nursing. |
| Bonuses and incentives | Travel nurses may receive bonuses, referral rewards, or other incentives for their exceptional performance and reliability. |
What are the challenges of travel nursing in long term care?
Travel nursing in long term care also presents some challenges that nurses should be aware of and prepared for:
- Adjusting to different organizational cultures, policies, and technologies
- Working with unfamiliar colleagues, patients, and families
- Navigating complex documentation requirements and medication regimes
- Providing continuity of care and building trust with patients despite the short-term nature of the assignment
- Managing personal life and finances while being away from home and family
What are the responsibilities of travel nurses in long term care?
Travel nurses in long term care have the same core responsibilities as permanent staff, but they also need to:
- Understand and comply with the policies, laws, and regulations of each state and facility they work in
- Communicate effectively with the facility leadership, clinical team, and patients and families to ensure quality care and continuity of care
- Provide clear, accurate, and timely documentation of their assessments, interventions, and outcomes to support the care plan and reimbursement process
- Adapt to different electronic health record systems and other technologies used by the facility
- Participate in orientation, training, and continuing education to enhance their knowledge, skills, and competence in long term care nursing
How to become a travel nurse in long term care?
To become a travel nurse in long term care, you need to:
- Graduate from an accredited nursing program and obtain a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) license
- Gain at least one year of experience in long term care nursing or a related field
- Apply to a reputable travel nursing agency and submit your resume, references, and credentials
- Complete the agency’s screening and assessment process, including a background check, drug test, and skills evaluation
- Select and accept job assignments based on your preferences, availability, and eligibility
- Follow the agency’s policies, guidelines, and expectations for professional conduct, communication, and performance
What are the best travel nursing agencies for long term care?
There are numerous travel nursing agencies that offer positions in long term care facilities across the United States. Some of the top-rated agencies based on nurse feedback, job availability, pay rates, and benefits are:
- American Mobile
- Medical Solutions
- FlexCare Medical Staffing
- Advantage RN
- Travel Nurse Across America
- NurseFly
Conclusion
Travel nursing in long term care can be a rewarding and challenging career path for nurses who have a passion for helping patients and exploring new horizons. By understanding the benefits, challenges, and responsibilities of this specialty, nurses can make informed decisions about their career goals and take advantage of the opportunities available to them.