A traveling nurse takes temporary nursing assignments in facilities across the United States. These assignments range from eight to 26 weeks in duration, with the average being 13 weeks.
Excellent preparation roles for traveling nurses include staff positions [usually in critical care settings], cruise ship or resort positions, teaching hospitals, rural settings and Native American reservations.
The travel nurse can work in a new place every few months. Travel nurses often work in exciting cities in top facilities and earn top pay rates. Expenses are paid by the travel companies, including housing, health insurance and travel reimbursement. It may be difficult to relocate every few months, but part of the travel company's responsibility is to ensure a smooth and complete transition for their traveler.
Travel nurses should have a good clinical foundation. A critical care background is helpful. A travel nurse should be flexible, adaptable, able to make friends easily and get along with all types of people. Educational requirements vary, although most travelers are registered nurses.
Travel nurses are employed by traveling healthcare companies.
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