New RN Travel Nursing Advice

Congratulations are in order! After many years of learning, countless exams and hands-on patient care, you’ve transitioned from a diligent nursing student to a proud Registered Nurse (RN). Beyond the accomplishment of passing the NCLEX lies a world of opportunities, with many nurses setting their sights on the field of travel nursing. However, the journey from a new RN to a seasoned travel nurse involves several steps. Here is some New RN Travel Nursing Advice from our Clinical Liaison, Betty Ericson.

Building a Strong Foundation

The first and often most challenging hurdle to accept is time. In order to have a successful (and safe) travel career, one must first gain experience. These first couple of years are not just about clocking in hours, but about deepening your understanding of bedside care and honing your skills. While some agencies might place nurses with minimal experience in travel assignments, most hospitals require at least one to two years of experience for travel nurses. When an agency accepts a nurse with little to no experience and places them at a hospital or facility, red warning flags should be waving.

As much as you might want to jump into travel nursing, it’s best to be comfortable with your skill sets. When opportunities present themselves, immerse yourself in different scenarios during your shifts that you can quickly work through and learn how to navigate with ease.

What to Expect from Nurse Residency Programs

Engaging in nurse residency programs or internships can be particularly beneficial. These programs offer a structured transition from academia to practice, allowing you to explore various specialties and find your niche. Nurse Residency programs are designed to ease new graduates into the clinical setting, providing a supportive environment to refine assessment skills and build confidence.

Nursing has such a widespread scope of practice that programs like these give nurses a chance to experience different departments and narrow down the often-overwhelming choice of where to take their career.

The Importance of Certifications and Continuing Education

Pursuing certifications in your chosen specialty, such as Critical Care Nurse (CCRN), Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN), Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN) is crucial. Not only do these certifications build on your knowledge and skill set, but they also boost your confidence.

In the hospital setting, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications may be required based on your specialty. Hospitals often support nurses in preparing for these exams through classes and reimbursements, making it easier to achieve these credentials.

You may want to consider obtaining advanced certifications, such as Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN), Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN), or Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN). While these specialized certifications may not be required as a travel nurse, they do help your travel nursing profile stand out and may grant you better chances of being selected for positions. Obtaining these certifications will also provide you with added benefits of strengthening your knowledge base and skill set, and boosting your confidence.

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

A key aspect of preparing for travel nursing is the willingness to float to different units. This experience is invaluable, as travel nurses are often expected to adapt quickly to new settings with minimal orientation.

Learning how to roll with the punches while working in a health system you are familiar with will give you invaluable experience, communicate effectively, and manage challenges confidently, which will set the foundation for a successful travel nursing career.

Why Axis Medical Stands Out

When you’re ready to explore travel nursing, choosing the right agency is key. Axis Medical distinguishes itself by prioritizing the needs and goals of its nurses.

Whether you’re looking to gain experience in renowned hospitals, stay close to home, explore new cities or work towards financial goals, Axis is committed to understanding your motivations and ensuring your success in travel nursing. With a supportive team behind you, Axis Medical makes the transition to travel nursing easy, allowing you to focus on advancing your career.

From the very first phone conversation to the last day of your assignment (and beyond), you will have a team behind you every step of the way to make the process seamless. Your success is our success, so take the time to get your experience and take advantage of any educational opportunities the hospital has to offer. Travel nursing is competitive, so do your part to stand out and let Axis do the rest.

Apply with Axis Medical Today!