Non-Bedside Travel Nursing Options

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| posted by Charity Crawford

With COVID-19 cases slowly but steadily decreasing across the U.S., it’s likely that we’ll see more nurses and healthcare professionals taking a much-needed and supremely deserved break. This may look like something as simple as taking a vacation, or it may mean that clinicians will be leaving their roles entirely due to stress and burnout. For others who may still want to stay within healthcare but perhaps take a break from the typical bedside roles, they may be looking for something “different.” That’s where non-bedside travel nursing options come into play.

You may not realize that it’s possible to do travel nursing outside of the traditional bedside roles. If this is something you’ve considered, or aren’t sure what your options are, then read on! This blog is for YOU.

Corrections

Hold up, don’t touch that dial! I know what you’re probably thinking – Isn’t Corrections nursing dangerous? Many of our travelers who accepted Corrections positions are surprised to learn that it’s actually a lot safer than their hospitals back home. Lots of precautions and security measures are taken to ensure the safety of the staff, including nurses and healthcare staff.

Better yet, the travelers who have worked in Corrections have noted that the workloads are often much easier than they were in their permanent jobs or other travel assignments. Most of them have extended their contracts, and some have even taken permanent positions in Correctional settings!

If you’re curious to find out more, check out a previous blog post we wrote about Corrections nursing and chat with your recruiter about what else is entailed with these assignments.

Clinics

Clinics are ideal settings for healthcare professionals who may already have a solid acute care background but may want a break from the fast-paced, often short-staffed units of inpatient settings. They may also crave a bit more of a “normal” work schedule with minimal weekend and holiday requirements.

Clinic roles can range from primary care clinics to IV therapy to flu clinics, and even telephone triage, research, and employee health type needs. Typically, the clinic will have a specialty of focus (neuro, cardio, transplant, urology, oncology, etc.) and your role will consist primarily of telephone triage and patient education.

One potential drawback of a clinic vs. hospital position is that the pay for clinic assignments tends to be less than hospital positions. But for many who need the break, the pay adjustment could be worth the other benefits that having a less stressful job provides.

Special Procedures

If you have ICU, ER, or PACU experience, a transition to Endoscopy/GI or special procedures may be the change of pace you’re looking for!

If you have at least 3 years of RN experience and proficiency with the following skills, there are clients willing to cross-train you as a traveler.

  • Conscious or moderate sedation experience (administering and recovering).
  • Procedural assist experience which may include emergent bedside scoping, sheath pulling, and performing TEEs.
  • IV experience (placement and monitoring).

Most commonly, we see these needs out of Seattle, WA and Atlanta, GA, but have seen them in other cities from time to time. These positions are typically day shifts, usually 40 hours per week, 8- or 10-hour shifts. They often do not require weekends or holidays.

Change can be exciting. However, communication is key here. Work with your recruiter and discuss your goals and plans with them. Hopefully, with some creativity and an understanding of your clinical background, they can help you find other fulfilling options you may not have considered.

Ready to Take a Break From Bedside?

Apply Today!

 

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Charity Crawford
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