Timing is everything, especially when it comes to finding allied or travel nursing jobs. But start your job search too early and you’ll waste your time because facilities will want you to start ASAP. Wait too long and you’ll be left without work for some time.
When to Look for a Healthcare Travel Job When You Need a License
If you’re a nurse from a compact state, you’ve got better options when it comes to finding travel nurse jobs. If you’re from a compact state, you can go to any other compact state without worrying about an additional nursing license. This helps reduce the time needed to find a new contract, since you don’t have to stress about getting a temporary or full license before your contract begins. This then means you can give yourself a shorter window when it comes to finding a travel job. Currently nearly 40 states are a part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact agreement.
If you’re not currently licensed in a compact state, you’ll need to do a little research before accepting travel nursing jobs in locations that aren’t in your home state. Each state has its own requirements and timeframe it takes to get a license. Triage has a list of each state’s Board of Nursing and nurse licensure applications and fees by state that you can use to apply for a license. Visit each state’s Board of Nursing to find specifics on how long a license can take to be approved, then add on four to six weeks to be safe.
When to Look for a Healthcare Travel Job When You Have a Specific Start Date
Want to start your new job at a specific time? It’s a good idea to start looking for a job about seven weeks before you want to start. This gives you enough time for your recruiter to understand where you want to go and submit you for the jobs in that area. Starting your search this early also allows you to get through the compliance process in more than enough time to get your First Day Instructions so you won’t have to worry about anything before you move to your new location.
When to Look for a Healthcare Travel Job After a Vacation
If you’re coming back after a common vacation time, such as after the winter holidays or in the fall, give yourself even more time. Many recruiters are swamped during these time frames because a large number of travelers are all looking to get back into the swing of things after taking some time off. So if you’re planning to start during popular seasons, give your recruiter a few extra weeks of heads up and start about eight weeks before you want to start working.
If you’re looking for allied or travel nursing jobs, let a #TeamTriage recruiter help. With thousands of open positions across the country, we’re confident we can get you where you want to go.