You have questions, we have pre-formatted answers.
Q. What is a travel nurse/healthcare professional? What exactly do they do?
Because of nursing shortages and growth in the healthcare industry, medical travel is a popular alternative to a permanent position. Healthcare facilities work with staffing agencies to fill the voids left by staff shortages, temporary leave, patient demand, seasonality and other scenarios. Travelers are brought on to deal with those short-term needs, providing assistance for up to 13 weeks.
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Q. What are the minimum requirements for working as a traveling nurse or medical professional?
To be eligible for nursing and allied assignments, healthcare professionals must have graduated from an accredited healthcare program, hold a valid license or certification and provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States (social security card, passport or birth certificate). Most specialties require a minimum of two year’s of experience with the exception of rehab therapy positions–many are able to start upon graduation. Note, if you taken some time off from working in your specialty, you may need to get more recent experience to be attractive to many facilities.
Q. What are the pros and cons of being a travel nurse?
As a flexible traveler, you’ll make more than perm staff colleagues and, clearly, you’ll have an opportunity to see the world.
That said, there are obviously cons. For one, the process uproots you friend friends and family. Taking 13-week stints can make it hard to feel settled. On top of that, facilities are more concerned with keeping their perm staff satisfied (rightly so), meaning you might (probably) will get some less favorable shifts.
We’ve written about this topic at length on our blog. You can explore the cons at length there.
Q. How do I become a travel nurse/medical professional? What are the steps?
Any healthcare professional, with a degree in your specialty, is eligible for a medical travel assignment. You will need to reach out to a medical staffing agency, who will administer an application to qualify you as a candidate and connect you with available assignments. Once your assignment is secured, your recruiter will assist in everything from short-term housing to pay / benefits to support while on assignment.
Q. Does Triage hire new graduates?
While most specialties require 2 years of experience prior to travel assignments, many rehab therapy positions can be started immediately following graduation.
Q. Can travel nurses work part time?
Most contracts require a traveler work at least 36 hours. That said, you choose how often you take contracts. So you are likely working full-time but you have flexibility in when and how often you take an assignment.
Q. Can I be a travel nurse or allied traveler in my own state?
Of course! While most assume you must “travel” to take an assignment, you can accept one close to home. Your recruiter can share details in how the distance between your assignment location and permanent residence may impact your compensation package from a tax perspective.
Q. Can travel nurses and allied travelers work internationally?
Medical travelers can work outside the country. There will be specific certifications, just like in the US. While Triage does not place travelers internationally, our friends at WorldWide Health do.
Q. Does Triage sponsor visas for international healthcare professionals?
Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visas at this time.
Q. How long can a travel nurse stay in one place?
Contract lengths are usually 13 weeks. There are sometimes shorter options, as few as 4 weeks. Rarely contracts may be offered for up to 32 weeks.
That said, you can always stay longer. You may seek an extension, sign another contract or just take a week to vacation in the city after your contract is complete.
Q. What places can I travel with Triage?
Triage regularly has positions in all 50 states. If you have a place you would like to go, work with a recruiter and we’ll help you find a position that suits your needs.
Q. Can I travel with my spouse, family or pet?
Definitely! You will have to consider what kind of housing you’re able to secure, but we have many travelers that bring their friends or family along on their assignment.
Q. How long is the application and interview process?
Applications can take as little as a week, but in general, you should plan for at least 6-8 weeks in advance before starting a new assignment.
Q. How do I travel to my assignment location?
Transportation comes down to traveler preference. You can drive, fly or use public transportation. It also depends on whether or not you would like a personal vehicle on location.
Q. Who would be my employer? Triage or the facility?
In an assignment contract agreement, you are working on behalf of the medical staffing agency, not the organization you are assigned to for the duration of your 13-week assignment.
Q. Do you offer a bonus for referring other healthcare travelers?
Absolutely! We offer $750 for every healthcare professional referral who takes an assignment.
Q. How to find housing as a healthcare traveler?
Your recruiter can assist you in your housing search. You’ll want to find lodging close to your assignment facility, in a decent neighborhood and with necessary amenities. Triage has an extensive database and network of housing options to fit your needs.
Q. What happens after my assignment is complete?
Ultimately, that is entirely up to you. Obviously, we’d love to help you find another assignment, but you are free to do as you please. If you’d like to make a lucrative career out of being a traveler, regular contact with your recruiter will ensure you can have another assignment lined up upon completion of an assignment.