New travel nurses can sometimes experience a deluge of emotions when it comes to moving across the country, working at different hospitals, and not knowing people in a new city. They’re all things I’m sure to have run through each nurses mind as they think about the possibility of starting this adventure. These factors are not to be discounted. However, I can almost guarantee that it’s going to be worth it. Travel nurses will likely tell anyone interested in the experience, “You just need to do it.” The first of 10 travel nursing tips is: jump into it. Sign up, and start the process today.
New travel nurses: know you’re not the first to do it. Other experienced travel nurses have paved the way and we’ve learned so much from them. I can admit, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing when I first applied with a travel nurse company. That’s why I’m going to share with you my favorite travel nursing tips. These tricks to ease this process and make this a seamless transition from staff to travel nurse.
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Nursing Forms
This is the first task to help make this transition a breeze. Compile all Nursing Forms—scan and save them in Google Drive or on the computer desktop so they can be accessed from anywhere and sent at a moment’s notice. This step alone will make the transition much easier and also help with staying organized in the chance documents get misplaced during frequent moves. This is the starter pack of things each new travel nurse will want to have saved and ready to go.
Updated Resume
Letters of Reference/Recommendation
Health Records Immunizations, Flu Shot, TB, Physical, Titers, Blood Tests, Fit Mask Tests, PPDs.
Certifications Front and back of signed cards scanned and/or pictures of them to be sent digitally.
Nursing License(s)
Drivers License
Passport
Social Security Card
Receipts for reimbursement
College/University Diploma(s)
Skills checklist Typically travel nurses need a skills checklist filled out for each specialty that is relevant to the job the nurse is being submitted to. Not all companies/agencies give out a copy, but it’s definitely worth asking for one to have for the next time around.
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Fingerprint cards
Travel nurses need to have fingerprinting done when applying for new nursing licenses in other states. This can be completed at a local police department. The sooner the better on this one. Some licenses take several weeks to obtain. Don’t forget to ask for extra copies of fingerprint cards, keep the board of nursing portion blank so the fingerprints can be sent to other states requiring fingerprinting. Doing this will save time and avoid having to repeat this step when applying for a nursing licensure in a different state.
With Airbnb, finding furnished housing can be a breeze. Most travel nursing contracts are 13 weeks (3 months)—don’t be afraid to negotiate a price. This is a huge relief for the Airbnb Host to have the place consistently booked. Saving the host from the headache of turning over a place more frequently deserves a discount! Use this as leverage to get the price you want. This is one of the travel nursing tips I’m most proud of. It’s always worth asking. Most of the time the host will send a better rate. Don’t forget to book the stay through the delta.com/airbnb site. Gain bonus Delta SkyMiles® for a three-month stay.
Pull out the calendar—calculate a 13-week assignment from the anticipated start date. Ask for dates off during the telephone interview with the hospital. Often managers will ask if there are any requested dates off. It’s best to have an idea of what dates you need off at that time.
Remember— if it’s not in the contract, you don’t have any guaranteed days off.
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Record Keeping
Great record keeping is going to help immensely when it comes time for tax season. Extra deductions can be taken. Therefore, it’s beneficial to have records ready and updated to avoid the struggle to calculate them from several months back. A mileage log can be easily obtained with several different apps, but at the very least note the mileage on the odometer when beginning travel nursing. Servicing the car before starting traveling is a good idea to make sure the vehicle is tuned up and ready for a long drive. Additionally, the odometer reading will be on the service record. Keep track of trips taken home while on assignment and the number of days spent at home. These records will be necessary in the event of being audited by the IRS. Keep receipts from hotel stays to and from each assignment. Have a record of housing costs during the assignment. Finally, save extra copies of nursing contracts—travel companies don’t keep records of them so it’s best to save them as soon as they are signed.
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AAA
Travel with peace of mind. Invest in an AAA card. An inexpensive way to have someone to call when life happens, whether that’s a flat tire, running out of gas, needing a jump start or whatever situation that may arise. This a wonderful way to have someone to count on while on an assignment.
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ZocDoc
Sometimes travelers need to find a doctor while on an assignment. Save the hassle and check out www.zocdoc.com to help find a provider in the new assignment area. Plug in the type of health insurance on the site to see which providers are in-network. Filter by specialist, gender, or by available appointments.
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Pets
You might face some challenges when traveling with pets. Make sure you have updated record of rabies and other shots. Many housing locations, pet daycares, and animal walkers will require proof of these documents. Consider switching to Banfield Pet Hospitals, located at most Pet Smarts. It’s a great way to have an EHR for pets and each new veterinarian will be able to see the animal’s history. Lastly, don’t forget to stock up on treats, food, and other supplies that may be need for the cross-country journey.
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Roth IRA Account
When deciding to start a career as a travel nurse it’s a good idea to continue to contribute to a retirement account in the case the travel company doesn’t offer a retirement plan. While some companies offer a 401K with matching, a Roth IRA account is a great way to contribute toward retirement. A maximum contribution of $5500/year ($458/month) is a great goal to work toward. Set up automatic deductions to make it easy to contribute without thinking about it. Start saving now, you can thank your younger self later.
- Remember it’s all worth it!
Madison M. Sackett, MSN, RN, Travel Nurse