To be successful in the field of travel nursing there are several characteristics that are particularly useful. Having a love for traveling is the most important aspect of this career. Although a traveling nurse is not constantly on the go, they do relocate multiple times per year. It is important for these nurses to value the experience and journey of their job rather than the destination. Because of this, travel nurses must have a passion for experiencing new places, new people, and new lifestyles. If you are a person who is always on-the-go, this career could work wonders for your quality of life and increase your everyday enjoyment.

It is also very important for traveling nurses to maintain a flexible outlook. Usually a very outgoing person makes a great travel nurse because they tend to adapt well to different scenarios, and easily make lasting connections with others. A love of learning is another beneficial characteristic for traveling nurses.  Keeping up with medical advances and technology can be considered close to impossible. Those who take a travel nursing job are able to keep up more than those who do not. Re-locating to new cities and facilities helps engage the nurse with the newest and most innovative technologies. If some of these characteristics express who you are, a career in travel nursing may be right up your alley! Visit TravelNurseSource.com to learn more about available opportunities!

Travel nursing provides the opportunity for a variety of interesting and unique experiences. Due to the nature of a travel nursing job, working as a travel nurse allows for the exploration of various cities and states. During this exciting time of travel, nurses are able to experience assorted lifestyles all around the United States.

It is seldom that a job allows you to meet people of all walks of life, but with a travel nursing career it is inevitable.  Meeting people with different perspectives and ideals can help you develop into a stronger person and challenge your predetermined opinions and thoughts. These encounters tend to promote self-growth. These journeys are memories that should be cherished.

One way to ensure that your travels are preserved is by journaling. Keeping a diary of the experiences you have can help you think back on what you do and do not enjoy doing. There are advantages to journaling about both positive and negative experiences.

Sometimes keeping a diary can be a good way to blow off steam after a stressful workday. Writing can be very therapeutic in the way that it allows for emotions to be released and welcomes critical thinking. Using this as an outlet can be helpful for anyone and everyone.

Not only is it important to take advantage of keeping track of your thoughts and feelings regarding your career, but it is also good to journal of your experiences outside of the workplace. Logging information about the different people you meet and places you visit is a truly wonderful way to reflect on your travels. It can be a good way to keep track of accomplishments, travels, hopes, and dreams.

The nurses who are placed through travel nurse companies have reported that keeping an accurate diary can make for a fun activity one day in the future. You may look back on your writings and remember things that you otherwise would not have.  Triggering fond memories can be a delightful way to spend a rainy Saturday afternoon somewhere down the road.

Travel nursing is a glorious way to expand one’s geographical horizons. This avenue of nursing allows for the luxury of selecting various locations across the country, and exploring them. One can temporarily hold employment in their specific, chosen locations throughout the nation. At the same time these nurses can benefit from the experience of residing in those selected areas of employment. Travel nursing careers are far superior to other occupations that require traveling. This is due to the sustained placements that nurse’s experience throughout their career. Traveling nurses do not solely attend meetings and workshops, but they are also given the opportunity to extensively discover new venues by residing in their chosen region of employment.

Many traveling nurses enjoy the challenges of conforming to and experiencing different cultures. As they travel across the country, nurses feel enriched because they are constantly meeting new people and catering to patients of all walks of life.

A diverse working environment allows for self-growth, as it helps one to develop a broader frame of mind. The education of a traveling nurse is one that is truly irreplaceable. Relocating enlightens them on cultural aspects of the country that they otherwise may have never stumbled upon. When changing locations, it is guaranteed that nurses will gain further insight and expertise than those who are stationary. Travel nursing jobs ensure multiple positions in the finest hospitals and health care facilities across the United States. By relocating, nurses broaden their techniques and practices by experiencing elite trainings that may have been unavailable elsewhere.

This experience is one that is invaluable and of high demand. A career in the field of travel nursing is a wonderful approach towards becoming worldly as well as maintaining job security and employment. With travel nursing careers you can have the best of both worlds.

TravelNurseSource.com has partnered with some of the finest travel nursing companies in the country. We can help you find a travel nurse job that lets you experience a city or state that has always been on your wish list. And you get paid for it!

By Julie Blanche – Guest Author

There has never been a better time in the history of man to get a nursing degree. Not only are there many career options for the nursing students of today but there are plenty of excellent career opportunities as well. Students sitting on the fence and struggling to decide whether an investment in a nursing career is one that will pay off should consider these 10 wonderful reasons that nursing is a good bet in education today and tomorrow.

1) Job Security

Right now there is a global nursing shortage. With population booms around the world and baby boomers aging rapidly those shortages look to become more profound in the next five to ten years. Early predications are that the shortage will nearly double in the next five years and more than triple in the next ten.

That’s just the shortage of nurses that is predicted. Even today there is a huge nursing shortage. More importantly though what this means for nursing students starting their educations today is that by the time they earn a four year degree the job market will be wide open and available to them.

2) Income Potential

Nurses on average start out at very attractive wage. LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses) have an average salary (at all career levels) of $33,500 per year, Staff RNs start on average at $37,000 per year, and Master Level RNs start at $49,700.

In an economy that seems to be shrinking by the hour these numbers are impressive and show many signs of growth as shortages become more acute. Keep in mind that these are just starting salaries also. Salaries tend to be much higher with three or more years of experience.

3) Choices and Options

A nursing degree opens the doors to a big wide world of career opportunities. There is so much more for a nurse to do than work in a hospital. That doesn’t mean that working in a hospital isn’t a noble calling. It’s just not the only game in town for degreed nurses.

Some of the career options that are available to nurses include home health care, volunteer opportunities, legal work, doctor’s office work, pediatric nursing, acute care nursing, surgical nursing, travel nursing…and the list goes on. The sky is the limit and nursing students can keep returning to school for additional training to become Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Anesthetists.

4) Flexibility

Most students don’t give this important career benefit enough serious consideration when selecting majors and deciding on a lifelong course of action or career. Nursing is one of the few careers that offers such a wide range of flexibility for work hours and work environment.

The huge nursing shortage has forced hospitals and medical centers to come up with creative incentives to make nursing a more attractive career opportunity. Some of the options include skipping benefits for additional wages, working 3 twelve-hour shifts or 4 ten-hour shifts per week instead of 5 eight-hour shifts, and working only weekend, only nights, or only swing shift hours for premium pay.

5) World Wide Demand

The nursing shortage isn’t limited to the United States. There is a world wide demand for nurses and a critical shortage of men and women that are qualified to provide safe medical care. Other countries like Canada, Australia, and the Philippines are in great need for nurses.

Students who have an interest in learning new languages (in some cases though many opportunities exist for English speaking nurses around the world as well) and seeing the world have an incredible opportunity to take their knowledge earn a substantial living almost anywhere in the world.

6) Multiple Degree Options

Perhaps one of the best things about a nursing education for students sitting on the fence is that there are different degree options that require a different amount of educational time and experience.

Students unsure who want a sneak peek at whether nursing is a good choice for them might want to consider the one year program that many community or junior colleges offer to become an LPN.

For those who are willing to invest a little more time and study higher income potentials and increased responsibilities are available to associate degree RNs. BSRNs (Registered Nurses who have a BS degree in nursing) have even greater income potential and are able to take on more administrative roles in medical care facilities.

There are also many opportunities to advance beyond the BS degree. The sky really is the limit for the nursing students of today.

7) Helping Others and Saving Lives

There are few reasons that go beyond the rewards of doing something that helps others. Nurses are on the front line when it comes to patient care in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and other medical facilities around the world.

Doctors may be the head of the operation in some cases but the nurses are the heart and soul. This is one of the few careers that really matters that also happens to allow people to earn a substantial income.

Attractive Benefits Packages

As the nursing shortage becomes more and more profound around the world medical facilities are beginning to offer more attractive benefits packages to nurses. These packages include flexible working hours, gym memberships, medical and dental insurance benefits, tuition reimbursement, continuing education opportunities, and additional comp or vacation time.

These benefits can add up and be fairly substantial. Since well over 80% of nurses are women the benefits that offer a more attractive life-work balance are very well received with women nurses with children or preparing to start families.

9) The Opportunity to Work for Worthy Causes

There are many opportunities and worthy causes available to Registered Nurses and nurses with advanced degrees and/or certifications. Not only do many charitable hospitals have a serious need for qualified and committed nurses but programs like Doctors without Borders are always in need of excellent professionals with a true call to help others around the world.

The rewards of opportunities like these go well beyond a paycheck and can literally change the lives of the nurses and other medical care providers they touch. Nursing students or potential students who really want to make a difference in the world and in the lives of people will be hard pressed to find a worthier career path.

10) Scholarships, Tuition Reimbursement, and Financial Aid

Perhaps one of the biggest benefits to struggling students when it comes to a nursing education is all the financial assistance that is available to nursing students. As the shortage becomes more and more widespread and severe these benefits will only improve.

Many hospitals offer a complete repayment of tuition for students who go to work for a slightly reduced rate of pay straight out of college. Others offer scholarships to nursing employees returning for advanced studies.

About the author:

Julie Blanche writes and blogs at her Nursing Blog.

If you’re just starting out on the road to becoming a nurse, or if you’re a registered nurse (RN) or licensed professional nurse (LPN) looking to advance your career with an advanced degree, there are hundreds of nursing programs from which to choose. And, with the nursing shortage reaching critical levels, more and more nursing schools are practically bending over backwards to accommodate your needs.

For example, if you’re a working RN looking to earn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree, you may want to look into the many online nursing programs most nursing schools and colleges that offer the BSN now offer. An online program will allow you to continue working as a nurse while earning your BSN. You’ll be able to take your classes at a time that is convenient for you, your family and any professional demands upon you. Many RN to BSN programs require that you do some work in a medical setting with a preceptor but, again, you’ll be able to perform this work while still on the job.

If you’ve just graduated from high school, check out the many colleges and universities that offer a four-year BSN program. Some of them have accelerated programs that will allow you to graduate with your degree in three years or so. You’ll then be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination, which will award you your RN designation.

If you’ve already graduated college and now are thinking of becoming a nurse, there are many accelerated nursing programs that will allow you to study to become a registered nurse in less than two years!

As you research nursing programs, you’ll want to find out if the school is accredited by the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), which accredits nursing programs at all levels (ASN, hospital diploma, BSN, MSN, etc.) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), which accredits nursing programs at the BSN or MSN level. Attending an accredited school is important because you will know that the program has passed a stringent set of requirements set by the accrediting bodies. You also will be eligible for federal financial aid programs if you attend an accredited school.

You’ll also want to see if you can sit in a class or two or, at the least, visit campus and speak with current students. You also may want to ask the school’s admission office if you could contact graduates of the program so that you can hear what they think of their alma mater.

Research your choice of nursing schools well. You are about to embark on a life-changing journey, so you need to be sure you will be receiving the best nursing education for you. After all, your patients will be counting on it.

Moving From an RN to a BSN

The medical profession is in a state of constant change. New information and technologies appear on almost a daily basis and the healthcare industry is having a difficult time staying in sync with all these advancements. RNs have been the backbone of the nursing industry for years, but the need for additional education to fill management and business roles has never been greater. Nurses who choose to enroll in online BSN programs are not only increasing their medical knowledge, they are immersing themselves in leadership training as well as a solid liberal arts education. A BSN opens new doors within the healthcare industry. Patients may not know the difference between an RN and a BSN, but in terms of educational advancement and employment opportunities there’s a huge difference.

In order to enroll in an online BSN program, a nurse needs an associate degree in nursing from an accredited National League of Nursing school and the nurse should have character references from reliable sources like work supervisors or teachers.

Is an online BSN or MSN worth it?

Nurses who work full time and have family responsibilities may find it hard to pursue a BSN or an MSN; there are only so many hours in a day, but the benefits of enrolling in a BSN or MSN program are well worth the inconvenience. The great part of online study is you do have flexibility in terms of time. A self-paced online program is designed for nurses who have family responsibilities and other personal commitments. The rewards of earning a BSN degree can increase dramatically if an RN is interested in business or management.

RNs certainly perform a great service and can enjoy a long-term career without thinking about a BSN, but for any nurse who is interested in a leadership position within the nursing profession a BSN is a must. Head nurses, assistant directors, directors and other management positions require a BSN. Nurses with a BSN can pursue a career in research, teaching and consulting, just to name a few. They can focus on business and manage a pharmaceutical company, a private clinic or an insurance company. Some nurses with a BSN degree manage home health clinics as well as other healthcare service related businesses. Nurses who earn a BSN degree increase career opportunities, which results in better benefits and compensation. It’s hard to put a price on the personal satisfaction a BSN or MSN degree gives every nurse who earns one.

What’s involved with online BSN programs?

Online programs can be self paced programs where the nurse studies at a pace that fits into an existing schedule or they can be structured like a traditional classroom where there is a specific start and end date. Most nurses like the self pace option for obvious reasons; time is a valuable commodity for everyone and flexibility is important tool in managing time.

The online classes are designed to be simple. A nurse logs on to the online study website with a password and then checks the latest posts that show lecture material for specific subject matter. Bulletin boards are available so the nurse can post questions and comments about the material and can interact with other nurses who are studying the same material. The instructor usually schedules a personal one-on-one chat session at certain times so each nurse is able to discuss issues and ask questions. There is a deadline established for the course work and when it’s complete it is sent to the instructor by email. The clinical work is done at local hospitals who host visiting instructors or have staff nurses who act as instructors. Most of the time a nurse can complete the clinical part of the course where they work.

Is it easy to find a BSN or MSN online program?

A recent study indicated that there are almost 700 RN to BSN programs online. There are hundreds of MSN programs as well. Most healthcare facilities offer some sort of tuition reimbursement for nurses who are pursuing advanced degrees, which is an additional incentive to further education credentials. When all the options are considered earning a BSN or a MSN is an excellent choice for an RN who wants to continue to advance in the research, business or management aspects of the healthcare industry.  For additional information on a nursing education online visit DegreeFinders.com, your online guide to a nursing job or travel nursing jobs.

By Terry McDermott

As is painfully obvious to members of the travel nursing industry, the demand for travel nurses has declined significantly. This downturn in demand is directly related to the current economic conditions which has forced many nurses back into the workforce and prompted many travel nurses to seek permanent positions. Consequently, there are less job openings and less need for travel nurses to fill gaps during the hiring process or during seasonal upswings.

This situation is a relief for hospital staffing administrators as the pool of available nursing candidates expands and openings are filled quickly and with high quality personnel. But the apparent easing of the ongoing nursing shortage could be a smokescreen that worsens the situation down the road.

According to an article in Modern Healthcare, more than a few healthcare executives are concerned that the current abundant pool of nurse candidates could present a false sense of security among administrators and send the wrong signal to those who aspire to a nursing career.

A quote from the Chief Nursing Officer of Providence Health & Services provides keen insight into the challenges facing healthcare employers.  Said Deborah Burton, CNO at Providence, “To those who don’t take the long view in workforce planning, it looks like everything is better—when, in fact, nothing could be further from the truth.”

The article cites numerous statistics that make it very clear that the current situation is better but the nursing shortage is far from being solved. In fact, the significant decline in job openings for nurses could have the effect of worsening the problem in the long run. Those nurses having difficulty finding a position could leave the profession and students hearing about the lack of opportunities may decide to pursue a different career. This could prove disastrous given the demographic trends in both the general and nursing populations.

The simple fact is that the baby boomers will be taxing the healthcare system as they age. And with the average age of an RN pushing 50 years old, it is not hard to project that patient census will be going up and the nursing population will be going down as more nurses hit retirement age.  If the current employment situation discourages students from pursuing a nursing career, there will be major challenges in the future.

I strongly encourage you to read this article in Modern Healthcare. Our feeling is that, even though it is more challenging finding travel nursing jobs right now, the nursing shortage has just been temporarily camouflaged and may be worse than ever when the economy turns around.

To quote Cynthia Kinnis, president of the healthcare staffing division at Clinical One, “Administrators who have been around for a long time will know that it always comes back with a vengeance.”

Bad news for healthcare administrators. Good news for travel nurses!  Pursue a career as a travel nurse and find your travel nursing job today!  Or take a minute to learn more about the nursing shortage.

http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20090518/SUB/905159977

Terry McDermott is VP of Marketing for Travel Nurse Source, a recruiting company for traveling nurses. Travel Nurse Source is affiliated with Allied Travel Careers, a recruiting company for traveling physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists. For more information on what we do, please visit our websites.

By Erica Ronchetti

It’s no secret that the healthcare industry is becoming increasingly demanding for nurses and traveling nurses, who must now care for the rising numbers of aging baby boomers and other health care demanders.  In contrast, the number of prospective nurses and nursing students who will become professional nurses and travel nurses is decreasing, despite the growing community of people who require health care and medical assistance.  Travel nurse agencies have been a remedy for this widening gap between patients, nurses, and travel nurses.  They provide nursing staff for hospitals and other healthcare services, and fulfill both patients and facilities needs.

Many schools and universities are experiencing a significant shortage of students who are studying to become professional nurses.  There are insufficient numbers of these students compared to the increasing demands of the United States population and their projected healthcare needs.  Over past years, there has been little to no maintenance of nursing student enrollment levels, and now 73% of Americans acknowledge that this shortage of nurses is a concern, and one that is on the rise.

Companies like Travel Nurse Source and other travel nursing agencies have been developed to address this growing need for healthcare professionals and provide solutions for nurses who are interested in traveling and healthcare facilities who need to fill staffing gaps. Travel Nurse Source operates with the nursing shortage directly in mind, staffing hospitals and facilities across the country to prevent the worsening nursing shortage in the USA. Travel nurse agencies are not a new occurrence; they’ve been in existence for almost two decades with the aim to solve staffing shortages, mainly in facilities that have employee and population turnover based on the seasonal changes.

In light of the nursing shortage, pursuing a career as a travel nurse or finding travel nurse employment has become a good opportunity for stability and professional growth.  Travel nurses can travel all over the US and nursing assignments last from 90 days up to six months, depending on the specific contract.  The travel nursing job can be in a variety of states or regions and facilities, and that is up to the nurse to choose.  Salaries for nurses who choose a travel nursing career tend to be on average, higher then nurses who stay in one location or healthcare venue.  Excelling housing benefits go along with the competitive salary, as well as health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits that travel nurse agencies offer.

Companies like Travel Nurse Source are indeed valuable assets for the healthcare industry.  To learn more about travel nursing jobs and travel nurse employment, visit our website!  Travel Nurse Source offers exciting travel nursing employment opportunities, such as travel nurse jobs Hawaii, California travel nursing, Florida travel nursing, New York travel nursing, and travel nursing in Alaska!

Erica Ronchetti is Account Manager for Travel Nurse Source, a recruiting company for traveling nurses.  Travel Nurse Source is affiliated with Allied Travel Careers, a recruiting company for traveling physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists.  For more information on what we do, please visit our websites.

By Erica Ronchetti

A travel nursing job is unlike any other form of business traveling assignment.  Generally, if you are traveling for any other business purpose, there is not much time for relaxation, sight-seeing, dining out, shopping, or other enjoyable activities.  You’d be expected to spend most of your trip sitting in on important business meetings or getting the latest information about your industry at a trade show or convention. Travel nursing is altogether different, as your job allows for plenty of free time to experience your destination’s beauty, culture, and unique charm. Why? Because when you accept a travel nursing job you actually live for an extended period of time in the area you select.

Another aspect of a travel nurse employment that nurses find enjoyable is the opportunity to combine travel nursing with a traveling mindset, specifically meeting new people.  Other nurses enjoy the challenges presented by working in different locations.  In addition to meeting new people and enjoying different locations, active travel nurses have the chance to experience many great nursing opportunities in many different facilities around the United States. By embarking upon a travel nurse career, you not only gain extremely valuable nursing experience in different settings and different working environments, but also begin to develop a broad mind set and excellent nursing skills.  Travel nursing will take you to some of the top medical facilities in the United States.  Many travel nurses feel it is important to share their skills, knowledge, and compassion with people from all over the country.  Seeing the country and making a difference in people’s lives, in addition to gaining a quality and diverse nursing education, are reasons to consider a travel nursing career and contact a recruiting agency.

A travel nursing career is the best idea for fulfilling your love for travel and love for nursing.  Popular destinations include California travel nursing, travel nurse jobs Hawaii, travel nursing Alaska, Florida travel nursing, and New York travel nursing.  During time away from the facility you work at, you can roam around and soak up local culture, shop, and experience fantastic local sporting events and entertainment.

Now is an excellent time to learn more about the many wonderful opportunities travel nursing has to offer you and your career.  Visit www.travelnursesource.com for more information.

Travel nurses, what other travel nursing advantages can you think of?

Erica Ronchetti is Account Manager for Travel Nurse Source, a recruiting company for traveling nurses. Travel Nurse Source is affiliated with Allied Travel Careers, a recruiting company for traveling physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists. For more information on what we do, please visit our websites.

By Erica Ronchetti

Before signing up to travel the United States as a travel nurse, there are several important things you may be interested to know. Travel nursing can be extremely rewarding as well as enjoyable; a paid vacation to the beaches of Hawaii and California is certainly appealing but before departing on your next travel nursing job, take a minute to read the following information.

Salary is very different from typical hospital employment.  Travel nurses are paid significantly higher hourly wages then staff nurses who work at hospitals.  The reason travel nurses are paid larger salaries is because of the “sacrifices” they make to uproot their lives and work away from their families and homes.   Placed in an attractive location, many nurses don’t see their travel nursing assignment as sacrifices, and many enjoy their days off enjoying gorgeous scenery, excellent weather, and interesting culture.  When negotiating salary with your travel nurse agency, make sure they are willing to negotiate the highest rate of pay before you sign any contracts to a travel nursing assignment.  Certainly don’t feel pressured to accept the first travel offer that comes your way; you may be able to find a better one.  It might be good to compare different agencies and select the one willing to assist your move, provide you with a competitive salary, and perhaps even a monthly housing stipend.

Here are some important questions to consider asking your travel nurse agency before starting a travel nursing assignment:

1.     Does the travel nurse agency I’m considering guarantee my travel assignment in writing?
2.    What hours will I be working?  Are these hours guaranteed?
3.    How often will I get paid?  (Weekly, bi-weekly, etc…)
4.    Will the travel nurse agency help me pay for my move?

Travel nurses with experience:  do you agree or disagree? If you’re an experienced travel nurse and can provide any additional information or useful questions novice travel nurses might need to know, don’t hesitate to post a response or comment.

Erica Ronchetti is Account Manager for Travel Nurse Source, a recruiting company for traveling nurses.  Travel Nurse Source is affiliated with Allied Travel Careers, a recruiting company for traveling physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists.  For more information on what we do, please visit our websites.