While there are many benefits to travel nursing, it remains a highly competitive field. Professionals who truly possess a passion for their jobs often find a way to reach their goals, but what really makes the top travel nurses successful? Though there are many perks, travel nursing requires a lot of flexibility and stamina. One of the most important questions you’ll have to ask yourself is, “Is travel nursing right for me?” Here, we’ll discuss some of the top traits for travel nurses so you can answer the difficult question of “Should I be a travel nurse?” Continue reading for more information!
Is Travel Nursing Right For Me? | Travel Nurse Traits to Consider
As a field, travel nursing is constantly growing and changing. Therefore, serious nurses must strive for excellence or they will be left behind. If you’re someone who is dedicated to the profession and seeking a new and exciting challenge, this blog is for you! So, those asking “Is travel nursing right for me?” should consider whether or not they have to skills necessary to excel. If you possess these skills and are willing to work hard on strengthening them, you’re sure to find countless opportunities in travel nursing.
1. Professionalism
Although this first top trait for travel nurses seems fairly obvious, it can’t be stressed enough. When you’re moving between cities and interacting with new employers, maintaining professionalism is crucial. No matter where you go, you’ll want to mirror (and even improve upon) the professional conduct of full-time personnel. Some people are just jokesters, which is fine. However, if you don’t think you can take a healthcare environment seriously, this might not be the career for you. You’ll also need to be able to transition between various supervisors and managers. If you’re not good at following directions or taking orders, a career in travel nursing might not be in the cards for you.
From an employer’s perspective, they want to feel safe in the investment of your employment. Even if you’re the most experienced and educated nurse in the country, a low-degree of professionalism can derail your career quickly!
Here are a few essential qualities of a nurse who displays professionalism:
- Demonstrating excellent communication skills
- Dressing appropriately
- Showing up on time
- Finishing any and all traveler’s paperwork on time
- Understanding your role and duties from day one
2. Reliability
Our next pick for our top traits for travel nurses list is reliability. Maybe you don’t have a lot of experience or know everything there is about your field (who does?), but being reliable really does go a long way! Hospitals rely on travel nurses to fill staffing needs and they cannot operate successfully without nurses who are punctual and capable.
Of course, this means showing up for each shift on time, but it comes down to keeping your word. If you agree to take on more responsibilities or make commitments to your fellow team members, you have to follow through. By building a reputation for trustworthiness, you’ll set yourself up for success! If you find yourself struggling to stay organized or be dependable, it’s time to ask yourself once again, “Should I be a travel nurse?”
3. Adaptability
It’s no secret that traveling throughout the country means encountering a variety of different facilities, coworkers, employers, and patients. Each assignment will come with its set of challenges. You have to remember that travel nurses can’t expect their employers to cater to their preferences. In fact, the reality is that you have to adjust to the needs of each position. Adapting to your new facility can be challenging, but it’s also one of the most exciting aspects of travel nursing! Nurses who fully engross themselves in their assignments will not only impress their employers but they will also gain new skills in the process.
Opportunities for learning are available in every step of the travel nursing experience. Whether you decide to take online courses or find a mentor while you’re traveling, you can’t go wrong. Taking advantage of these opportunities only serves to make every travel nursing job more productive!
“Should I be a travel nurse?” “Is travel nursing right for me?” These are very difficult questions to ask yourself. And, it’s perfectly normal to take your time and consider all of your options before taking such a huge step. No one can make the decision for you, so make sure you do your research! Hopefully, this blog will help you make the decision for yourself.
If you’re an experienced nurse that’s ready to take on a new challenge, start searching for travel nursing positions today!
