As a travel nurse, you get to have amazing adventures in destinations all over the country. You probably want to take advantage of the experience and squeeze the most out of every place you visit. After all, there’s a lot to see! In this blog, we’ll give you some tips to do just that.
Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse
Travel nursing comes with many perks and benefits. If you’re a nurse and are looking to make a change, traveling may be the perfect choice for you.
For one, you get to travel anywhere you want. If you’ve been dreaming of spending your days off sunbathing on the white beaches of Florida, exploring the gorgeous wilderness of Alaska, or going sightseeing in California, there are assignments out there for you. We place travel nurses throughout the U.S., including in Alaska and Hawaii. So, if you want to travel, becoming a travel nurse is a great option.
Another amazing benefit of being a travel nurse is the pay. Because travel nurses fill in for gaps in staffing, facilities are willing to pay a premium for their services. That means you can earn a higher salary as a travel nurse than as a staff nurse. Each assignment has a different pay scale based on the facility, area, and position. However, travel nurses often make not only a higher hourly rate, but also receive tax-free stipends for things like housing and travel. When you choose AHS as your travel nurse agency, you also get benefits like medical, dental, and vision insurance for just $15 a week, a 401K savings plan with matching options, professional liability/malpractice coverage, and options for licensure and credentials reimbursements.
Flexibility is another big reason many nurses are ditching staff positions for travel assignments. As a travel nurse, you have freedom to do what you want. You choose where to go, which assignments to take, and even when to take time off in between assignments. Therefore, there are many reasons to consider the life of a travel nurse.
How to Become a Travel Nurse
If all this sounds like it’s the perfect choice for you, then you might be wondering how to become a travel nurse. The first step is to finish your education and get your credentials. You’ll need a license to practice as a travel nurse.
You will also need some experience under your belt. Having at least two years of experience helps show that you have the clinical skills you need as a travel nurse. Travel nurses work in many different facilities with varying policies, procedures, and systems. Without that experience, it may become incredibly confusing for a new nurse, which is why we require some experience in a permanent position first.
Once you’ve got your license and experience, the next step is to reach out to our team. We can help you find assignments in your specialty and in places you want to go. Our recruiters talk with you to understand your goals so we can match you with assignments perfectly suited to your needs. We help you find assignments, get the necessary credentials, and also offer support all along the way. We’re here to make becoming a travel nurse simple and help you have an amazing experience.
Tips for Exploring a New City or Town as a Travel Nurse
Being in a new place can be exciting and intimidating. You might be wondering where to start when learning about your new city or town. Here are some tips to help:
Make a Plan for Your Assignment
One thing you can do before you even arrive is research and make a plan. Take some time to look up things to do online and make a list of things you want to do while on assignment. Then you can refer back to the list whenever you have time off to go exploring. Just make sure you also leave some time for unplanned adventures, as you never know what you’ll discover in a new place.
Talk to Locals!
Locals are often your best resource for getting to know a new place. They usually know where the best breakfast spot is, which sites are worth seeing, and all the hidden gems of the city. Try asking your neighbors, coworkers, or others that have lived in the area for a while about what there is to do.
Ask Other Travel Nurses
As a travel nurse, you’re part of a unique community. Take advantage of this and ask your fellow travel nurses questions! Odds are that someone else has been in the exact same city or town and can recommend fun things to do and see.
Take a Walk or Bike Ride
While driving is a great way to get from point A to point B, it means you have to pay more attention to the road and less to other things around you. So, try taking a walk or a bike ride around your new city to explore what it has to offer. This is a great way to find cool spots, meet new people, and also get fresh air and exercise. It’s the perfect way to learn more about a new city.
If you want to have something to do on your walk or bike ride, there are also activities that can help you get out and explore the city. For example, geocaching is a fun activity that is essentially like a scavenger hunt. Augmented reality games like Pokémon Go are also popular and involve walking around and interacting with both the real environment and the game. This way you can earn in-game points and discover interesting things in your new city.
Sign Up for a Class or Tour in Your New City
A great way to meet new people and try new things is to sign up for a class or tour in your city. A lot of places offer things like food tours and pub crawls that can help you get to know the area. Taking classes like a cooking class, painting class, or other classes you might be interested in is also a good way to find places in your new city that align with your interests.
Check Out Local Publications
Whether online or in-print, local magazines and newspapers are another good way to learn more about your city. They offer information about current events and things like upcoming events. You can also typically find coupons and deals from local businesses that you can check out.
Don’t Be Afraid to Be a Tourist as a Travel Nurse
A lot of our tips so far have been about learning to live in a city like a local. However, you shouldn’t be afraid to be a tourist either! Taking some time to do a city tour or visit popular attractions might also be a fun thing to do. If they’re on your bucket list, take some time to visit them!
Become a Travel Nurse with AHS NurseStat
Ready to get started as a travel nurse? Our team at AHS NurseStat is here to help you achieve your dreams through travel nursing. We are a top travel nurse staffing agency offering personalized support for our nurses. Our recruiters listen to you and your needs to match you with the perfect assignments and also offer support throughout the process. For a team that truly understands and cares about you, choose AHS. Browse our job board now or reach out to talk to one of our seasoned recruiters!
