When we say Lucky Charms do you instantly think of that wonderful breakfast cereal with the marshmallow treats in it?
Well, obviously, we did.
But there are lots of things that are considered lucky charms – like a rabbit’s foot, four-leaf clover, the number seven, a rainbow and so many more.
But, did you know that being a travel nurse is just loaded with “lucky charms?”
Here are seven reasons why:
Continue reading 7 Lucky Charms for Travel Nurses
2017 is winding to a close and the New Year is almost here. Most of us are still trying to make it through the Christmas season before we look at all the resolutions we will make at the start of the year. And, I am just wondering . . . how many will be the same as the start of 2017? A lot of us will set personal goals like – lose weight, start to exercise, eat right, spend more time with family. But maybe, you are a nurse who plans to find a new career path, or a travel nurse who wants to progress in your career in 2018.
Continue reading Our New Year’s Promise for the Travel Nurse
Are you considering becoming a first-time travel nurse? As with anything where change is involved, it can be scary.
But it doesn’t have to be – just follow these nine tips for the first-time travel nurse.
How long have they been in business?
Do you have any friends who have traveled for them who can supply you with a recommendation?
Are they true to their commitments to their travel team?
Are they financially strong (you want to get paid)? Do you share a common mission?
Your recruiters should know what is important to you and what you want to achieve as a first-time travel nurse. Additionally, he or she should be accessible and personable (someone you can relate to and feel comfortable discussing anything with).
TIP: If you work with a different recruiter every time you call the travel company, you might want to find another company. Your recruiter is a vital part of your experience. They will follow you and coach you throughout your assignment to ensure you are prepared and are a success.
You should approve every submittal and know not only the hospital and floor assignment but as much information about the assignment as possible.
Once again, your company recruiter will provide you with as much information as possible and will contact you to let you know that you will be receiving a phone call for an interview.
Not only will the hospital representative ask you questions but, this interview will be your time to ask questions as well.
At Fidelity On Call, we always provide “tips” for our first-time travel nurses on how to handle the interview.
When you accept an assignment, you should receive a written contract that spells out all the terms including your pay, tax free allowances, bonus, etc. You want to make sure that you thoroughly read and understand everything in your contract as you are responsible for adhering to all the provisions that are in it.
TIP: If your pay sounds too good to be true – it probably is.
Many travel nurses have received a small hourly pay with a very large “tax-free” allowance. Tax free allowances need to be paid in accordance with government guidelines for housing, meals, and travel.
You don’t want to end up having a huge tax burden at the end of the year because you thought you were making tax free money.
Before your assignment starts, make sure you know the route to the hospital, where your floor is at, etc. Be prepared so you are never late.
Many hospitals have experienced traveling nurses who were not properly vetted and were a huge disappointment. But that is NOT you.
You have the skills, the knowledge, the love of patients, and the right attitude to get the job done.
Smile . . . you are there to help.
Once they see your skills, you will be a welcomed part of their team.
They are there to support you throughout your term of employment.
Your travel company and recruiter should also be there before your contract ends with information on whether your contract is extending or on other opportunities that you may want to look at.
Ultimately when you pair yourself with the right company, being a first-time travel nurse is not scary at all.
Contact us by phone at 800-836-7633 or by email at info@fidelityoncall.com to learn about travel nursing jobs we are filling right now.
Fidelity On Call is a medical staffing company whose reputation and commitment to quality have caused it to grow rapidly.
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