Your first steps into a traveling career can feel like a leap, both figuratively and literally. A new role, in a new state, surrounded by new faces and an entirely new business model, yes, it can be a lot. But let’s be honest, the opportunity to travel is just too good to pass up. Now it’s up to us to give you some tips about becoming a traveler so you will feel more comfortable before you go and that leap you’ve been thinking about turns out to be nothing but a small step.
To prepare for your career in travel nursing, we recommend that you:
- Do your homework. There are plenty of resources on the web that will provide you with insight into a career as a traveler. Staffing firms like this one can help, but you should also explore traveler boards, social media sites and other resources from those that do it every day.
- Find the right staffing agency for you. We want you to look around. And as you’re shopping around, don’t be afraid to compare these agencies to your needs. Do they have roles available in places you want to go? What do the benefits look like? How responsive are they to answering your questions?
- Reach out to active travelers. The best way to learn what traveling is really like is to hear firsthand from those who already do it. Make connections via social media or reach out to a traveler working at your current facility. Their insights will be invaluable.
- Don’t lose sight of why you’re really doing this. In your pursuit to learn more about traveling, it can be easy to see the career as just another option and in doing so you’re in danger of forgetting everything that makes travel great. Whether it’s the chance to see a new city for the first time, visit family and friends or gain total control over your schedule, there are plenty of reasons to love travel work. Keep them at the forefront of your mind and you’ll remain just as excited about your new opportunity as you were when you first considered it.