5 Tips to Boost Nursing Travel Careers in a Slow Economy

Nursing travel careers are the lifeblood of Kim Lawrence…voted Recruiter of the Year by Healthcare Traveler magazine in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008 and 2009.

Kim has assisted countless nurses in developing their travel nursing careers. Her excellent people skills and professionalism shine through all her efforts. She is dauntless in her pursuit to facilitate the perfect placement for her many travel nurses.

With the downturn in the economy, many pursuing travel nursing careers have found the market shrinking. But there are still many assignments out there.

Kim says, “Success is defined as when opportunity meets readiness.” With that in mind, here are Kim’s:

5 Tips to Boost Nursing Travel Careers in a Slow Economy

• 1. Do your research. Knowledge is power. The more you know, the better you will feel about your new journey.

  Go to various websites with a list of questions. My suggestion is go to 3 to 5 agencies and make a log of benefits, pay practices and where the agency goes.

  A great site for tools is Travel Nurse Toolbox

  Here’s another website that even helps Canadian nurses. Nurse Traveler

• 2. Get to know your recruiter. No matter what anyone tells you, feeling comfortable with your nurse recruiter is first and foremost.

  Do they answer your question? Do they rush you off the phone or to an application? Have they been Recruiter of the Year?

  Search for their name in search engines like Google or Yahoo.

  Example: Type “Kim Lawrence Nurse Recruiter” and see what you get.

• 3. Understand licensure requirements for nursing travel careers. They vary from state to state. Go to National BRN site to learn more about current license requirements and compact states.
• 4. Don’t burn your bridges. After you land a travel assignment, consider a leave of absence or going per diem at your current job. This will give you flexibility and security in a fluctuating market.
• 5. Start a travel nursing career portfolio now for all your credentials, medical documents, travel assignments and references.

  Your references in travel speak volumes for you. Make sure you get a reference for yourself, even if your agency did not. Include names and contact numbers. You need to take charge of things that puts you in the best light.

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Nursing travel careers can provide memorable experiences for a lifetime. Follow Kim’s tips and you will increase your odds of landing your dream assignment in this slow economy.

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