How Do I Become a Travel Nurse? | Healthcare Australia’s Best Tips
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How Do I Become a Travel Nurse? | Healthcare Australia’s Best Tips
The world is a magnificent place, with so many cultures to immerse yourself in and natural wonders to explore. From the ancient pyramids in Egypt to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, adventure awaits at every corner.
The price of travel can often be a deterrent for many people. It’s what stops us from getting out there and discovering all that our planet has to offer. But what if there was a way to travel and get paid for it?
Enter, the travel nurse.
Travel nursing is a unique and exciting career choice that allows you to explore different parts of the world while also getting paid to do what you love – help people! Here In Australia, there is a growing demand for travel nurses as our healthcare system continues to evolve. As a result, we offer some of the highest salaries in the world, as well as excellent working conditions and a high standard of living.
Healthcare Australia has helped countless nurses realise their travel dreams, and now, we’re on a mission to help YOU! Whether cuddly koalas in Australia are your thing or the Great Barrier Reef is more your style, we can help make your travel dreams a reality.
So, how do you become a travel nurse? Here are Healthcare Australia’s top tips.
What Is a Travel Nurse?
A travel nurse is a registered nurse who works in temporary positions around the country or world. Typically, travel nurses will work 13-week contracts in different hospitals or healthcare facilities.
This type of nursing is perfect for those who love to travel and want to see different parts of the world. It’s also a great way to gain new experiences and skills, as you’ll be working in different environments with different teams.
HCA Tip: One of the best things about being a travel nurse is that you can choose your own assignments! So, if you want to work in a particular city or state, we can make that happen. Or, if you’d prefer to work in a specific type of facility, such as a children’s hospital or trauma centre, we can help with that too.
How to Become a Travel Nurse
1. Earn a nursing degree
If you haven’t already, the first step to becoming a travel nurse is to earn your nursing degree. You’ll need at least an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to qualify for most travel nursing positions. This is your most reliable way into the industry and will give you the best chance to find work both in Australia and overseas.
You may also be able to enter the nursing profession through other pathways, like related social work and psychology degrees. However, this may limit your job options and make working as a travel nurse challenging.
2. Take part in a placement
Once you’ve completed your degree, you’ll need to take part in a placement. This is a 12-month program that allows you to work as a registered nurse under the supervision of a more experienced nurse.
During your placement, you’ll develop your clinical skills and knowledge, as well as learn how to work in a team. You’ll also have the opportunity to complete additional training, like CPR and first aid.
HCA Tip: The best way to find an apprenticeship is through Healthcare Australia. We can connect you with the right opportunity to help you kick-start your career.
3. Complete extra courses
While you’re completing your degree or apprenticeship, you may also want to consider taking on some extra courses. These can help you stand out from the competition and make you more attractive to potential employers.
Some courses that travel nurses often take include:
- Advanced Life Support
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program
- Critical Care Nursing
HCA Tip: Many of our travel nursing assignments require specific qualifications or experience. So, if you have extra training in a particular area, be sure to let us know. We may be able to connect you with an assignment that’s the perfect match for your skill set.
4. Sign up with a recruitment agency
The final step to becoming a travel nurse is to sign up with a reputable recruitment agency, like Healthcare Australia. We can help you find the right assignment in the right location, whether you’re looking to stay in Australia or travel overseas.
When you sign up with Healthcare Australia, we’ll work with you to create a tailored job search. We’ll also provide you with information on the latest nursing trends and salary rates. This way, you can be sure you’re getting the most out of your travel nursing experience.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Contact Healthcare Australia today and let us help you find your dream travel nursing assignment.