Imaris has been an ICU nurse for six years and a traveling nurse for almost four years. Her knowledge is impeccable.
After seeing her answer questions on her Instagram story, we asked her to write down some of her most frequently asked questions as an ICU travel nurse. Here were her questions and answers. Enjoy!
How Do I Negotiate higher pay?
Do your research. When you are negotiating for higher pay, you have to know what is available and what is out there. so you can speak to your recruiter and compare the offer they are currently giving you.
Be firm. If you know what you want to get paid hourly, make sure that is something you are transparent with from the very beginning. Also, make sure you do research on your agency. Right now I am working with PRN Healthcare. They always makes sure every time I’m being extended or offered a contract my rate matches the rate the facility is currently offering to all of their travelers. Make sure you have a list of questions about pay before you hop on the call with your recruiter. So all your questions are answered.
Remember, you are your own independent contractor as a travel nurse. There’s always another facility or another contract out there. So when negotiating pay, remember you are worth it! 100%! Don’t forget that.
How Do I become More Confident being an ICU nurse? It’s been almost a year for me.
Let me just tell you confidence will come with consistency and time. I have been an ICU nurse for six years and a travel nurse for almost four. No matter what I still get nervous on my first days or when I learn something new. This is okay! It just means you care. Give yourself time.
Always trust your instincts and know where your resources lie. Whether its someone you can talk to on your unit, a mentor, a clinical educator, or even someone who is a friend. You can follow me and talk to me, I’m here for you! My Instagram is @nurse.iv_
The last two things I will say are to keep yourself up-to-date with your education. Whether that is continuing education, new certifications, etc. Always look for new opportunities to learn and grow. You can never stop learning as a nurse! Secondly, believe in yourself. It needs to start with you!
Why do you like 1:1 and ECMO Patients the Best?
I’m a huge science nerd and I love the critical thinking aspect that comes with being an ICU travel nurse. When I have 1:1 patients like ECMO and CRRT patients, it’s like you’re in your own world when you are doing all these little tasks that are super important. I love the cause and effect loop that comes with 1:1 patients, if you’re giving blood, performing CPR, assessing a blood gas on a patient, there is always a step that will follow. This really gets your brain going and you have to know your stuff!
One of my favorite parts of beings a an ICU nurse is when I have a really sick patient, one that’s on like 15 drips, ECMO, or CRRT and they recover. When they recover and go home, that is the most rewarding feeling. You then know every little thing you did made a difference.
