Taking the “leap” in to the travel world can be scary! Once you find the right recruiter/agency for you, it’s time to start the process—but what can you expect? Since it can seem overwhelming to begin, here are 5 easy steps to whiz through the hiring process.
1. The application.
Thinking about taking the “leap” in to the travel nursing world? We’ve provided an outline of our hiring process so you can get started on your journey as a travel nurse! Here’s what you need to know to get started on your journey as a travel nurse!
It can be difficult to know exactly what each system expects to be filled out, so keep your information up to date. What recruiters need to build your profile includes:
- Hospital Name, city and state
- Dates of employment (exact dates are best!)
- Specialty worked
- If a travel assignment, name of agency
- Bonus: Facility bed count, EMR system used, and Trauma/Teaching status
2. Now let’s highlight your skills!
You will need to supply at least two references to validate your expertise in the specialty you’ll be hired for. Appropriate people to use are Charge Nurses, Managers or Supervisors. What can you do to ensure this step doesn’t hold the process up?
- Speak with the person right away so they are aware a recruiter will be calling
- Mention what shift they work and the best time/way to reach them
- Call, text, email, carrier pigeon, smoke signal… you get it
- We understand that nurses work much different hours than “standard business hours”, so this will help recruiters call at the right time to reach them quicker
- List more than two people to call for a reference so chances are better that a recruiter can connect with two of them
- Bonus: Keep a folder with references from your past assignments/positions
Whew! You accepted the contract offer; you know where you’ll be going, the pay package, and when you start—so now what? The hiring process can be extremely detailed and you may get overwhelmed at one point or another, so here are the remaining 3 Easy Steps to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible.
3. Documents to send in.
Each agency has their own hiring process along with what will be needed per the facility. Keep these items saved in a folder on your computer, on your phone, or as hard copies where they are easily accessible. At PRN Healthcare, once you have accepted a position, our compliance team (hiring specialists) start reviewing your documents. This will also be the time to start your background check and find the nearest place for you to complete a drug screen. These are some of the most commonly needed items, and will get you off to a great start!
- Valid state RN license or CRCST/ISHAMM
- BCLS and other specialty certifications
- TB test results (PPD within the last year)
- Proof of immunizations (2- MMR vaccines or Rubella, Rubiola & Mumps titer)
- Varicella Titer or proof of 2 immunizations
- Physical within the last year stating you’re free of communicable disease and are able to perform job without restriction
- 2 forms of ID per I-9 guidelines (or a US Passport)
- Picture ID for your name badge
4. Don’t waste time, go online!
The remainder of the items needed will consist of online testing and forms. The testing to complete will depend on the contract and specialty you’re being hired for. There are study guides if you want a quick “brush up” on the academic piece. The tests will be timed, so make sure you are in a quiet place free of distractions so you’re able to concentrate and not rush through.
5. Take a sigh of relief, and tie up loose ends.
You’ll be getting instructions for your first day on the Thursday/Friday before the start of your contract. This will include where and when to meet, what to wear and who you’ll be meeting with. If you have any additional questions, your recruiter or account manager will be happy to help! Whether you’re taking housing through the agency or finding it on your own, make sure you have the move in/out dates set up so you can relax a bit before starting your new assignment.
You did it! You’re hired on and active, ready to start your next adventure. Though you may feel as if you now have clearance to work for the F.B.I., you can relax knowing that the hardest part is over. Once you’re done with this contract and on to the next, the only items that will be required are going to be minimal compared to what you’ve already completed. Please note that there are annual requirements that will still need to be completed, but we have a great compliance team to help keep everything up to date.
The most important part of this process is being realistic with expectations and setting feasible timelines for this process. We are a team. Between you, the recruiter, compliance, housing, payroll, etc.—we’re all in this together. It’s important to be open and honest about meeting deadlines and what is feasible. Don’t be afraid to lean on different team members if you need additional help with something, that’s what we’re here for!
“Oh, the places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss