Stand-out Travel Nurses: 5 Traits Recruiters and Employers Want

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Aspiring for a job that provides the opportunity for travel is always a benefit no matter the position in question. As more and more people look for work that fulfills deeper personal aspirations that allow for greater experiences and freedom, the demand for such positions continues to increase. Depending on which industry you are in, you may just discover that there is an opportunity out there that could provide a way for you to travel for work.

For instance, if you are a nurse in the healthcare industry and have the desire to explore positions that will allow you to travel, one of the first things to start planning for is how to best become qualified for a travel nurse position so that your chances of getting hired are increased. Nursing is a heavily regulated industry, so when you are applying for a job, it is important to be aware of what makes a good travel nurse applicant.

Here are seven traits recruiters and employers look for in good K-12 staffing:

01

Flexibility

A travel-for-work position can mean greater flexibility with your hours as well as with the location in which you work, which is great for people who are open to more options. Additionally, you may be asked to work long hours and weekends, or perhaps no hours at all. You might also be asked to travel great distances, which means leaving behind friends and family while you are away from home. For many, this may seem daunting, but for some, this is an opportunity to recharge and create space for yourself to regain a sense of independence and exploration.

To be prepared to meet your needs as well as the requirements of the positions you will explore, it is a good idea to make a list of things you are flexible with and things you are not willing to negotiate. This will allow you to narrow down certain opportunities so that you come as close to what your ideal arrangement is. It is important to be flexible when it comes to becoming a travel nurse, so be prepared to step outside of your comfort zone when it comes to scheduling and available locations.

02

Independence

When it comes down to it, becoming a travel nurse requires a high level of independence. Whether it is finding housing or making friends in new cities or states, being able to do things on your own without anxiety will help you succeed as a travel nurse. Being able to adapt makes you more marketable in this type of job because you will be required to do it very often and with ease. If you are someone who gets anxious about doing new things outside of your comfort, this will not be a position for you unless you develop your ability to manage stress during frequent change. Now, if you are someone who loves the opportunity for change—this is the right position for you, and you will find joy in the process.

03

Patience

Nurses are expected to care for many people in a short period of time, so they must be able to handle high levels of stress. As mentioned previously, learning to manage stress during frequent change is crucial to your success in this position. When you pair the stress of adapting your life to new changes with on-the-job stress, if not managed well, you can really come up against a heavy load on your mental health. Developing patience will allow you to experience the highs and lows as they come and not allow everything to overwhelm you at once. When you focus on the now and handle things step-by-step, you are better able to meet the challenges ahead.

04

Communication Skills

As a travel nurse, you will be required to live away from home for extended periods of time. This will require you to nurture your relationships from far away, which means communication is essential. If you are a parent, this can mean that you must have strong relationships in place to weather the challenges of you not physically being present in the home.

Additionally, depending on your family size and household demands, being away will mean leaving your responsibilities in others’ hands. You must be prepared to hand over control of household duties and have the proper plan in place to ensure that things are taken care of while you are away.

In addition to good communication skills with your family, your communication skills also must extend into your job. Good communication skills are a great way to make your patients feel cared for. One way to improve your communication skills is by getting training and certifications through chaplain organizations to help your patients in times of distress.

05

Leadership Skills

Nurses are often in charge of other nurses, so it is important that you are able to manage your team effectively and lead by example during difficult situations. You will need to be prepared for emergency situations where your team needs to work together quickly without much instruction from management or other higher-ups.

Being able to quickly adapt to new work settings and people will be a strength that will help you jump right into your work requirements. Once you get a handle on systems and develop them for yourself, things will begin to fall into place, and you will increasingly grasp daily workplace challenges effectively and with a certain order amidst the chaos.

Takeaways

While there are countless factors that go into making a successful contract traveler such as experience, education, certifications, etc., five key qualities stand above the rest to prepare you for the endless changes and challenges that you will encounter. So long as you are ready and have the energy to experience different possibilities, you will be rewarded far greater in the grand scheme of things.

To receive the opportunity to travel for work is a dream that many people desire, yet few commit to or find. Here’s to taking the leap if you are seriously considering finding a position in your career field that allows you to travel. With planning and preparation, you will find what you are looking for and be exploring new cities and destinations in no time.