If you’re looking to begin a steadfast career that still enables you to partake in both adventure and variety, then you might consider becoming a traveling healthcare professional. By now you probably already know that despite a fluctuating economy, the healthcare industry is one of the few career fields that is still hiring at a growing rate. Because medical professionals are in such high demand, there are often shortages in ample areas across the country. This is why traveling healthcare professionals are such vital components of not only the healthcare industry, but also our society as a whole. Below are 6 tips to assist you in your quest of traveling the globe, one medical facility at a time.
Tip #1: Be Organized
This starts with creating a 1-2 page resume that lists skills pertinent to the employment positions you want to apply for. Remember that your résumé will be your most valuable marketing tool and should therefore highlight your talents and assets in the best possible light. Be sure to customize your résumé for the specific job you want, and avoid references to components that do not relate to the job you are seeking. As a traveler with National Staffing Solutions, you will have a dedicated representative who can help you market yourself to your desired employers.
Tip #2: Be Prepared
Another tip for travel success is to apply for a few licenses to make yourself more marketable. Often times, traveling professionals may have only a small window of time between being offered an assignment, and actually leaving for said assignment. Therefore, medical professionals need to have their references and paperwork readily available in order to land the very best jobs. Obtaining new state licenses can take up to 3 weeks, so be sure to inform your NSS representative if you intend to work outside your primary state. Don’t miss out on a great opportunity because you failed to have your paperwork completed.
Tip #3: Do Your Research
It’s natural to feel intimidated when entering into a career field as vast and sprawling as the travel healthcare industry. However, doing your research is an invaluable component of achieving your career goals. Luckily, within today’s technologically fueled society, research can come in many forms, which makes connecting with your dreams almost as easy as connecting to the Internet. Most people know that they can access a wealth of information regarding a perspective career by simply Google searching the job title. Although this is incredibly valuable, do not forget that there are plenty of other proactive ways of finding applicable information, and connecting with others who are already working within your desired field. For starters, try joining active traveling healthcare pages on Facebook, or following popular travel blogs, or pages on Instagram (try @national_staff, for example). This is an easy way to find contemporary resources and pertinent information pertaining to the traveling medical field. Another idea is finding informative channels online. YouTube for example, offers plenty of videos of traveling healthcare professionals from around the country. A simple search of “traveling nurse” will bring up thousands of videos dedicated to providing you with helpful, relevant knowledge. (Bonus tip: You can also use hashtags to connect with the travel healthcare community online. Try searching “#travelnurse” and prepare to be amazed by the wonderful world of healthcare professionals, just like you.)
Tip #4: Work with a Staffing Agency
Working with a staffing agency serves as a phenomenal resource for traveling medical professionals. Aside from being a trusted resource for all of your questions, the advantages of working with a staffing agency, such as National Staffing Solutions, are: competitive compensation packages, mentor-matching opportunities, personal attention, helpful resources, relocation services, invaluable online tools, and placement in top-notch facilities. If having a transition that is truly worry-free is important to you, then connecting with a healthcare-staffing agency should be of the utmost importance. (Check out our main page to access more information.)
Tip #5: Take Your Interview Seriously
Jobs are won and lost during the interview process. When you are lucky enough to land an interview, take the time to learn how to interview successfully. Know what to wear. (Spoiler alert: scrubs usually aren’t the answer, no matter how cute they may be.) Further, be prepared to talk about your clinical experience in a way that highlights your skills and makes you memorable. Some things to have in mind are: your experiences, your career goals, your skills, and how they all connect with the position you are applying for (remember relevancy). Walk in with a positive demeanor, and be there early.
Tip #6: Don't Limit Yourself
Keep in mind that traveling healthcare professionals are hired to assist in areas that truly need a helping hand. Never limit yourself to only certain shifts, locations, or areas. Traveling to a new place enables you to learn new cultures, build your résumé, expand your experience, and heighten your skill set. Look at every opportunity as a chance to grow, and combine your love for helping others with the excitement of embarking upon a memorable and rewarding adventure.
As always, if you have any inquiries, comments, or ideas for future blog posts, be sure to contact us at marketing@nationalstaff.com.