How to Prepare to Land Your Travel Nursing Dream Job
A main reason why nurses decide to become travel nurses is that they want to get out and see new places and meet new people. While many are happy to just go out and explore for a while, there are just as many who are motivated to find ONE job in ONE place. Whether it’s a region, city or hospital, every one of us can conjure out that place when we close our eyes. It’s our dream job and place.
If you are trying to land your dream nursing job, here are several important things to think about going forward.
Have Your Resume in Order
Before you even start researching nursing jobs, give yourself time to make sure your resume is up to date. While dotting your “i”s and crossing your “t”s may seem like a hassle in the moment, it will save you a lot of time and stress in the long run. Believe us, when you are in the thick of research and applying to jobs you’ll be glad you did all the heavy lifting beforehand.
You’re also more likely to get a response if you tailor your resume to fit the specific job you’re applying for. Read the job description carefully and look for any subtle hints about the hospital work environment and what they are looking for in a potential candidate. Come time for the interview, this extra bit of reach will pay off.
Figure Out Your Wants, Needs and Where You Want to Go
We can’t stress this point enough. Before you submit any job application, you should figure out what you do and don’t want out of a job. Here are a just a few factors to consider:
As a travel nurse, your super power will be your flexibility. Are you flexible about pay? What about your work shift? Housing? By knowing what you are and are not willing compromise on will help you find the right jobs.
With that being said, try to keep an open mind when a travel nursing opportunity doesn’t quite fit your “dream” job or place. As one travel nurse noted, because she didn’t get her dream location right off the bat, she had the chance to experience amazing opportunities she might not have had otherwise.
Keep Up to Date and Learning
Continuing education and certification courses will not only make you more valuable as a job candidate but will help you get the travel assignment you want. Having certifications demonstrates your expertise and your commitment to your nursing career. CCRN, TNCC, and NIH are three important certifications that will help you stand out.
Make Sure You Are Honest with Your Recruiter
At Blueforce, our recruiters are dedicated to helping you find your dream job. However, in order to help your recruiter help you, make sure you are honest with them about your experience and what you want out of the jobs you are applying for. Also, make sure you are keeping up to date on job postings as new jobs are regularly posted. Finally, when you see a great fit, don’t hesitate to contact your recruiter and let them know!
Build Up Your Patience
Your application has been submitted, and now the waiting begins. Hearing back can from a hospital can take anywhere from several hours to a week. While your recruiter is working hard on your behalf, the best thing you can do for yourself is mentally prepare ahead of time to wait. We understand that it can be stressful, but know that your recruiter is doing everything in their power to secure your dream job. That said, if you don’t hear back within a week’s time, make sure you do follow up with them.
Ace Your Hospital Interview
While you’re waiting, make sure you’re ready for your hospital phone interview. Depending on the need and number of positions, you may get a call from the hospital right away. So be prepared and be confident!
Here are some other topics you will surely be asked about:
- Your nursing experience
- Specific experiences that have challenged you
- Difficult people, you have encountered in the workplace
- Challenging situations you have dealt with and how you handled them
- Examples of your accomplishments
Take a Second to Think Before You Sign the Dotted Line
You’ve aced your interview and have been offered a position (or two!). Its ok to start dreaming about what it might be like to live and work in your potential new home, but also make sure you take a step back for a second and revisit your non-negotiable wants and needs. Does this job offer meet them?
Finally, before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you read every line of your contract because once you have signed it, you will be bound to it for the duration of your contract.
Now that you are armed with these best practices it’s time to see what jobs are out there. Your dream job is out there. We know it is. What are you waiting for?