How to Become a Med Surg Travel Nurse
Medical-surgical nursing is a critical part of healthcare. Med surg nurses care for patients recovering from surgery, managing chronic illnesses, and more. They handle a wide variety of tasks and adapt to ever-changing challenges during their shifts.
Med surg travel nurses perform these same duties but in short-term assignments at various healthcare facilities across the country. These contracts usually last 8 to 13 weeks, with nurses moving to a new location after each assignment.
Due to staffing shortages in many hospitals and clinics, med surg travel nurses are in high demand. This career path is a great choice for those looking for flexibility, professional growth, and new experiences.
Why Become a Med Surg Travel Nurse?
Here are some key benefits of becoming a med surg travel nurse:
- Higher Income Opportunities: Travel nurses often make significantly more than permanent staff due to stipends, bonuses, and competitive pay rates.
- Flexible Schedules: Choose when and where you work. Take time off between assignments or line up back-to-back contracts.
- Professional Growth: Gain exposure to diverse healthcare environments, procedures, and patient populations, making you a more well-rounded nurse. Adventure and Exploration: Work in new cities, experience different cultures, and check items off your bucket list while pursuing your career.
- Network Expansion: Working in multiple facilities allows you to build a strong network of healthcare professionals nationwide.
Qualifications Needed to Become a Med Surg Travel Nurse
1. Obtain Your Nursing License
The first step is becoming a licensed registered nurse (RN). This typically involves earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). After completing your degree, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to receive your license.
2. Gain Med Surg Experience
You’ll need at least 1 to 2 years of med surg nursing experience before most travel staffing agencies will consider you.
3. Acquire Additional Certifications
While not always mandatory, earning specialty certifications can make you a more attractive candidate for travel nursing positions. Some recommended certifications include:
- Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN): This validates your expertise in med surg nursing and boosts your credibility.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS): These are often required for med surg roles.
4. Obtain a Compact Nursing License (Optional)
If you plan to work in multiple states, consider obtaining a multistate license through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This allows you to practice in participating states without needing individual licenses for each.
5. Work with a Travel Nursing Agency
Partnering with a reputable travel nursing agency, like AMN Healthcare, will simplify your job search and secure contracts that align with your goals and preferences. Agencies assist with job placement, housing, and navigating paperwork.
Steps to Become a Med Surg Travel Nurse
Step 1: Research the Role and Lifestyle
Before committing to this career, take time to thoroughly research the lifestyle of a med surg travel nurse. Speak with experienced travel nurses, join online forums, and explore resources dedicated to travel nursing. Check out our travel nurse blog for a ton of articles about tools about travel nursing.
Step 2: Build Your Nursing Skills
Med surg nurses must juggle a variety of tasks. Focus on developing your clinical skills because versatility is a hallmark of med surg nursing.
Step 3: Choose the Right Travel Nursing Agency
The agency you choose can make or break your experience as a travel nurse. Look for agencies with strong reputations, a wide range of job listings, and excellent support for nurses.
Step 4: Prepare Your Resume and References
Polish your resume to highlight your med surg experience, certifications, and achievements. Request professional references from supervisors or colleagues who can vouch for your skills.
Step 5: Be Flexible with Assignments
The more open you are to different locations and shifts, the easier it will be to secure contracts. While having preferences is okay, being adaptable can lead to more opportunities and higher pay.
Step 6: Stay Organized and Proactive
Juggling multiple contracts and assignments comes with its challenges. Use tools like calendars and apps to keep track of deadlines, licensing renewals, and application submissions.
Challenges of Med Surg Travel Nursing
Potential challenges include:
- Frequent Relocation: Constantly moving can be exciting but can also take a toll on your personal life.
- Adapting to New Environments: You’ll need to quickly learn the ropes in different healthcare settings.
- Finding Reliable Housing: Some assignments may not include housing, so you may need to secure reliable accommodations independently.
Take the Leap
A career as a med surg travel nurse offers endless possibilities for personal and professional growth. With the demand for skilled nurses at an all-time high, there’s no better time to pursue this path.
Are you ready to start your travel nursing career? Take the first step and apply today to talk to an experienced recruiter.
