The thing that sold me on Next Move was knowing that many of the recruiters are former travel nurses themselves. They really know firsthand what to look for and ask for when signing a contract and could preempt any sort of hiccup a first time traveler might experience.
~Jessica, ICU RN
Travel Nurse Interviews: Welcome to our “Travel Nurse Interviews” series where we introduce you to some of the RNs that work for us, give you a little first-hand insight into how they got started travel nursing and see what they have to say about working for Next Move!
This week we’d like to introduce you to Jessica H, an ICU-RN with over 4-years of experience who has completed 4 travel nursing assignments.
Let’s get going!
Your Inspiration for Becoming a Nurse?
Well, it looks like nursing runs in the family because my mom was also a nurse! Seeing her use her nursing career to transition into many different roles is what sparked my interest in nursing at a very young age. She went from being a NICU nurse to a manager of a family resource center at a children’s hospital to where she is now, writing patient education material for an organization that provides information services and solutions for healthcare professionals.
Why Did You Switch to Travel Nursing?
I chose to make the switch to travel nursing because I was looking for a little more flexibility. As a travel nurse I’m able to take as much time off as I want in between contracts, and I’m able to choose the cities in which I work.
How did you hear about Next Move?
My recruiter (Caleb) was actually a travel nurse where I was a staff nurse. We met there and stayed in contact. He reached out to me and basically asked if I had ever considered travel nursing.
What prompted you to choose Next Move as your travel nurse agency?
The thing that sold me on Next Move was knowing that many of the recruiters are former travel nurses themselves. They really know firsthand what to look for and ask for when signing a contract and could preempt any sort of hiccup a first time traveler might experience.
It’s also nice that they operate outside business hours. I work mostly night shifts – and it’s really hard when I have a question, to have to wait until normal business hours to get an answer. At Next Move – I get a response at almost any time of day or night.
What has your experience with Next Move been like?
My experience with Next Move has been absolutely incredible. Honestly, I have zero complaints. Everyone has been awesome to work with, from my recruiter to the Director of HR, to payroll.
Where was your first travel assignment and what did you learn from that experience?
My first travel assignment was at a hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. I learned that I’m a natural at adapting to change and just going with the flow of things. I never know where I will be staffed for my next shift and so I’ve learned to just roll with whatever assignment I’m given.
How has nursing changed over the last year as a result of covid-19?
There is a much larger reliance on electronic communication than before the pandemic hit. We use it to schedule family visits and physician consults. Our patients are now having zoom meetings with their families when they’re unable to visit in person and providers are also using video to see patients in real time when they are unable to stop by and see a patient in person. It’s been a long learning curve, especially when it comes to nursing – but we’re learning!
What do you see changing in the coming year for travel nurses?
An increase in demand for travel nurses. Hospitals can’t function without nurses (and many other core positions). As a travel nurse, we are here to help staff those hospitals until they are able to fill the role permanently. Covid has taken a toll on everyone. I’ve seen nurses that have been at the bedside for 20+ years decide to walk away and pursue other opportunities. Travel nurses are important in helping to bridge those gaps for the hospitals.
Do you have any advice for a nurse considering traveling for the first time?
DO IT!! It has been the best experience. I highly recommend travel nursing to all of my nurse friends.
Travel Nursing Tips for Travel Nurses
How to Make a Travel Nurse Resume + A Real-Life Sample Resume
How to Pay Off Your BSN in Just Over One Year
Top 10 Toughest Travel Nurse Interview Questions (and Answers!)
Top 6 Nursing Side-Hustles
Top 19 Mobile Apps for NursesHow to Find Furnished Short-Term Housing
What is Block Scheduling?
Travel Nurse Salary: Top 3 Ways to Make the Most Money
Travel Nurse Qualifications: What Paperwork Do You Need?
Travel Nurse Contracts: How to Avoid Cancellations
Travel Nurse Benefits: Health Insurance & 401(k)
Travel Nursing Testimonials
Started traveling simply because she wanted to make more money.
Started travel nursing to take control of life and boost her mental health.
Tried travel nursing 16 years ago and didn’t like. See what changed her mind.
Chose travel nursing so she could take as much time off as she wanted.
Med/Surg RN with 4-years’ experience. Her tips for nurses new to travel
Stayed with her hospital when covid hit. After 8-months started travel nursing
Started traveling the second she got 2-years nursing experience
They cut her pension – so she quit and started travel nursing
Got Travel Nursing Questions?
Did we miss anything? Do you still have questions about travel nursing? Give us a call (or shoot us an email) today and one of our dedicated team members would be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Next Move Inc
Nurse First.
Nurse Powered.
(816) 601 -3800
Info@NextMoveInc.com
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