Video: How do I Get a Travel Nursing Job?

We recently asked Samantha Wines, a senior recruiter at RNnetwork, to walk through the steps of getting a travel nursing job — especially for new travelers who aren’t sure how to begin the process. Here are her tips:

Get started with an application

“First, get connected with a recruiter. We would get a little bit more information on years of experience, what types of unit you’re working on, and a little bit more about what your motivators are,” Samantha says. “We would have you do an online application for us, which includes a skills checklist.”

Create a profile with your recruiter

Once a travel nurse completes the online application, provides at least two references and starts building a relationship with his or her recruiter, it’s time to work on your perfect job.

“We talk a little bit more about what jobs you’re qualified to do, where you’re looking to go and match you up. We help you understand a little bit more about the units and the hospitals that you might be going to,” Samantha says. “We build a profile based on your application, skills checklist and referencing and apply to the jobs you and your recruiter have decided are a good fit.”

Wait for a phone interview with a facility

“Once your paperwork leaves the building, there’s a little bit of a waiting game. We have to wait for the nurse managers to reach out to call you for an interview,” Samantha notes. “Once you’ve interviewed, you usually have 24-48 hours to accept or decline that offer.”

Have your agency do the heavy lifting

Landing the job requires several more steps, including credentialing, licensing and housing, but Samantha explains that the process is much simpler when you work with an agency.

“RNnetwork really stands out from the competition,” she says. “We have an amazing team of recruiters here that are trained to help understand your specialty, to help understand the hospitals you’re going to, and really give you that full, turn-key experience when you choose to move into the traveling world.”

Learn more about the steps to getting a travel nursing job in the video below!