Florida Hospital Nursing Program: How to Become a Travel Nurse

By John Roney


Agencies were set up to provide nurses for areas that had seasonal populations and would need to boost their nursing staff according to those times. Such states as Arizona, California, Texas, and Florida became major factors in the growth of travel nurses. This was due partly to the large migrant population that moved from state to state, depending on the season, to find work or from people that would come south during the winter months.

Usually orientation lasts for about two weeks but the first day is always the longest. You should definitely dress comfortably because you will be one your feet for a long time. Attire should include a comfortable jogging suit or jeans and a t-shirt. Shoes can be flip flops to tennis shoes. You have already been accepted and have gone through the interview process so there is no need to come dressed to impress. Don't dress like a bomb with an unkempt look, but you don't want to be focused on how tight your belt is while trying to pay attention during orientation. Plus you will most likely purchase all the books needed for the rest of your nursing school courses. I had to make two trips to my car just to get all the books and supplies.

Although care plans are sometimes referred to as nursing care plans, nurses are not the only professionals who use care plans. Rather, all medical professionals involved in a patient's care are involved in the creation and updating of a particular plan. This includes not only nurses but doctors, therapists, and others. The first step for a care plan is generally the assessment of the patient. Different settings will have different protocols in doing assessments. Once this is done, a problem list is created, listing diagnoses and other problems that the patient may face.

Finding the Travel Job-The first step is to find a travel nursing company. There are hundreds of these available. They may handle local, national, or even global assignments. The traveling nursing agency is essentially a job recruiter. They help you with handling the details of your assignment, including relocation or registering with any local authorities. They offer guidance in location and focus. Most assignments last 13 weeks, but you can usually renew your contract if you wish to stay longer. Some of the leading travel nursing companies in the United States are the Cross Country TravCorps, American Mobile Healthcare, Preferred Healthcare Staffing, Medical Express, O'Grady Peyton International, and Nurses Rx.

Being prepared is essential to the rest of your journey in nursing school. Make sure that you have completed all necessary paper work such as background checks, immunizations, CPR certification and hospital waivers. One the first day of orientations, you will experience fear, anxiety and excitement. There will be a lot of information given out and lots of new people for you to meet. Try to relax and enjoy the rest of your nursing school courses.




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