Note: Guest contributor Reva Lewis wrote this post. Learn more about Reva at the bottom of this article.
Hi, guys! My current assignment in central California will end in a few weeks. It’s a bittersweet moment. Ten months and three extensions later, it is time for this travel nurse to get in gear and land a new assignment.
Searching for your next assignment can be daunting, especially when you’re new and unsure how to navigate going from one job to the next. Maintaining a complete travel nurse profile with your agency while actively seeking a new assignment will give you the upper hand and allow you to be one of the first applicants submitted for a job! Let’s go through what makes up a complete travel nurse profile and how having one will ensure you land your next assignment without delay.
What Is a Travel Nurse Profile?
Your travel nurse profile is ultimately your resume. It’s composed of your work experience and skills competency – you know, the essential items hospitals consider when reviewing each candidate. Your recruiter will ensure your profile shines the best light on your skills, so you stand out from other applicants.
Documents Needed For a Complete Travel Nurse Profile
When seeking a new contract, you will have to work with your agency to compose a travel nurse profile to submit for a potential assignment. Becoming “submission ready” is what we call it in the travel nurse industry. A submission-ready profile includes:
1. Up-to-date work history
You want to be as detailed as possible with your work experience. In this section, be sure to include the name and location of each facility, the facility type (was it a teaching facility?), the unit type, your employment status (permanent staff, travel assignment, per diem), the number of beds on the unit, what charting system was used, the average patient ratio, and your start and end date.
2. Verified reference from a previous supervisor
Two references from an immediate supervisor (like a charge nurse, manager, or director) are required. Choose your references wisely!
3. Updated skills checklist
Do not be modest when completing your skills checklist. Be honest about your capabilities, and let it be known that you’re proficient and confident in your specialty.
4. Active state licensure
You must be licensed in the state where you are seeking an assignment. Ensure your license is active and current with the state board of nursing.
5. Current certifications
Submit all certifications you currently hold, especially specialty certifications. For example, BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP, CCRN, CPN, CEN, S.T.A.B.L.E., etc.
Without this information, your agency cannot brag about you to the facility. Give them all the ammunition they need to get the facility excited about having you and get you on to your next assignment! It might seem a little time-consuming, but when you stay ready with all your required documents, there’s not much to do to submit your travel nurse profile. Just get it done! Happy travels!
About Reva:
Hi, y’all! Southerner here, can you tell?! I am Reva, a NICU travel nurse and foodie! I began my nursing career as an adult Med/Surg nurse and quickly transitioned to the NICU. I discovered travel nursing while searching for new opportunities and better career options outside my home state of Mississippi. Little did I know that travel nursing would be the solution to my future aspirations!
I have been a registered nurse for more than12 years, spending eight of those years exploring the United States as a NICU travel nurse. I have completed 16+ travel assignments, ranging from four weeks to one year (extending is my new norm now). My nomad life has been full of highs and lows, but I would not change a thing about my journey.
As you begin your travel nursing journey, take all the pictures. You will cherish these memories for the rest of your life! And as you travel, don’t be a stranger – visit me on IG: @revamoments and say hello!
There’s no one more knowledgeable on this topic than Reva! I love her IG page as well!