Yes, you most definitely can. Many Registered Nurses pursue U.S. travel nursing jobs due to the flexibility and freedom they afford. With U.S. travel nursing opportunities, you can take time off when needed to spend time with your family, then take on your next assignment when you are ready.
Questions Related to U.S. Travel Nursing Jobs
Is it hard to get a job as a travel nurse?
No, it is not. All you need is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a nursing license (by passing the National Council Licensure Exam for RNs [NCLEX-RN]), and at least a year of field experience to claim U.S. travel nursing jobs.
How long does it take to be a travel nurse?
It generally takes a minimum of three years to become a travel nurse. This includes taking two years to obtain an ADN (or four years to obtain a BSN), completing your NCLEX-RN, and working as a nurse for 12 months before you are eligible for U.S. travel nursing jobs.
Are traveling nurses in demand?
Yes, they are in very high demand amid the nursing shortage that has plagued the United States during the past several years, combined with the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Thousands of U.S. travel nursing jobs are waiting to be filled.
Is travel nursing competitive?
Yes, U.S. travel nursing opportunities can be competitive in hospitals that are nationally ranked. Travel nursing roles can also be competitive in the United State’s more popular destinations, ranging from California to Texas, South Carolina, and New Jersey. Earning a BSN or even a master’s degree or doctorate (versus only an ADN) can make you a far more competitive travel nurse.
Can you be a travel nurse right out of college?
No, you must acquire 12 months of experience in the field before you can become a travel nurse.
What are the shortest travel nurse assignments?
Short U.S. travel nursing opportunities are usually around six weeks long.
How many weeks are travel nurse assignments?
Travel nurse assignments are generally around 13 weeks long. However, it is possible to secure one for as long as 12 months. A nursing assignment can end up being renewed if the hospital and the traveler agree on the extension’s terms. If a travel nurse position happens to be an excellent fit, you may have the option of renewing your contract numerous times.
Can you pick your assignment as a travel nurse?
Yes, you have the option of choosing your travel nurse location. Most U.S. travel nursing opportunities have specific lengths of time that the health care facilities need nurses to commit. However, it may be possible to adjust and/or extend your travel contract’s length. If this is not possible with a given contract, you can feel free to look for other contract lengths that fit your scheduling needs. Try to book your assignments well in advance, as this will increase your chances of getting the jobs you want, as well as being completely prepared for those jobs.
What are crisis rate travel nursing jobs?
These are U.S. travel nursing jobs that come with the advantages of higher rates of pay and incentives because they are available in places where nurses are needed the most. For instance, in these types of jobs, you may earn as much as $6,000 per week. The pay may even be higher if you are willing to care for patients who have received a COVID (delta variant) diagnosis.
Do you get benefits as a travel nurse?
Yes, U.S. travel nursing jobs come with many benefits, including large bonuses, competitive salaries, meal stipends, and free housing. Other benefits may include vision, dental, or medical insurance, as well as paid leave. Travel nurses also enjoy the benefit of being able to add their travel experiences to their resumes, which makes for more desirable and diverse resumes.
Can you break a travel nurse contract?
Yes, you may break your contract in an emergency situation (life happens!), but this may cause you to be blacklisted by both the health care facility and the staffing agency. This is because breaking your contract can hamper the medical facility’s delivery of patient care, tarnish the staffing agency’s reputation, and cost the staffing agency several thousand dollars (in medical facility penalties and/or housing arrangements). For this reason, it is advisable to avoid breaking your contracts for U.S. travel nursing jobs if at all possible.
Coast Medical Service Questions
What types of nurses does Coast Medical Service staff?
Coast primarily focuses on staffing Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), and Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs). Coast also staffs allied caregivers.
What are the requirements to become a Coast Medical Service caregiver?
Coast does not work with just anyone. To qualify for a travel nursing job in the United States, our caregivers must go through an extensive screening process including interviews, competency testing, and detailed credentialing. Furthermore, Coast requires all caregivers to be actively licensed and to have at least one year of experience in the clinical setting they are applying for. Finding the right fit for a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship is important to us.
Does Coast Medical Service offer travel nursing for new graduates?
Unfortunately, we do not accommodate U.S. travel nursing opportunities for new grads. Coast requires at least one year of post-graduate experience for all caregivers.
How do I start working with Coast Medical Service?
The best first step is to get in touch with us so that we can learn more about you and your needs, and you can learn more about us and the opportunities we have available. From there, we can discuss additional next steps and start putting together your file for submission to U.S. travel nursing jobs!
How quickly can I start to pick up shifts with Coast Medical Service?
Coast moves quickly, and the amount of time it takes to get started is largely dependent on you. Motivated caregivers can typically start their U.S. travel nursing jobs within four days of initial contact.
Where does Coast Medical Service have assignments?
Coast works offers travel assignments nationwide! Please contact us to find out if we have available assignments in specific geographies or health care facilities.
What is the pay structure at Coast Medical Service?
Pay rates range depending on the unit, the hospital, and the hours worked. We know the market and are dedicated to offering top compensation in the industry. Please contact us to learn more about pay rates for your unit and geographic preferences for U.S. travel nursing jobs.
How often does Coast Medical Service issue payments?
Coast issues payroll weekly every Thursday. Our workweek is Sunday – Saturday, and payroll is issued the following Thursday. Weekly pay can be issued via check or direct deposit.
What charting systems do your clients use at Coast Medical Service?
Coast clients use a variety of charting systems, including: Allscripts, Avatar, Cerner, Epic, McKesson, Meditech, Cerner, Paragon, and Protouch.
Does Coast Medical Service have a referral program?
Yes, referrals are our favorite source for new nurses! We provide generous compensation to you for any referral who ends up working with Coast. Click here to learn more.
Are there a minimum or maximum number of shifts you can work per week with Coast Medical Service?
Our U.S. travel nursing jobs are designed to be flexible. This means you can work as much or as little as you want based on clients’ needs. That said, we promote a safe work environment and will ensure that you have ample rest time to remain at your best for all assignments.
Does Coast Medical Service provide reimbursements for California nursing licenses?
Generally, we do not offer reimbursements for nursing licenses. Please see the following resource on registering or renewing your nursing license: http://www.rn.ca.gov/applicants/index.shtml
Why should I work with Coast Medical Service?
If you’re seeking U.S. travel nursing jobs, there are many reasons to choose Coast, including:
- Flexible schedule
- Strong relationships
- Customer service
- Top pay
- Consistent shifts available
Testimonials
"I work full time at a hospital but wanted to supplement my income with per diem nurse assignments. I found Coast and am so impressed by their roster of hospitals. They work with facilities where I've always wanted to work. Coast has provided me the opportunity venture out of my comfort zone, meet new people and sharpen my skills. Working with Coast has made me a better nurse and I get paid"
-George M. Coast RN since 2014
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