Yes, 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. A permanent career in travel nursing is ideal for people who want to take weeks off at a time between assignments, as well, to travel or pursue other endeavors. Also, if you love your placement, you may be given the option to renew it for up to a year at the same location.
FAQs for U.S. Travel Nursing Jobs
Is it hard to get a job as a travel nurse?
No! In fact, there are an abundance of jobs, and not enough healthcare professionals to fill them right now.. 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. We take care of the other logistics to make it a smooth process — our goal is to make the tasks as easy as possible for you.
How long does it take to be a travel nurse?
Expect to dedicate around three years to becoming a travel nurse. First, you work towards your ADN for two years (or allow four years to obtain a BSN), complete your NCLEX-RN, and work as a nurse for 12 months before you are eligible for most U.S. travel nursing jobs.
Are traveling nurses in demand?
Yes, they are in very high demand amid the nursing shortage (1.1 million nurses are needed) 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 nationally-ranked hospitals. Travel nursing roles can also be competitive in the United State’s more popular destinations, ranging from California to Texas, and South Carolina to New Jersey. Earning a BSN or even a master’s degree or doctorate (versus only an ADN) can put you ahead of the competition, making you a far more desirable travel nurse candidate to top healthcare systems.
Can you be a travel nurse right out of college?
No, but you will be close to ready — you still must acquire 12 months of experience in the field before you can become a travel nurse, in most cases.
What are the shortest travel nurse assignments?
Short U.S. travel nursing opportunities are usually around four weeks long.
How long 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. Also, if you love your role and the manager loves you back, you can agree on extension terms making it longer. Some even renew multiple times if they are an excellent fit, and even go on to accept a permanent position.
Can you pick your assignment as a travel nurse?
Yes, you have the option of choosing your travel nurse location. Some professionals choose their favorite cities they’ve always wanted to live in, while others opt for better weather. Some seek out adventurous opportunities or locations where their favorite seasonal outdoor activities are possible. You have control. 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?
You can help quite literally where people and facilities are in crisis. 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.
Do you get benefits as a travel nurse?
Yes, U.S. travel nursing jobs come with many benefits, including large bonuses, competitive salaries, tax-free meal stipends, and housing reimbursements. Other benefits may include vision, dental, or medical insurance, 401K, 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). But, if it’s a truly unavoidable circumstance, your staffing agency can work with you to find future opportunities.
What types of nurses does Coast Medical Service staff?
Coast primarily focuses on staffing:
- Registered Nurses (RNs)
- Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)
- Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs)
- Allied Healthcare Professionals
What are the requirements to become a Coast Medical Service caregiver?
Coast has a selective process to help facilities receive the highest standard of caregivers.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. Coast also requires all caregivers to be actively licensed and to have at least one year of experience in the clinical setting they are applying for.
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 2-3 weeks of initial contact.
Where does Coast Medical Service have assignments?
Coast offers travel assignments nationwide, and in Guam! 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 depend on the unit, the hospital, and hours. 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?
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 — up to $1,000 for you and $500 for your referred colleague, if they end 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 if the clients’ needs allow. That said, we want you to be rested and ready — 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 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
Coast Medical Service Questions
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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