Congratulations on your graduation! It’s time to trade in the cap and gown for scrubs. You may be wondering how to start your healthcare traveling career now that you have passed your exams and moved the tassel from right to left. However, healthcare traveling isn’t something new graduates should expect to do right away. Many staffing agencies require two years of experience, but this means you have time to start checking requirements off your list so you can begin traveling when the time is right.
Consider Working in Acute Care or a Float Pool
Healthcare facilities often hire travelers to fill staffing gaps, which means they must adjust quickly to new setting with limited orientation to their temporary position. Working in an acute care setting can give healthcare professionals a variety of valuable experiences, allowing them to become well-versed in a variety of areas.
Find Your Specialty
While some healthcare professionals already know which specialty they are passionate about, others may benefit from trying out different niches to determine the right path for them. Ask yourself these questions when considering a specialty:
- What was your favorite rotation or healthcare setting during clinicals?
- What type of shifts do you prefer?
- Do you have any limitations that may keep you from choosing a specific area?
Ultimately, the most important thing is choosing a specialty that you are passionate about, aligning with your personal and professional goals. And remember, no decision is absolute— you can always change your mind down the road.
Prepare Your Resumé
Now that you have the experience, it’s important to start prepping your resumé to apply for travel positions. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Highlight relevant experience: Focus on experience that is relevant to the traveling positions you are applying for. This could include experience in a similar facility, patient ratios, or acuity levels.
- Emphasize certifications and licenses: Include certifications and licenses that are required for the job you are applying to.
- Customize your resumé: Tailor your resumé to the position you’re applying for. This shows the agency or facility that you have taken the time to understand their needs and are genuinely interested in the position.
- Proofread carefully: Before submitting any application, proofread your resumé carefully. Typos and grammatical errors can make a negative impression.
Match With a Recruiter
Now that you have completed the requirements to become a healthcare traveler, it’s time to connect with a recruiter. If you’re ready to begin your healthcare traveling career, contact RTG Medical. By creating a profile on our website, we can connect you with a recruiter and get you on the path to begin your first travel assignment. Together, you’ll work to identify opportunities from assignment length to location. Why wait? Start your next adventure with RTG Medical today.
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