What is a Traveling Nurse?
Author:Rusin Medical
The health care industry is one of the largest in our nation. This network of individuals is responsible for treating injuries, dispensing medications and helping to prevent disease among the public. Although there are many types of careers available within the health care industry, the most common is that of a nurse. Recent studies estimate that nearly two million people within the United States are currently employed as nurses, and this number is on the rise. One of the biggest reasons that the nursing field is such a popular career choice is the fact that there are always jobs available. Despite the staggering number of individuals currently employed as nurses, many health care institutions have a hard time attracting enough qualified nurses to fill their needs. In order to address this shortage, some institutions decide to hire a traveling nurse.
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What is a Traveling Nurse?[/caption]A traveling nurse is an individual who works for an independent agency rather than the health care institution itself. Just as a full-time nurse is required to complete his or her education and pass state tests, a traveling nurse is certified to practice medicine within the state where they work. The major difference between a full-time nurse and a traveling nurse is that fact that a traveling nurse has more freedoms. Instead of being tied down to a single institution, a traveling nurse has the ability to work at several different locations simultaneously. This means that the likelihood of a traveling nurse becoming bored with his or her occupation is low. Having the ability to work in several different hospital units at once helps ensure that the incumbent will not become bored. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities, and a traveling nurse has the ability to use their skills in unique ways.
Many people fear that the use of traveling nurses can result in poor medical attention. While it is easy to see why this is a concern, the fact of the matter is that traveling nurses can often provide higher quality care than traditional nurses. Since a traveling nurse has the ability to work at a variety of institutions, they can gain valuable insight into a specific area of medicine. For example, a traveling nurse might gain expertise in cardiovascular conditions by working alongside some of the nation\'s top physicians. If the nurse was required to remain stationed at a single hospital, this knowledge would not be available to them. Any subsequent patients that are treated by a nurse with specialized knowledge will benefit.
Obtaining employment with a traveling nurse agency is relatively simple. Most agencies conduct open recruitment throughout the year, and motivated nurses are encouraged to apply. The first step in obtaining employment is to fill out a written application. This application will ask for information on the applicant\'s experience and education. Identifying information will also be gathered in order to conduct a criminal background check. Once the application has been completed, it will be forwarded to a committee for review. Since traveling nurse agencies are known for the high caliber of the nurses they employ, strict qualifications must be met before an offer of employment is extended. Should these qualifications be met, the traveling nurse agency will begin a contract relationship with the applicant.
With the number of health care institutions relying on traveling nurses to meet their employment needs on the rise, more and more qualified nurses are choosing to partner with private agencies. Not only do private agencies afford nurses the freedom to travel from hospital to hospital, they usually result in a higher level of income as well. Traveling nurse agencies have begun to revolutionize the health care industry in our country.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/what-is-a-traveling-nurse-6195316.html
