The life of a travel nurse looks glamorous with traveling to new places, exploring cities, earning high pay, and meeting new people, but let’s be real- hopping from one place to another as a travel nurse comes with challenges and a bit of jet lag! Therefore, to make their travel nursing work experience fulfilling and successful, nurses should plan their travel nursing work schedules effectively. Whether you are a seasoned nurse or just getting started, SkillGigs is here for you. In this blog, we will provide you with tips and tricks on how to master your travel nurse work schedule to make the most of your assignment.
What does a travel nurse work schedule look like?
Travel nurse work schedules are different than those of permanent nurses because they work on contracts. Typical travel nursing assignments are for 13 weeks. Here is the breakdown on how travel nursing work hours look like.
Length of contract or travel nursing assignment
A travel nursing contract is usually for 13 weeks, but it can vary depending on facility requirements. Nurses can choose their hours, days off, and time schedules. Travel nurse work schedules consist of 8-hour shifts, 12-hour shifts, rotation shifts, and on-call shifts.
Shift and Hours
Travel nurses work either 8-hour shifts or 12-hour shifts. With 12-hour shifts, they have days off in between the shifts to avoid burnout. Travel nurses are sometimes also required to work on weekends or holidays. Travel nurses work on rotating shifts, too, throughout their assignment, where they switch between day and night shifts.
On-call shifts
Sometimes, travel nurses are also on call shifts, which means they have to be available on short notice, especially during emergencies.
What factors influence nurse work schedules?
Nurse work schedules can be influenced by many factors such as hospital or facility needs, full-time vs part-time job, nurse specialty, and nurse preferences.
Travel Nurse Work Schedule to be successful
- Plan and stay organized, especially if you are working on multiple assignments.
- Negotiate your schedule before signing your contract. Be flexible but know your preferences and set boundaries. You can discuss night shifts, work hours, days off, overtime, etc.
- During your assignments, don’t overbook yourself and take advantage of time off. Explore cities, try new cuisines, exercise, and take a rest to avoid burnout.
- Make clear and regular communication with your agency and ask questions if you have any to avoid confusion later.
- Create a routine.
- Your certification and paperwork should always be updated.
- Easily adapt to new and sudden changes to be a successful travel nurse.
Can I take time off during assignments as a travel nurse?
Yes, you can take time off during your assignments. Travel nurses take this break between assignments to maintain a work-life balance. It is also important to plan your next assignment 2-3 months ahead of time because it will give you time to plan your travel, find accommodation, etc.
Do travel nurses have free time or days off during their travel nursing assignment?
Yes, travel nurses can take up to 3 to 4 days off in a week during their travel nursing contract.
Can travel nurses pick their assignments?
Yes! Travel nurses can pick their own assignments and schedules. It is one of the benefits of travel nursing. With SkillGigs, you can choose the assignment according to your preference. These preferences depend on location, pay, time off, etc.
How to plan your travel nurse RN Schedule to be successful?
- Know your priorities and be clear about them.
- Consider location and housing.
- Always be flexible to secure desirable positions.
- Choose the shift that works for you. For example, you want to work the day shift, the night shift, or both.
- Plan your time off wisely to avoid burnout.
- Leverage technology and use apps to track time and schedules.
- Maintain a professional network and stay connected.
- Adapt to changes and travel nursing.
Conclusions
No doubt, travel nursing is an exciting career where you can explore new places, get higher pay, and grow professionally, but it also has its challenges. To be a successful travel nurse, it is important that you plan your travel nurse work schedules strategically to avoid burnout and make it successful. A typical travel nurse contract is for 13 weeks, but it can vary. A nurse’s work schedule is typically an 8- to 12-hour shift. Nurses can choose whether they want to work the day shift, the night shift, or both. They can also choose to work on weekends and holidays. To be a successful travel nurse, it is important that you are flexible, have the ability to adapt to change, know your priorities, and negotiate nursing contracts. If you are a seasoned nurse or a new travel nurse looking for the best travel nursing assignments that are flexible, then download the SkillGigs app now. With SkillGigs, you will get high pay and the opportunity to work in top healthcare facilities and grow professionally.
