Imagine exploring new cities, earning a competitive salary, and getting experience while doing what you love the most: providing effective care to patients. Welcome to the world of travel nursing. If you are a registered nurse with at least 1 to 2 years of experience and want to become a travel PCU nurse, then becoming a travel PCU nurse is a perfect career choice for you. In this blog, we will discuss what makes travel PCU nursing so fulfilling and its benefits.
What is a PCU nurse?
The word PCU stands for Progressive Care Unit, and PCU nurses are registered nurses that take care of patients who need more monitoring than med surg unit patients but are less critical than ICU patients. Patients in the PCU unit are recovering from heart conditions, major surgery, or acute illness. PCU travel nurses travel to different cities to take care of these patients because there is a shortage of staff.
How to become a travel PCU nurse?
If you want to become a travel progressive care unit nurse, then you must have an active nursing license and at least 1 to 2 years of experience. Travel nurses visit new places with each assignment, and this experience helps them to adjust to the environment quickly and face the challenges without any difficulty.
Travel PCU nursing assignments are typically for 13 weeks, but it can vary from a few days to several months depending on their demand and job requirement. PCU travel nurses work 8- or 12-hour shifts. They also work night shifts, on weekends, and sometimes on holidays depending on their schedule.
What are the benefits of becoming a travel PCU nurse, and how is it a fulfilling job?
If you are bored with a permanent PCU nursing job and want to be adventurous, then becoming a PCU (progressive care unit) travel nurse is the best option for you. You can visit new places and work in different healthcare environments. There are many benefits in becoming a travel PCU nurse. We will discuss that below.
Visiting new places and exploring new cities
Travel PCU nurses work on a contract typically 13 weeks. During their career, they visit new places and work in different healthcare environments. This variety keeps their job fresh and exciting. They not only gain experience but also explore new cities, food, culture, and more.
Personal and professional growth
PCU travel nurses grow personally and professionally in their career. Working in different healthcare settings and managing patients with various health conditions helps them to improve their clinical skills. They meet new people and have the opportunity to work with different healthcare professionals. Each assignment will bring the opportunity to learn something new, which helps PCU (Progressive Care Unit Nurse) travel nurses to expand their knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Higher pay and benefits
Trave PCU nurses’ pay is higher than permanent nurses because of the nature of their job. PCU travel nurses work on assignments that can vary from a few days to several weeks, but typically, their contracts are for 13 weeks. Because they do not stay long at one place, their salary rate is higher than permanent nurses. PCU travel nurses also get other benefits such as health insurance, dental and vision insurance, house and travel stipends etc.
Flexibility and independence
The other advantage to becoming a PCU travel nurse is flexibility and independence in their job. Travel PCU nurses can choose their assignment, schedule, and location. Moreover, they can work as much as they want or as little as they want. If you are a PCU travel nurse, then join SkillGigs now and start travel nursing with us. With SkillGigs, you can choose your rate, location and schedule and will have the opportunity to work in top healthcare facilities.
Job demand and security
The demand for travel nurses is increasing day by day, and therefore, travel nursing brings job stability and security. Whether you choose to work in big cities or small hospitals, your skills are valued, and you are ready to make a difference in the healthcare world.
Steps to get started as a travel PCU nurse
If you want to start your career as a travel PCU nurse, then Skill Gigs is the perfect place for you. where you can find jobs according to your interest. But before you become a travel nurse, it has the following requirements:
- Getting a nursing degree
- Passing the NCLEX-RN exam and getting a nursing license.
- Joining SkillGigs will provide you with the opportunity to work in top healthcare facilities.
- Getting NLC (compact state nursing license) so you can work in multiple states without applying for additional states.
- Background checks and health screenings.
Tips to become a successful PCU travel nurse
- Be flexible.
- Should be able to adapt to the new environment quickly.
- Strong communication skills.
- Pack wisely for your assignment.
- Read and understand your contract.
- Understand tax, housing, and travel stipends.
Conclusion
PCU travel nursing is a rewarding career choice that has many advantages, such as exploring new cities, working in different healthcare settings, and working with experienced healthcare professionals who help you grow personally and professionally. If you want to become a PCU travel nurse, it is important that you have at least 1 to 2 years of experience. If you want to start your career as a travel PCU nurse, then join SkillGigs now and get the opportunity to work in top healthcare facilities.