Travel Nursing 101 // Getting Started

About me: My name is Cayla Keys. I'm a travel nurse with 12 years of experience in multiple specialties, including ER, Med/Surg, OR, PACU, & Primary Care. I enjoy helping new travelers get started on their journey.
This video may have been better in two parts, but hey, it's my first time. If you can hang in for the whole thing, we'll discuss the following topics:
◦ Experience Needed
◦ Locations
◦ Contract Length
◦ Payment Schedule
◦ Costs of Traveling
◦ Solo vs. Team Traveling
Instagram @TravelNurseCayla - / travelnursecayla
TikTok @TravelNurseCayla - www.tiktok.com...
Reddit Traveler FAQs - www.reddit.com...
[e-mail] - Email me for one-on-one travel nurse consulting!
Follow my links below for recruiter referrals from reputable companies:
● Emerald Health Services - emeraldhs.work...
● MAS Medical Staffing - masmedicalstaf...
● Triage Staffing - triagestaff.co...
● Cross Country Nurses - www.crosscount...
Editing/Thumbnails:
● Canva - www.canva.com/...

[@Buffalogalmely]

This was so inspiring! I’m just finishing my first year of nursing school and I’m located in very gloomy Buffalo, NY! I am DREAMING about the day I can start traveling! Hoping it’s after that first year of work! (2 years to go!) you answered questions that I didn’t even know I had (dating, finding community with other travelers!) My goal is to eventually wind up back in SoCal where I was raised to be near family. But-I have that wanderlust brewing inside first! Thank you so much for this awesome video.

[@maigematthews5620]

Questions: 1. How is the Atlas Agency fairing for traveling RNs in North California? I’m an insomniac, workaholic, New Yorker from the city and my goal is to be a Trauma Certified ICU Traveling ER Nurse (ENP/MSN). The plan is, with me only needing 3-4 hours sleep😴, I would work any shift mainly in North California hospitals out of my Suburban vehicle and hit the local gym & Walmart for all of my other humane needs to exist. lol 🚿🛀🪥🛌 👟🏃‍♂ And I’m reaching for MSN as opposed to ASN or BSN so that I’m most-favored and marketable. 2. What are your thoughts? 3. I will work any shift at any location , so what specialty pays the most? 4. Can I do 11 months on a contract, 2 months home, then another 11 months on a contract a the same hospital without loosing all of my wonderful traveling benefits? Ex.: I consider December and January my “vacation” months, then come back to work. 5. Can you work multiple contracts if the commute works for you? 6. Since my home state is New York City, in your experienced opinion, what is the possibility of my get a traditional 13 month contract in New York City? 7. I also have land property in about 7 states so far. In your experienced opinion, how plausible is it for me to work temporarily in the state that they are located? ✈🛫 (Arkansas, NC, SC, CA, NV, NM)🛬 Thank you so much for your time. thanks 🙏

[@everythingtravelnurse]

Wow, 7 years of Traveling! Awesome! I've been in 7 states and have been and have signed 20 contracts over the last 4.5 years. I love summer in the North and Winter in South. Currently living in beautiful Alaska for 6 months of Spring, Summer and Fall. It a great way to live. Also, I was lucky enough to do a summer contract in Marquette, MI. Travel Nurse on!

[@hellokitty-it8lj]

I will start travelling on Tuesday, your video is very helpful!

[@Radmxray]

Good luck!!

[@maigematthews5620]

Awesome Content! 🎆 Questions: 1. How is the Atlas Agency fairing for traveling RNs in North California? I’m an insomniac, workaholic, New Yorker and want to be a Trauma Certified ICU Traveling ER Nurse (ENP/MSN) and I want to do as many college-hacking and college online as I can to get me there. The plan is, with me only needing 3-4 hours sleep😴, I would work any shift mainly in North California hospitals out of my Suburban vehicle and hit the local gym & Walmart for all of my other needs to exist. lol 🚿🛀🪥🛌 And I’m reaching for MSN as opposed to ASN or BSN so that I’m most-favored and marketable. 2. What are your thoughts? 3. I will work any shift at any location , so what specialty pays the most? 4. Can I do 11 months on a contract, 2 months home, then another 11 months on a contract a the same hospital without loosing all of my wonderful traveling benefits? Ex.: I consider December and January my “vacation” months, then come back to work. 5. Can you work multiple contracts if the commute works for you? 6. Since my home state is New York City, in your experienced opinion, what is the possibility of my get a traditional 13 month contract in New York City? 7. I have land property in about 7 states so far. In your experienced opinion, how plausible is it for me to work temporarily in the state that they are located? ✈🛫 (Arkansas, NC, SC, CA, NV, NM)🛬 8. How often do you witness Traveling RNs that have no savings?💸💸 9. How do you show proof for your travel expense reimbursements?💰 Thank you so much for your time. 🙏

[@RossTheBossta]

Great video! I found your link on Reddit! I am a relatively new nurse from Toronto, and going through the process of applying to the states.

[@travelnursecayla]

Awesome, fellow redditor! Thanks for watching! I'll be posting each week on different subjects all related to traveling. Basically common questions answered! Hope this helped you a bit and welcome to the U.S. :)

[@alang5245]

Alberta nurse here doing the same:)

[@travelnursecayla]

@@alang5245 hi! Sorry for the late reply. Let me know if you need any help starting your travel journey or have any questions I haven't addressed yet :)

[@Radmxray]

This is great. You answered every possible question I have. I'm an IR/cath lab rad tech really considering the travel option. I agree with what you say about down time. How scared were you when you first left home? It's the only thing that has me really apprehensive. Thank you for this!!

[@travelnursecayla]

I moved a ton as a kid and have always been very independent, so traveling was natural for me. I've never been hesitant/scared/sad, etc about leaving because the benefits outweigh all the fears. Just go for it!! Do at least one assignment and see how you feel. If you hate it, well then you made some money and got to experience a new place 🤷🏼‍♀️ if you love it, keep going! You won't know how you feel until you try it. Go explore the world and happy travels!

[@fernandogonzales9964]

Thank you for touching basic important aspects of being a travel nurse. More power!!

[@d3r3kyasmar]

Thank you. I am thinking of being a travel nurse. I am a Nurse in Boston for 7years already.

[@travelnursecayla]

Let me know if I can help you on your journey :)

[@travelnursecayla]

You could definitely take an assignment within 50 miles of Boston and qualify for the stipends!

[@randykeys5463]

Nice first video Cayla. Good information.

[@travelnursecayla]

Thank you!

[@hannahasmr1080]

I have over 1.5 years of ICU and am really thinking about traveling! Thanks for the video 💕

[@travelnursecayla]

You're very welcome! Please let me know if you'd like some referrals (I have them linked in the description box and a few more not listed) and if I can help you get in any way!

[@hannahasmr1080]

@@travelnursecayla yes I would love some! Can I email you at the email you have in the description box?

[@travelnursecayla]

@@hannahasmr1080 yes, of course! [e-mail] :)

[@travelnursecayla]

Hannah, I'll be getting back to you a little bit later this afternoon via email with answers to your questions :)

[@hannahasmr1080]

@@travelnursecayla okay, thanks so much!

[@sugahillind]

I like that schedule you got I would love to work for 3 months and then break for a month

[@savannahlynn1363]

Thank you so much for sharing this information! This has helped so much!

[@JR-oe6dw]

So helpful. Thank you so much!!!

[@vernreuter3545]

I'm a little slow to the travel nurse thing I have been a nurse for over 5 year 4 of those in the ICU. I am looking into travel nursing and am looking to see if different specialities (ICU, ED, PACU) have better travel companies? There a lot of options how do you pick a travel company? How many different ones have you used? Thanks so much I watch a lot of travel video the last couple weeks and you gave a lot of great info.

[@reneehubbard2796]

I’m from Michigan. I seen Ironwood it was hours away from me. Thanks for the video

[@travelnursecayla]

It actually turned out to be an awesome little place. One of my favorite contracts! Thank you for your support of my channel.

[@kodameister4638]

I've been a nurse for more than 5 years, about 3.5 years (and counting) of those years were in a medical-surgical ICU w/ a rapid response team experience. I like to travel so a lot of my coworkers are recommending me to do travel nursing. At first, I didn't take it seriously but now I am really looking into it.

[@travelnursecayla]

Yeah go for it! Leave your current job on good terms and then go back to it if traveling isn't for you. Don't burn bridges, but at least experience it if you can. Good luck and let me know if I can help you :)

[@kodameister4638]

@@travelnursecayla I'm reaching out to friends and acquaintances that have done it if they have a recommendation on which travel nurse company. I know there's FastStaff & American Mobile, but I have no clue which company to pick. I was hoping if you had recommendations! :)

[@abbypowell1808]

Great video! Can you give more tips on what to do about insurance in your downtime? Have you had to find private insurance?

[@travelnursecayla]

Hi Abby! So I actually carry my own insurance. It's actually a healthcare sharing network called Christian Health Ministries. It covers any medical bill over $400. We pay about $150/month for our individual plans. I'm actually making a whole video on insurance vs. healthcare sharing next week! I believe with most companies, you have 30 days after the end of your contract to still be covered by their insurance. You'll want to check with a recruiter to confirm what they offer. Most travelers do carry the company provided insurance and try to keep their downtime to one month or less in order to not lose coverage. I hope this helped and hopefully the video related to this subject will add more value.

[@Tugbug72911]

great video! 🙂 i’m looking to start my first travel contract in 2-3 weeks (if i get accepted), and it’s a crisis response. I have 2 years IMC experience but am still a bit nervous! … how does scheduling usually work? do you get to pick which days of the week you work or does the hospital tell you?

[@karensmileyt6788]

I watched all of it!! Very interesting and informative. Thanks. My question is 1. How did you find learning the varying systems/charting at the sites you were assigned. 2. How hard was it to actually function efficiently after 1to 3 days of orientation?

[@travelnursecayla]

1. Most facilities will give you a full day of EHR training. A lot of facilities use Epic, but you will eventually learn Cerner, Meditech, and possibly EPowerDoc. Sometimes you will get learning modules/videos with EHR education prior to arrival and/or complete hands-on training when you arrive. You'll also learn a lot on the job. Just ask lots of questions and after about a week or so, you'll get the hang of it! Once you know a system, it's smooth sailing. But do be aware that hospitals use different tiers of programs, but the tiers are similar and will only take about a day to figure out each one's specifics. 2. Depending on how much experience you're entering the travel world with, you should be good to go after a few days of orientation. My suggestion would be to watch your preceptor for about an hour or so and watch them chart and explain what they're doing, and then take over the assignment as a team for the rest of the shift. If you just jump into it, it forces you to learn quicker. Have your preceptor by your side the whole time though because you will have a lot of questions on the processes. Your nursing care should be universal, but learning who I who and where stuff is, and if the charting is new to you, will be your challenges. If you're considering traveling, just do it! Don't overthink it :) hope that was helpful.

[@karensmileyt6788]

Very helpful

[@GabrielPerez-fe1rp]

I am a LPN for 4 years, do you think there are openings for LPN’s? I been doing hospice care, is there any work in that particular area? Thank you! ❤

[@travelnursecayla]

There are travel LPN jobs out there, yes! Not all agencies offer LPN jobs, but you could start by looking at some of the companies I mention in another video and go from there. LPNs are always needed in hospice, LTC, rehab, etc. Pursue it, you won't regret it! ❤️

[@Justanurse357]

Hello- thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge with us. I have 2 years ENT OR experience. Never done general. I scrub and circulate. I am very comfortable in the ENT OR. I also my have 17 years as an LD RN where I scrubbed as well on c sections, both scheduled and emergencies. I have traveled as LD RN before but now want to travel in the OR. Am I bitting off more than I chew here? Thanks!

[@travelnursecayla]

Hi there! No, I don't think you're biting off more than you can chew, as long as you take contracts specific to your experience! I wouldn't recommend general OR contracts, unless you know you're comfortable and competent. The hiring facility won't take you on a general contract anyway. Just do what you know and you'll be just fine! Thank you for your support of my channel :)

[@josiemalayter3767]

Have you ever done local travel? Is it referred to as agency work? Thanks!

[@travelnursecayla]

I haven't been a local traveler personally. I've worked with them, but I choose to go to places too far away to he considered local. There are still tax/pay benefits to staying close to home as a local traveler though! Most people I've worked with over the years find it to he a better balance with their families. I'd still suggest it, if you're interested in dipping your toes into travel world, but don't want to go far :)

[@Daniel5150You]

What happens of you don't have a bamk account? Do your checks get mailed to you?

[@travelnursecayla]

I would imagine yes, since that would be the only option the company has to get your paycheck to you, but it'd be in your best interest to open a checking account. Even if it's only for the ease and speediness of getting paid.

[@misabelle3218]

Hi! Thank you for the video. Question though- you said you've transitioned to different fields of nursing (PACU, OR, etc), can you change specialties as a traveler? Or do you have to go back to staff to train in a new specialty for 1-2 years then travel in that specialty?

[@travelnursecayla]

Typically, you'll have to go to a staff position to transition for about a year, then go back out as a traveler in your new speciality. There are "will train" travel positions out there, but they're far and few between. I've gotten lucky over the years in being able to transition that way.

[@misabelle3218]

@@travelnursecayla thank you so much for the info!

[@dandiperno2709]

Hello young lady. My name is Dan and afew months back I saw an ad looking for housing for traveling. Nurses. I live in Rochester New York and we ha very some great hospitals here. I have a huge 5 bedroom home with 3 full bathrooms. I have one master bedroom on the first floor and four more bedrooms and two more bathrooms on the second floor. The ad I saw pertained to housing for travelling nurse's. I am retired and live alone as my wife recently passed away. So I thought to myself wouldn't it be great to have a trzvelling nurse stay in the master suite on the first floor as she would have her own private bath .she would be great company and also provide me with a small income. Well I did list my home and I got one of the nicest nurse's I could ever want. She is a married grandmother who would be working at a hospital less that 2 miles from my home. This was a perfect fit for both of us. We have a great relationship and I will be very sorry when her contract is over. I could possibly do 2 nurse's as I have another bedroom on the second floor with a private bath. I have to think about that. When the nurse I have now kewvesi will definitely look for a replacements. I just enjoyed your v,og and look forward to more of them for my own personal knowledge Thank you. Dan

[@travelnursecayla]

Hi Dan. Thank you for sharing your story. I'm happy you have had a wonderful traveler staying with you. I hope you continue to have positive experiences moving forward. Thank you for your support of my channel.

[@alenkadolinar8997]

Where are you listed please?

[@MaeGeraldineSamar]

Which travel nursing agency can you recommend? I'm starting to be interested with travel nursing. A little hesitant still.

[@travelnursecayla]

I'd recommend Emerald Health Services or Fastaff to start with. I'm happy to send you recruiter referrals if you send me an email [e-mail]

[@vivianpepito9490]

Hi Kayla, have you met a traveling nurse doing Case Management?

[@travelnursecayla]

I have actually! It's been a few years, but there are plenty of case managers that travel. I'd suggest looking at Fastaff, Trusted, and Nuwest for those jobs. If you email me, I'd be happy to refer you to recruiters :) [e-mail]

[@naciamaj]

How do you start new specialities while doing travel nursing? Do you keep a permanent job somewhere?

[@travelnursecayla]

You need to become a core staff employee in your new specialty for at minimum one year, although most facilities prefer two years experience. Once you have experience in your new specialty, you're good to go again as a traveler.

[@naciamaj]

@@travelnursecayla Ok thanks

[@kal3idosc0pe]

Hi Kayla! Thanks for doing this. Coincidentally, my name’s Kayla too so 💁🏾‍♀️ I’m considering travel nursing myself but I’m worried that I won’t find an assignment with a med/surg background. I work in a pulmonary med/surg unit. Some of my patients have cardiac issues too so I have some patients that wear a telemonitor. Could I work on a tele floor or should I only assign myself to med/surg contracts? Thanks!

[@travelnursecayla]

Hi! Love your name lol ;) I think that would be a great question for your recruiter. I feel like based on what you've told me, you'd be a good candidate for a med/surg-tele floor and/or straight med/surg. I think you'd get to choose, but ultimately it would be dependent on what the facility is looking for. I wouldn't sweat it though and believe the best unit for your skillset is out there waiting for you :)

[@SamianHQuazi]

So I'm starting off as a new traveler, and have a trillion questions! But to spare you, I"ll limit myself to just two on here :-) 1) For my first travel gig, on the applications they asked for references, and since I'm employed as a staff RN here in Houston luckily I was able to do that. However, once I quit my job and go traveling full time, I don't know what I would put down for "current job references" in the future. When you're traveling and have to put down references, whom do you put? The manager of the hospitals you traveled to? The recruiters alone? 2) A lot of specialities in travel nursing say they want "recent experience" within that speciality. For instance, I used to work medical ICU as a new grad nurse, but that was four to five years back. Now, there's a lot of demand out there for ICU RNs specifically, but the travel companies say they want "recent experience" in ICU, meaning within the past two years. I get where they're coming from completely. And since I work in psych right now, I'm taking a psych travel gig. But does that mean I'm pigeonholed into the psych specialty as a traveler forever? Or can I change and do something else in traveling down the road, if I had wanted to?

[@travelnursecayla]

Hi, sorry for the delayed reply. YT hasn't been giving me notifications. Okay, so for the first question, you'll want to establish a good rapport with your charge nurses/supervisors at your contracts. Charge nurses are usually fine for referrals, but some companies want one from a supervisor/manager. Try to get contact info for this people and simply ask them if in the future they'd be willing to give you a referral. I usually text them when I need the referral done to give them a heads up that the company will be sending them the request. You only have to do those once/year and/or when you change companies. And, they have to be referrals from people you've worked with recently (within a year). For the second question, it depends. If a job is more of a crisis response and they absolutely need someone to come help in the ICU (or any specialty) and you've had a few years of experience, they may accept your submittal. However, most of the hospitals want recent experience within the past 1-2 years. Most of the time you'll have to revert back to your previous specialty as a staffer, get your year done, and then go back out in the new specialty. Again, it just depends on how much help the hospital is needing and what they're willing to allow. I hope that helped and please feel free to email me with any other questions. I also do consultations/Q&As via zoom :)

[@SamianHQuazi]

@@travelnursecayla Thank you so much!!

[@daniellemariscal4138]

Hi! I just started my first travel assignment. I’ve been an infusion nurse for about 5 years, less than a year of med surg experience and some picu experience but I decided to take med surg assignment to get more experience and become more confident. I only got 2 days orientation and I’m on my own now. Im a little worried that I jumped into this too soon like you said with not so much med surg experience. What are your thoughts and can you give some feedback as to how to survive this lol. I feel like none of my nursing experience matters in a new facility that I don’t know anything about or how their charting system works etc. so it’s especially difficult to learn…