Unleash Your Journey: How to Secure a High-Pay Travel Nursing Job

Are you an aspiring travel nurse or a seasoned traveler exploring new horizons? It's crucial to unravel the mystique of blacklisting in the travel nursing world. These "DNUs" (Do Not Use), "DNCs" (Do Not Call), or "DNSs" (Do Not Send) can have profound implications on your career. Let's dive into this intriguing realm, understand who wields the blacklist, and explore its potential impact.

Blacklisting in Travel Nursing Jobs in the USA: Decoding the Basics

Blacklisted, DNU, DNC, DNS... The terminology can be perplexing, but the concept is straightforward. When a travel nurse gets banned from working with a specific employer, it's akin to being placed on a professional blacklist. These blacklists can be temporary or permanent. Temporary bans often stem from failing exams during orientation, like the PBDS or EKG exams. On the other hand, we're going to focus on the more enduring DNUs in this exploration.

The Key Players and Their Implications

So, who holds the power to blacklist travel nurses, and what are the ramifications?

1. Hospitals: If a hospital issues a DNU, it restricts you from returning to that specific hospital. The impact here is localized.
2. Hospital Systems: Being DNU'd by an entire hospital system is more significant. For instance, being banned from all Kaiser hospitals in California limits your options substantially.
3. Agencies: When an agency places you on their DNU list, you're barred from working with that specific agency. The consequences vary depending on the agency's size.

Blacklisted by Hospitals: The Impact

Getting blacklisted by a single hospital isn't catastrophic since it affects only one facility. However, a ban from an entire hospital system can be far-reaching. For example, if you're blacklisted from all HCA hospitals, your travel nurse job prospects in multiple states, particularly Texas and Florida, take a hit.

Blacklisted by Travel Nursing Agencies: The Consequences

The consequences of agency blacklisting differ from one agency to another. Smaller agencies may not significantly impact your job prospects, as many hospitals work with multiple agencies. However, larger agencies can have a more substantial impact.

Many large agencies also act as Managed Service Providers (MSPs) for major hospitals and organizations. They have exclusive contracts, making it vital to stay in their good books. For instance, if you're DNU'd by American Mobile, it could lead to being banned from Kaiser Hospitals, University of Stanford Hospitals, and more.

Behind the Scenes: How Blacklisting Works

Ever wondered how this web of blacklisting operates?

MSPs, like American Mobile, serve as exclusive staffing providers for hospitals or entire systems. They collaborate with sub-vendors when needed, but all submissions pass through the MSP's database. If you've been DNU'd by an MSP, your application is swiftly rejected.

Unraveling the Reasons behind Blacklisting

DNUs occur for numerous reasons, usually linked to contract termination or clinical issues. Here are some common triggers:

1. Attendance Issues: Repeated attendance problems can result in blacklisting.
2. Medication Errors: Serious medication errors can lead to a DNU.
3. Insubordination: Consistent insubordination may be grounds for blacklisting.
4. Contract Cancellations: If you cancel a contract prematurely or fail to show up for an accepted assignment, blacklisting is a possibility.

Crucially, different employers maintain distinct criteria for enforcing DNUs, and it's often a subjective decision. Each case is unique, reflecting the complexity of the healthcare landscape.

The Blacklisting Process: What Happens Next?

Most often, hospitals or hospital systems enforce DNUs, while agencies are more lenient, considering their travel nurses as both employees and customers. However, there is a formal process to follow.

1. Notification: Expect a call from your recruiter immediately, notifying you not to return to the hospital. At this stage, your recruiter may have limited information.
2. Hospital Report: In many cases, the hospital will provide the agency with a written report detailing the issues that led to the DNU.
3. Discussion: The agency's Chief Nursing Officer or Clinical Liaison may reach out to you to discuss the report and hear your side of the story.
4. Point System: Agencies often employ a point system to evaluate whether to enforce their own DNU. Various issues fall into categories with escalating point values for severity. When a predetermined point total is reached, the agency may enact its DNU.

It's important to note that receiving a formal written report from the agency or hospital regarding the DNU is rare.

What Can Travel Nurses Do If Blacklisted?

Prevention is the first line of defense. Always consider the potential for blacklisting when making decisions about contract cancellations or other actions that might lead to it. Communicate openly with the hospital and your recruiter about any concerns, such as family emergencies that could force you to cancel a contract.

If you do find yourself blacklisted:

1. Appeal: If you're DNU'd by an agency, especially a larger one with MSP contracts, you can attempt to appeal their decision. Contact them and request to speak with supervisors or escalate the issue up the chain of command.
2. Build a Strong Record: If all else fails, focus on building a solid travel nursing work history and references elsewhere. Then, return to the agency at a later date with an appeal to have the DNU lifted, backed by your recent work history.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, thriving as a travel nurse and reaping the financial rewards depends on maximizing your opportunities in the job market. For more information on travel nursing jobs in the USA, connect with Voysta right away.

Don't let DNUs hinder your journey. Stay informed, communicate openly, and remember that every setback is an opportunity for a comeback in the dynamic world of travel nursing!

Many travel nurses prioritize earning a salary of $100K. The good news is that this goal is attainable, depending on factors such as your degree, certifications, specialty, location, experience, and registered nurse resume. The beauty of travel nursing jobs in the USA is that you have the freedom to choose assignments based on both pay and location. Read on to discover how you can make six figures as a nurse.

How can you make six figures as a travel nurse?

As previously mentioned, it is entirely possible to earn a six-figure salary as a travel nurse, depending on your specialty, location, and the ability to act quickly when high-paying nursing jobs are posted. Speak with your recruiter about opportunities to maximize your pay. In the meantime, we will share some truths about making six figures as a travel nurse:

1. Truth #1: Specialty matters. In many cases, assignments that pay $100K or more are available to nurses with select specialties. For example, L&D nurses and cath lab nurses are often prime candidates for these high-paying jobs. This is because these skills are in high demand by healthcare facilities, resulting in higher pay for travel nurses.
2. Truth #2: Assignment location matters. To increase your chances of landing a six-figure travel nursing job, you should be open to various locations. While southern Florida may be your dream destination, these high-paying jobs are often more common in rural areas or medically underserved communities where healthcare facilities struggle to attract nurses. When it comes to the highest-paid nursing jobs, prioritize the salary over the location.
3. Truth #3: Timing matters. To secure $100K assignments, you need to act quickly. Jobs that are available today may not be there tomorrow. This means working with an experienced recruiter whom you trust and giving them the green light to submit your application for high-paying jobs as soon as they become available.

To give you an idea, here are the 14 highest-paid travel nursing jobs in the USA currently:

1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist – $202,000
2. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner – $131,000
3. Cardiac Nurse Practitioner – $120,000
4. Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner – $119,000
5. Oncology Nurse Practitioner – $119,000
6. General Nurse Practitioner – $118,000
7. Family Nurse Practitioners – $116,000
8. Certified Nurse Midwife – $114,000
9. Clinical Nurse Specialist – $113,000
10. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner – $112,000
11. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – $112,000
12. Pain Management Nurse – $110,000
13. Nurse Researcher – $104,000
14. Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP) – $100,000

How much does a travel nurse typically earn on average?

The average salary for a travel nurse, as of February 2023, is $106,030 per year, or approximately $50.98 per hour. This equates to $2,039 per week or $8,835 per month. Travel RN salaries can range from $80,000 to $127,500, with the top 10th percentile earning $150,500 annually.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-paying states for travel nurses include California, Hawaii, Oregon, the District of Columbia, and Alaska.

The top five highest-paying cities, with salaries ranging from $139,000 to $155,000, are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA, Vallejo-Fairfield, CA, Santa Rosa, CA, and Napa, CA.

What are the basic expectations from a travel nurse job?

To become a travel nurse, follow these tips:

1. Obtain your nursing degree and pass the NCLEX exam to obtain your license.
2. Obtain required certifications such as BLS (Basic Life Support), ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support), PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support), and NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program).
3. Consider obtaining advanced RN certifications to enhance your qualifications as a travel nurse. Check the NCC website that enlists nursing certification exams along with the procedure of application.
4. Gain 1-2 years of experience as a nurse before pursuing travel assignments.

Remember that travel nursing jobs in USA offer various opportunities for growth and advancement, but achieving a six-figure salary may require dedication and potential relocation. To earn a six-figure salary as a travel nurse, take the following steps:

1. Choose high-paying assignments in areas with high demand for nurses, such as major cities or rural areas with healthcare worker shortages.
2. Consider specializing in high-demand areas of nursing, such as critical care, emergency medicine, or oncology.
3. Take advantage of sign-on bonuses, completion bonuses, referral bonuses, and other incentives offered by travel nursing companies and hospitals.
4. Be open to working night shifts or picking up overtime to increase your earnings.
5. Keep your expenses low to maximize your earnings, even though housing and travel expenses are typically covered by employers.
6. Research the highest-paid nursing jobs and top-paying cities to identify lucrative travel opportunities.

Final Thoughts

If you're ready to kickstart your travel nursing career, consider partnering with Voysta. We offer comprehensive support, including benefits packages and guidance on financial investments. Our recruiters are knowledgeable about travel nursing salaries and the highest-paying states.

Are you prepared to begin a journey in travel nursing? We have all the information you need to find the perfect job for you. In this useful handbook, we will provide you with valuable advice on how to search for travel nursing jobs in the USA, offering tips for both new and seasoned travelers to secure your dream assignments.

Researching travel nursing jobs in the USA

Travel nursing jobs provide unmatched freedom and flexibility in the healthcare industry. When searching for travel nursing opportunities, it is important to consider your priorities in order to narrow down your options. This may include factors such as preferred destinations, specific healthcare facilities, professional development opportunities, or to get more experience. Once you have determined your priorities, you can begin your search by exploring websites and platforms that cater to travel nursing job postings. One such platform to consider is Voysta's job search page, where you can filter your search by location, nursing specialty, assignment duration, shift type, or desired start date.

Crafting the Perfect Resume for Travel Nursing

When preparing to apply for travel nursing jobs that meet your criteria, it is important to enhance your travel nursing resume. A well-crafted resume should be concise yet comprehensive enough to showcase your relevant experience, clinical skills, and certifications. To make a lasting impression on recruiters and hiring managers, it is crucial to emphasize your ability to work effectively in diverse healthcare settings and quickly adapt to new environments. Your recruiter should assist you in perfecting your resume before sending it to potential employers.

Certain employers may also require a cover letter to demonstrate your interest in working for them. This presents an excellent opportunity to showcase not only your professional expertise and passion for travel nursing but also to explain why you are the ideal fit for a specific assignment.

Establishing a Powerful Online Presence

Before delving too deep into your search for a travel nurse job, it is important to examine your online presence. Take the time to review your social media profiles and recent posts to ensure they portray you in a positive light. Engaging with travel nursing communities on platforms like Facebook and Twitter is an excellent way to discover potential employers and job openings. However, it is crucial to always keep in mind that anything you share online, even within private groups, could potentially become public. Therefore, it is vital to be mindful of your posts.

Furthermore, now is an opportune moment to optimize your LinkedIn profile in order to highlight your skills and what you can bring to a prospective employer. Here are a few helpful suggestions:

1. Select an appropriate profile picture. Using a recent, professional photo will set the right impression.
2. Include specific examples of your accomplishments and experiences. This will provide concrete evidence of your abilities and make you stand out.
3. Ask for recommendations from colleagues, supervisors, or professors who can vouch for your skills and work ethic.
4. Regularly update your profile with new certifications, training, or experiences. This shows that you are dedicated to continuous learning and growth.

By ensuring that your online presence is professional and well-curated, you increase your chances of attracting potential employers and securing the travel nurse job of your dreams. Remember, in the digital age, your online image can make or break your career prospects.

Get in Touch with a Travel Nursing Agency

Although you have the option to conduct a job search independently, partnering with a travel nurse staffing agency increases your likelihood of obtaining the desired job. Voysta, a reputable agency, can simplify the process and assist you in avoiding various obstacles. With established connections to high-quality healthcare facilities, they possess the expertise to connect you with suitable opportunities.

You will have the opportunity to collaborate with recruiters and their team members who are available to assist you in various ways:

1. They can assist you in finding travel nursing assignments that align with your specific requirements and qualifications.
2. They will help you prepare for interviews and allow you to compare contracts.
3. They will handle all the necessary onboarding details and logistics, including licensing.
4. They can provide you with either free housing or a housing stipend along with travel reimbursements.
5. Throughout the process, they will offer guidance and encouragement to support you.

Keep Networking

When searching for a new job, particularly in travel nursing, it is valuable to leverage your professional network. Connect with them and inquire about job openings or individuals who can provide more information. Additionally, being a travel nurse allows you to expand your network further by meeting new people. As you pursue travel nursing assignments, you will forge connections with others who will mentor you, share their expertise, and support your professional growth. These individuals may also offer assistance in the future, whether it be as a mentor, professional reference, or a source of career opportunities.

The Formula for Achieving a Successful Job Hunt

Travel nursing provides numerous opportunities for both professional growth and personal exploration. To increase your chances of securing the best travel nursing positions, it is essential to approach your job search in a strategic manner. Begin by prioritizing your needs and conducting thorough research. Additionally, optimize your online presence, revise your resume, foster professional connections, and collaborate with a reputable travel nursing agency.

Finding the perfect travel nursing assignment requires dedication and effort. Your job search should be tailored specifically to your individual goals. By implementing these job search suggestions, maintaining persistence, and maintaining a positive attitude, you will soon find yourself preparing for your next exciting travel nursing endeavor. Connect with Voysta to learn more and find travel nursing jobs.