Benefits and How to Get Started: Long-Term Care Traveler
Nurses working in long-term care perform routine procedures such as recording vital signs and administering medications while providing specialized treatments for progressive and chronic conditions. These nurses also provide educational and emotional assistance to patients and their family members. Long-term care is a unique area of nursing because many patients rely entirely on their healthcare provider for daily necessities. They could have physical limitations or mental health issues, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. Therefore, this position requires distinct training to deliver care at that level.
Some of the job requirements for long-term care nursing
- Hold a currently active and unrestricted RN license
- Postsecondary diploma, associate degree, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) from the American Heart Association is recommended.
- Passing the NCLEX-RN license exam
- Minimum of two years of experience as an RN
- At least one year of hands-on experience
The importance of caring for long-term
Around 52% of people turning 65 will need some long-term care service at some point in their lifetime. By 2060, the number of 65+ adults will double from 49 to 95 million, meaning that one-fourth of the U.S. population will be over 65 years old in 38 years. However, only 3% of BSN nursing students plan to work in long-term care settings after graduating, according to a research study conducted in 2012.
The Pros of becoming a traveling LTC nurse
The traveling nurse life has a lot of perks, such as the freedom to travel flexibly, experience diverse cultures, and have professional autonomy— a distinct difference from traditional nursing. Yet, there are a lot of pros to becoming an LTC nurse specifically.
- Higher pay: It’s not exactly a secret that traveling healthcare professionals earn up to 15% more than a permanently based staff. Income is dependent on location and assignment, but what a better way to sweeten an already rewarding position!
- Deeper connections with patients: As a long-term traveler, you will be able to immerse yourself in various environments to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Not only will you get hands-on experience in a clinical setting, but you can also learn from your patients' life experiences and grow personally. There is something valuable about fully getting to know your patients, their families, and other staff members. Observing the entirety of clinical and personal settings can bring a new sense of clarity and a well-rounded knowledge base to your nursing career.
Getting started with GetMed
As you consider your options, remember that the GetMed team is in your corner, ready to help you succeed— whatever that looks like for you. Our team focuses on making every travel assignment an enriching, adventurous, and personalized experience.
Our onboarding processes
Travelers will start working with a recruiter three months before their assignment. The recruiter will share the job requirements, enquire about fit, and negotiate pay. From there, things will move over to the compliance team, who will confirm that travelers have updated immunizations and licensing. Once those are submitted and accepted, it’s time to start packing!
GetMed Staffing benefits include:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Simple IRA with Employer Matching
- Company-provided housing or stipend
- Competitive pay packages
- Licensure reimbursement
- Travel reimbursement
- Referral program
GetMed is here for you
So why work with GetMed? Because your recruiter will always be your co-pilot, providing all the information you may need. For example, recruiters are more versed in state-by-state licensing and can take the daunting task off your plate. Similarly, and perhaps more importantly, moving frequently can feel isolating, and we don’t want our travelers ever to feel alone. Moving locations every 13 weeks comes with having to leave behind some friends, colleagues, and the patients you’ve become connected with. We get it, and we’re here to provide you with things to consider, how to budget for traveling, any orientation information— or if you just need to talk.
What are you waiting for?
It takes a specific, patient-focused type of person to become a long-term care travel nurse. Your experiences and education are what you make them, so take the leap into long-term care nursing with the curiosity, empathy, and ambition that drives you.
GetMed Staffing is a diversity-owned healthcare staffing agency that prioritizes each healthcare professional. Our recruiters are dedicated to each of their travelers and passionate about helping them succeed. Apply today if you’d like to learn more or join the Travel GetMed team!