To say the medical travel industry has changed might be a bit of an understatement.
Demand for medical professionals is higher than ever but uncertainty remains. Travel nurses are in a particularly unusual spot. You’re always planning a few steps ahead, but planning can seem daunting in such an overwhelming time.
There are so many things to consider as you try to plan the rest of 2020, so let’s just focus on what you can control right now. No matter how you want to tackle the rest of the year, LRS has your back.
Here are a few ways you can prep and plan for future contracts with the help of your LRS recruiter.
Keep track of where you worked and what you did this year
For the foreseeable future, your new employers will likely require you to fill out a form detailing your recent travel. So, it’s extra important to keep your contracts and records organized. You can get through start-up paperwork faster and be able to easily prove your whereabouts.
If you have traveled outside the U.S. in the past 90 days, plan to travel outside of the U.S. soon or have come in contact with anyone who tested positive or may have been exposed to coronavirus, you will also want to keep that information on file. Expect medical centers to ask you about your work over the past several months before you start. You’ll save yourself and your employer time by maintaining records of where you’ve been and what work you’ve done.
Stay up to date on licensing changes
As demand for medical professionals has increased, some states have relaxed their licensing restrictions. It is hard to predict how long these changes will hold, but over the next few months, states will update their licensing policies frequently.
Keep in touch with your recruiter when searching for new contracts, and they will let you know if the licensing requirements for any state has changed. Whether your license is from a state in the Nurse Licensure Compact or not, your license may now be accepted in more states. Colorado, for example, is part of the NLC but now allows licensed nurses from outside the NLC to work in Colorado facilities. Medical professionals from out of state are still required to register with their state, but the registration processes have been streamlined.
Regulations and processes for licensing are changing every day, so stay in touch with your recruiter to know exactly what you need to do before you start a new assignment.
Consider renewing your current travel contract
Demand for medical professionals is rising everywhere right now, and you could be an extremely valuable resource to the medical facility. Everyday illnesses and injuries haven’t stopped, and many medical professionals are facing quarantine, so every hospital needs all the help they can get.
You might consider renewing your contract if you want to remain at the same location for a while or hesitant about traveling. Your current hospital may be searching for all the help they can get.
Still, the best way to plan the rest of your 2020 is to assess the situation around you. Do what makes the most sense. We are proud to have so many dedicated medical professionals at LRS, and we will always be here to help you find your best career path.
