Being a nurse is an amazing profession, however, it can be very hectic to try to balance work and life. Few professions are as demanding and physically strenuous as nursing. It takes a great deal of dedication and commitment to be able to serve in the capacity of a nurse. There are many situations where one might not feel comfortable saying “no” to a patient, but as a nurse you’ll be expected to put the needs of the patient first. In many cases, the work life balance of a nurse is non-existent. This can make it difficult to have a social life and many people report feeling isolated because of their career. There is also lots of stress associated with the job, which can lead to anxiety and depression. For these reasons, many nurses find themselves burnt out and disconnected from the world around them. According to the most recent figures available, there are currently over 1.7 million registered nurses in the UK, and this number is growing every year. Many would argue that there is a place in nursing for everyone, but it takes great personal conviction and courage to be able to serve in the role of a nurse. One potential opportunity for would be nurses who might be feeling a bit overwhelmed is in the field of travel nursing. This is a rapidly growing area in nursing, and one that can be very rewarding, providing you can find a good placement. In this article, we will explore the various opportunities for part time and full time nurses to work in the field of travel nursing, as well as highlight a few important issues that you should be aware of.
The Rewards Of Travel Nursing
Nursing is a profession that can be very rewarding, providing you can find a good placement. Depending on where you work, you could be providing people with comfort and care, while also helping them to feel more connected to the world around them. Traveling to different areas of the UK for work means you’ll be exposed to a variety of patient demographics, which can be exciting. If you can find a good placement that suits your lifestyle, you can look forward to some wonderful experiences that can give you a new perspective on life. Not all of us will be able to do this professionally, but many of us can do this as a hobby.
Responsibilities Of A Travel Nurse
Depending on the nature of your placement, you’ll be responsible for providing healthcare to patients in various locations. This could entail traveling to different care centers or hospitals, or even private homes. Working in this capacity requires a great deal of personal dedication and commitment. Essentially, you’ll be asked to provide patient care, monitor and evaluate their progress, and educate them on how to look after themselves at home. It’s a big responsibility and one that comes with a great deal of pressure. Make sure you’re ready for this and have the personality type that suits this job role. You’ll be working in a team, so make sure you can contribute to and engage with the team, as well as handle stressful situations with tact and professionalism. Some of the most common responsibilities you could have as a travel nurse are:
- Monitoring and evaluating patients’ progress
- Carrying out routine checks (blood pressure, temperature, etc.)
- Sending medication and treatment orders
- Documenting patient’s condition & treatments
- Responding to & handling phone calls from patients and their families
- Educating patients on how to look after themselves at home
- Assessing patients’ needs
- Attending to and cleaning up after patients
- Reporting to the manager on your activities
- Attending educational events such as CPDD (Continuing Professional Development Day) or NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) events
- Keeping up-to-date with regulations and legislations
- Taking part in patient safety initiatives
- Representing the NHS (National Health Service) at meetings and events
- Performing additional duties as required
The above list is just a small selection of the things you’ll be required to do, it’s a very versatile role and one that can offer a wealth of opportunities. Many nurses are able to find a placement that suits their lifestyle, while others are able to do this as a career. Whatever your reasons for wanting to work in the field of travel nursing, keep in mind that this is a very hard job to find, but one that can offer many rewards. Make sure you’re ready for this type of placement and have the personality type that suits this job role. For those interested in this type of job, be sure to consult online directories for travel nursing jobs, such as:
