Travel Nurse on Resume

Should You List Travel Nurse on Resume

In the United States, it's highly beneficial to list 'travel nurse' on your resume if you're a registered nurse seeking opportunities that allow for job mobility and adventure. This skillset demonstrates adaptability, flexibility, and a readiness to take on new challenges—qualities highly valued in the healthcare industry. However, outside the US, it's essential to research local hiring practices as they may differ significantly.

Why to List Travel Nurse on Resume

• Demonstrates adaptability: Travel nursing requires a willingness to work in various settings, making you an attractive candidate for employers seeking flexible staff members.
• Broadens your skillset: Each new assignment offers opportunities to learn and grow, enhancing your professional capabilities.
• Competitive compensation packages: Travel nurses often receive higher hourly rates, housing allowances, and other benefits compared to traditional nursing roles.

Where to List Travel Nurse on Resume

• Summary or Objective statement - Briefly mention your interest in travel nursing, highlighting your adaptability and readiness for new challenges.
• Skills section - Include 'travel nursing' as a specific skill, along with any certifications required (e.g., Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support).
• Work experience section - List each travel nursing assignment, detailing the location, facility type, duration of stay, and patient care responsibilities.
• Education section - Include your nursing degree, licensure, and any relevant coursework that supports your travel nursing career.
• Certifications section - Highlight any specialized certifications related to travel nursing, such as Pediatric Advanced Life Support or Certified Travel Health Nurse.

Examples of How to List Travel Nurse on Resume

Example 1: Summary Statement

Dedicated Registered Nurse with a passion for travel and patient care. Seeking new opportunities in travel nursing, leveraging adaptability, clinical expertise, and strong communication skills to provide exceptional care across diverse settings.

Example 2: Work Experience

Travel Registered Nurse - [Location and Facility]

• Provided critical care services for two months at a level I trauma center in California. Collaborated with an interdisciplinary team to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Example 3: Skills Section

Skills

• Travel nursing (certified through [organization])
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Electronic Health Record systems (Epic, Cerner)

What to Avoid While Listing Travel Nurse on Resume

• Overlooking specific details: Be sure to include the location and facility type for each travel nursing assignment.
• Ignoring certifications: Don't forget to mention any required or relevant certifications, as this may disqualify you from certain positions.
• Inaccuracies: Always verify that your resume contains accurate information about licenses, certifications, and work experience.

How to List Certifications and Licenses on a Travel Nurse Resume

Listing your certifications and licenses on a travel nurse resume is crucial as it demonstrates your qualifications and readiness for the position. Here are some best practices to follow:

• Highlight Relevant Certifications: List only the certifications that are directly related to travel nursing. For a travel nurse, this typically includes Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and any state-specific licensure required for practice in the desired locations.

  • Example 1:

Relevant Certifications:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certified, American Heart Association, Year of certification

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certified, American Heart Association, Year of certification

• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certified, American Academy of Pediatrics, Year of certification

• Include Expiry Dates: When listing your certifications, make sure to include the expiration date if applicable. This helps recruiters and hiring managers understand the current status of your certifications.

• State-Specific Licensure: If you're planning to work in multiple states, list any state-specific licenses or registrations that you have obtained. This shows flexibility and a willingness to adapt to different working environments.

  • Example 2:

State-Specific Licensure:

• Registered Nurse (RN) licensed in the states of California, Florida, and Texas

• Mention Continuing Education: If you've completed any continuing education courses relevant to travel nursing, include them under a separate subsection. This demonstrates your commitment to professional growth and staying updated with industry standards.

• Clearly Label the Section: Make sure to clearly label this section as "Certifications and Licenses" or "Professional Certifications." This helps recruiters quickly find this important information on your resume.

By following these best practices, you can effectively showcase your qualifications as a travel nurse, increasing your chances of landing your dream job.

How to List Clinical Settings and Facilities on Resume

Listing your clinical settings and facilities experience on a resume, particularly for a travel nurse position, requires precision and clarity. Here are some best practices to ensure your resume stands out:

• Highlight Relevant Experience: Start by listing the facilities where you have worked as a travel nurse. Include both permanent and temporary assignments. Highlight any specialized units or unique settings that demonstrate your adaptability and versatility.

  Example 1:

  • Travel Nurse, University Medical Center, Seattle, WA (January 2020 – March 2020)
  • Assigned to the Neuro ICU for a three-month stint during a flu outbreak
  • Collaborated with an interdisciplinary team to implement infection control measures

• Specify Settings: Clearly state the setting in which you have worked, such as ICU, ER, Pediatrics, etc. If you've worked in multiple settings, categorize them appropriately for easier readability.

  Example 1 (continued):

  • Worked collaboratively with the team to stabilize patients and coordinate care during critical situations
  • Demonstrated adaptability by successfully navigating the challenges posed by the high-acuity environment

• Mention Facilities' Specialties: If the facilities you worked at have unique specialties or programs, make sure to include them in your resume. This can help demonstrate your versatility and ability to work effectively within various healthcare systems.

  Example 2:

  • Travel Nurse, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO (June 2019 – August 2019)
  • Assigned to the Pediatric Oncology unit for a summer assignment
  • Collaborated with oncologists and other healthcare professionals in administering chemotherapy treatments and managing side effects

• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, quantify your achievements to provide concrete evidence of your impact. This could include number of patients treated, successful patient outcomes, or improvements made during your tenure at a facility.

  Example 1 (continued):

  • Contributed to a decrease in ICU-acquired infections by 20% during the assigned period
  • Demonstrated exceptional patient care skills and helped improve patient satisfaction scores by 5 points on average

• Highlight Certifications and Licenses: If you have any additional certifications or licenses relevant to specific facilities or settings, make sure to include them in your resume. This could include certification as a travel nurse, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).

  Example 2 (continued):

  • Maintained up-to-date certifications in PALS and ACLS throughout the assignment
  • Utilized this knowledge to provide advanced care to critically ill children during emergencies

By following these best practices, you can effectively list your clinical settings and facilities experience on a travel nurse resume, highlighting your adaptability, versatility, and professional qualifications.

How to List Length of Assignments on Travel Nurse Resume

When compiling your travel nurse resume, it's essential to provide a detailed yet concise overview of your assignments, including the length of each one. Here are some best practices for listing this subcategory:

• Specify Duration: Mention the exact duration of each assignment. For instance, "May 2021 - August 2021" or "13-week assignment". This provides a clear and straightforward understanding of your commitment to each role.

• Highlight Flexibility: As a travel nurse, you are known for your adaptability. If you've taken on assignments of varying lengths, highlight this flexibility in your resume. For example, "Experienced in accepting short-term (10 weeks) and long-term (26 weeks) assignments."

• Emphasize Geographical Coverage: Travel nursing often involves relocation. Mention the geographic areas you've served in, along with the duration of your stays. This will demonstrate your readiness to travel for work.

• Showcase Consistency: If you've had a series of back-to-back assignments without significant gaps, consider grouping them together under one entry and mentioning the total duration. For example, "Completed 18 consecutive assignments across various hospitals within a year."

• Include Reason for Leaving (where applicable): If you left an assignment early or had an extended break between assignments, provide a brief explanation to avoid raising questions about your commitment or reliability.

Example 1: Length of Assignments on Travel Nurse Resume

In the travel nurse resume example below, the applicant has effectively listed their length of assignments, emphasizing their flexibility and consistency:

• Travel Registered Nurse (RN) - May 2020 - Present
  • Accepted short-term (6 weeks) assignments at St. Joseph's Hospital, CA, and long-term (26 weeks) assignments at Mercy General Hospital, TX
  • Demonstrated readiness to travel for work by serving in locations such as AZ, CO, and FL during these assignments
  • Completed 18 consecutive assignments without interruption, totaling one year of continuous service

Example 2: Length of Assignments in Travel Nurse Context

Here's another example that highlights the applicant's geographical coverage and consistency over a long period:

• Travel RN - June 2018 - Present
  • Served in hospitals across OR, WA, ID, NV, UT, and AZ, totaling 52 weeks of assignments in these states
  • Successfully completed 13 assignments with an average duration of 4 weeks each, demonstrating adaptability to various working environments
  • Took a 3-month break between April - June 2019 for personal reasons, followed by resuming travel nurse assignments thereafter without interruption

How to List Specialties and Skills on Resume for a Travel Nurse

Best Practices for Listing 'Specialties and Skills' on a Travel Nurse Resume

• Highlight Relevant Specialties: As a travel nurse, it is essential to list the nursing specialties you have experience in that are most relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a travel assignment in pediatrics, ensure that your resume clearly shows your expertise in this area.

  • Detail Your Experience: Briefly describe the years of experience you have in each specialty and any certifications you hold related to these areas. For instance, "Pediatric Nursing (5+ years) - Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)."

• Specific Skills: In addition to your specialties, list specific skills that are valuable for a travel nurse, such as adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and excellent communication skills. Remember to provide examples of these skills in action whenever possible. For example, "Adaptable - Quickly learn new hospital systems during assignments in various locations."

• Technology Proficiency: As a travel nurse, you may need to use different electronic health records (EHR) systems at each assignment. List the EHR systems with which you are proficient, along with any other relevant technology skills. For example, "Proficient in Epic, Cerner, and Meditech EHR systems."

• Certifications and Continuing Education: Mention any nursing certifications that are specific to your specialties, as well as any ongoing education or professional development you have pursued. These demonstrate your commitment to staying current in your field. For example, "Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certified."

• Customize for Each Job Application: Tailor your resume to the job description and requirements of each travel nursing position you apply for. Highlight the skills, specialties, and experiences that are most relevant to that particular assignment.

Example 1: Specialties and Skills on Travel Nurse Resume

Specialties:

• Critical Care (5+ years) - Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN)
• Medical-Surgical Nursing (3 years)

Skills:

• Adaptable - Quickly learn new hospital systems during assignments in various locations
• Excellent Communication Skills - Collaborate effectively with healthcare teams and patients
• Cultural Sensitivity - Provide compassionate care to diverse patient populations

Technology Proficiency:

• Proficient in Epic, Cerner, and Meditech EHR systems

Certifications and Continuing Education:

• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certified
• Participated in a 12-hour continuing education course on pain management in critically ill patients

Example 2: Specialties and Skills in Travel Nurse Context

In a hypothetical situation where a travel nurse has experience in pediatrics, women's health, and mental health, they would structure their resume as follows:

Specialties:

• Pediatric Nursing (7+ years) - Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)
• Women's Health (5+ years) - Obstetric Nursing certification
• Mental Health (3 years) - Dementia Care Certification

Skills:

• Adaptable - Successfully managed patient care during multiple travel nursing assignments
• Strong Communication Skills - Collaborate effectively with healthcare teams and patients in different locations
• Empathetic Approach - Provide culturally sensitive and compassionate care to diverse populations

Technology Proficiency:

• Proficient in Epic, Cerner, and Meditech EHR systems

Certifications and Continuing Education:

• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certified
• Completed a 10-hour continuing education course on mental health first aid for pediatric patients

How to List Assigned Locations on Resume for a Travel Nurse

Best Practices:

• Highlight Relevant Information: Provide the name of each location, city, and state where you have worked as a travel nurse. Include any specific facilities like hospitals or clinics.

  • Example: Houston, Texas (St. Luke's Hospital) | San Francisco, California (Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital)

• Include Duration: State the dates of assignment for each location to demonstrate work history and commitment.

  • Example: January 2021 - April 2021

• Stress Patient Volume and Complexity: Mention the patient volume and/or the complexity of cases you handled at each location, demonstrating your adaptability to various healthcare environments.

  • Example: Provided care for over 500 patients during a three-month stay in Texas, managing critically ill COVID-19 patients.

• Emphasize Skills and Specializations: List any unique skills or specializations relevant to the location, such as experience with pediatric oncology or geriatric care.

  • Example: Completed a six-week assignment at a children's hospital in San Francisco, utilizing my advanced pediatric oncology training.

• Quantify Accomplishments: If possible, use metrics to showcase your impact at each location. This might include reducing patient mortality rates or improving nursing efficiency.

  • Example: Implemented a new care protocol in Houston that led to a 10% reduction in patient mortality during my assignment.

Example 1: Assigned Locations on Travel Nurse Resume

Assigned Locations

• New York, NY (NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital) | October 2019 - January 2020

  • Provided critical care for patients in the ICU.
  • Adapted quickly to new electronic health record system.

• Chicago, IL (Northwestern Memorial Hospital) | February 2020 - May 2020

  • Worked closely with trauma team during high-volume weekend shifts.
  • Trained junior staff on emergency room procedures.

Example 2: Assigned Locations in Travel Nurse Context

Assigned Locations

• Minneapolis, MN (University of Minnesota Medical Center) | June 2019 - September 2019

  • Spearheaded a project to improve patient satisfaction scores.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient care.

• Denver, CO (Denver Health Medical Center) | October 2019 - January 2020

  • Provided emergency care during a flu outbreak, administering over 500 flu vaccinations.
  • Demonstrated expertise in pediatric care by managing critical cases in the PICU.