Travel Nursing Assistant Jobs: Is It The Right Career Move for You?
Do you want a change from your regular routine while still using your nursing skills? Travel nursing assistant jobs might be just what you need! This exciting career offers a great mix of professional challenges, flexibility, and the chance to work in new healthcare settings.
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In this blog, we’ll explore travel nursing assistant jobs, covering key responsibilities, necessary qualifications, and the many benefits associated with them. From the freedom to explore new places to the opportunity for professional growth, you’ll see why travel certified nursing assistant jobs can rekindle your passion for patient care.
So, if you’re a working nursing assistant in the US, read this blog to explore travel nursing.
Understanding Travel Nursing Assistant Jobs
As a travel certified nurse assistant (CNA), you take on temporary roles in healthcare facilities nationwide. These travel nursing assistant jobs provide great flexibility, with assignments lasting from a few weeks to several months. Your main duties will be similar to those of a traditional CNA and include:
- Helping patients with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and toileting.
- Monitoring vital signs and reporting changes to the nurse in charge.
- Collecting patient samples and assisting with medication administration.
- Offering emotional support and companionship to patients.
- Keeping the patient environment clean and safe.
In travel nursing assistant jobs, you’ll need to quickly adapt to new environments and blend smoothly into different teams. This career path offers a mix of variety, flexibility, and the chance to enhance your skills in diverse settings.
Essential Skills for Travel Nursing Assistant Jobs
Take a look at some of the essential skills you need to possess in order to have a successful nursing assistant job.
- Clinical Expertise and Adaptability
Clinical expertise is essential in travel nursing assistant jobs. You need a strong foundation in nursing practices and proficiency in various medical procedures. Quick adaptation to different clinical environments ensures you deliver high-quality care and transition smoothly between specialties and healthcare facilities. Staying updated with continuing education and certifications is crucial as healthcare protocols and technologies evolve. - Cultural Competence and Communication
Working with diverse patient demographics makes cultural competence indispensable. Understanding and respecting different cultural beliefs and practices related to health is vital. Strong communication skills help you effectively interact with patients and their families, ensuring respectful and tailored care. Knowing multiple languages can be a significant asset, broadening your ability to connect with a diverse patient base. - Professional Flexibility and Time Management
Travel nursing assistant jobs require high professional flexibility. You must quickly acclimate to new teams, workflows, and policies. Effective time management is critical as you balance fluctuating workloads with travel logistics and temporary living arrangements. Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks are essential for maintaining efficiency and delivering exceptional care amidst change. - Technological Proficiency
As healthcare technology advances, being proficient with electronic health records (EHR), telehealth platforms, and other informatics systems is crucial. Technological adeptness enhances patient care quality and helps streamline communication with other healthcare professionals. Continuous learning in this area is vital due to rapid technological innovations in healthcare. - Resilience and Stress Management
Travel nursing assistant jobs can be physically and emotionally taxing. Resilience and stress management skills are vital. Coping with high-stress situations, long hours, and the emotional demands of patient care is essential.
Why Choose Travel Nursing Assistant Jobs?
There are numerous reasons why travel nursing assistant jobs can enhance your profile and help you advance your career. These benefits and perks will surely help you choose the best fit for yourself.
- Job Stability
With a projected 17% growth over the next decade, the demand for CNAs is rising. As a travel CNA, you won’t need to worry about job stability, even if you relocate. - Flexibility
You can choose from three shifts, allowing you to balance work with your personal life. This flexibility is crucial for maintaining good mental health. - Affordability
Travel nursing assistant jobs are affordable compared to other programs. Many companies offer tuition assistance, helping you advance your education without a heavy financial burden. - Enriching Work Experience
This career provides valuable training and hands-on experience, making you a well-rounded nurse. You also learn about healthcare in different terrains and climate conditions. - Opportunity to Specialize
Travel nursing assistant jobs allow you to explore different specializations, such as geriatrics, psychiatry, home care, pediatrics, and cardiology. This helps you find your passion and narrow your focus. - Growing Job Market
The CNA job market is booming, with a projected growth of 18% in 2024. This translates to around 300,000 new CNA positions. Now is the perfect time to get certified and start your career. - Dynamism
In a travel CNA role, every day is different. Patient needs change daily, keeping your job interesting and dynamic. - Opportunity to Travel
Travel nursing assistant jobs offer the chance to travel. You can take contract positions around the country, allowing you to practice in different settings and explore new places, creating a perfect work-life balance.
Perks and Salary
A travel CNA earns about 1.6 times more than a full-time, permanent CNA. As of February 2023, travel CNAs made an average of $37.43 per hour, compared to $14.56 per hour for permanent CNAs.
While travel CNAs earn more, many travel jobs don’t include benefits. Even if your agency offers health insurance, you might not get paid time off, tuition reimbursement, dental coverage, or life insurance. Before taking a travel job, make sure the higher pay covers the lack of benefits.
Treading Towards Travel Healthcare
Deciding whether to pursue a travel nursing assistant job depends on your personal and professional goals. If you value flexibility, higher pay, and the excitement of working in diverse environments, this could be an ideal career path. Travel CNAs enjoy unique opportunities to enhance their skills, explore new places, and make a meaningful impact on patient care. However, it’s important to consider the potential lack of benefits and the need for adaptability.
Ready to take the leap? Discover a wide range of travel nursing assistant jobs on Wanderly. Explore your options, find the perfect assignments, and embark on a rewarding and adventurous career today!
