Everyone is by now aware that there is a poor economic climate around the world. Nursing however is a career that is more or less recession proof. There will always be a need for nurses, no matter what the economic climate is like. Becoming a travel nurse is a career opportunity that many registered nurses are finding difficult to pass up. By taking a position in another part of the world, healthcare professionals are able to combine their work with travel – see and experience other parts of the world, sometimes living in countries with a totally different culture to their own.

Although there is a need for nurses around the world, that doesn’t always mean obtaining the right job is a walk in the park. There are preparations that should be made to ensure you get a post that you really want, that will further your career and provide excellent remuneration.

TAILOR YOUR CV

This is so often overlooked but is one of the most important steps to finding work as a travel nurse. Each position being applied for should have a tailored version of your CV. This can be time consuming, but it is well worth the effort. Don’t forget to include relevant talents and skills and highlight anything that is particularly relevant for the post being applied for. Make sure you keep the length down too by removing anything that does not directly apply and won’t be of any assistance in the job being applied for.

PREPARE FOR THE INTERVIEW

Again, something that is all too often ignored. Allow plenty of time to prepare for the interview. This means preparing some answers to possible questions and working on your posture, eye contact, handshake and confidence. All candidates are likely to be nervous in an interview however if nerves get the better of you then the chances of success are slim. Employers look for confident staff who they feel would be better suited for the challenges faced in the workplace, so make sure you inspire confidence in this way. Personality is an important consideration that employers make when selecting staff so make sure to come across as friendly, kind and professional with a good attitude towards work. Compassion, willingness to learn and working as part of a team are important attributes for any potential travel nurse. Make sure these qualities shine forth during the interview.

It is a very good idea to learn a little about the facility where the job is located. In particular try and think of some questions to ask at the end of the interview as this shows interest in the post and allows you to really engage with the interviewer. By mastering the interview techniques outlined above, it is possible to maximise the potential of securing the right employment as you will stand out amongst all the rest.

Although nurses are needed in every country across the world, there is still the element of competition amongst travel nursing jobs. There may be many nurses applying for the same post, particularly in the most popular countries such as Australia. As well as tailoring the CV and preparing for the interview, applicants should also ensure they are dressed appropriately and professionally. Looking polished and smart will help secure your dream job. Arriving early is always important too, so when you have an interview booked, make sure you leave the house in plenty of time.

Working as a travel nurse is an excellent way to earn whilst you see more of the world. It is competitive however despite the high level of positions available in both third world countries and the more developed. If you are thinking of taking up a travel nurse position then you should contact a specialist agency who can assist you in finding work, arranging visas and finding accommodation. Most agencies can help find all different kinds of work from a nursing job to phlebotomy jobs and all medical assistant jobs so whatever field of medicine you work in, they are sure to be able to help.