Travel nurses are critical parts of the healthcare field. Healthcare needs are in constant flux, and in an industry, as overloaded as ours, having a set of professionals that can move from areas of low-urgency to high-urgency is essential. But because of the nature of travel nursing as a role, there are compliance issues that must be addressed and maintained at all times. Vaccinations, training, certifications, and more. The number of documents that must be kept up-to-date can be daunting, but each aspect is critical to ensuring safe and quality care. If you’re at all intimidated by the prospect of compliance as a travel nurse, take these tips to heart.
Be Organized
Organization of your documents is perhaps the number 1 thing to remember for compliance – especially documentation. Creating a secure file on your phone or laptop which contains all documents scanned should be the first step you take. The documents required will vary depending on the facilities you visit, but this should include all professional certifications, personal identification, and medical/vaccine information. Every time you receive new documentation, add it to your folder.
Keep a Calendar
If you are in the middle of a placement, you don’t want an unexpected re-examination to pop up mid-week. Take the time to put vaccination, examination, and certification dates down in your calendar. Review them when looking at placements and be well aware of their due-dates ahead of time. This is critical for staying active and avoiding unexpected breaks in compliance.
Stay in Touch With Your Recruiter
Send everything you have to your recruiter ASAP. Even if they don’t specifically ask for a document, it won’t hurt to ensure they have a complete picture of your professional documentation. If your recruiter doesn’t know you have an NIHSS certification, they might not even consider sending such an assignment your way. Ensuring perfect clarity of your papers allows your professional life to stay at its best.
Travel nursing is rewarding, but difficult work. Being in the field requires a truly monumental amount of certification and documentation. Keeping it all organized can be a struggle, but with these tips you’ll find yourself in a better place than ever before.