What is a travel nurse?
Travel nurses are assigned to a hospital or medical facility on a temporary basis to fill gaps in staffing or on maternity cover. Travel nurses have been in particularly high demand since COVID.
What can I expect as a travel nurse?
You’ll be jumping into roles in busy facilities and need to hit the ground running. Performing all the duties you’re familiar with as a nurse but often with little context which can mean a chaotic but exciting working environment!
What experience/qualifications do I need?
You’ll need a minimum of 12 months experience in a medical facility and must be a registered nurse in your home country.
What are the steps to becoming a travel nurse?
At ITN we’ll guide you through the red tape and paperwork so you’re confident and informed every step of the way.
The licensing nursing body in the UK is the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). We’ll get you registered with them and sort your CBT exam before you come to the UK. In tandem, we’ll start finding your placement including interviews with the employer, pre-employment checks and getting your VISA secured.
At this stage you’ll travel to the UK where you’ll do your OSCE competence test and your NMC assessment to get your registration confirmed. Now you’re free to work as a travel nurse in the UK! Don’t panic if it sounds like a lot of steps. We’re experts in nursing recruitment and we’ll make it all as stress-free as possible.
What qualities are useful to bring to the role?
Calm in chaotic environments
Adaptability as you move into new facilities and teams
Fast learner who picks up information quickly
Social and a team player who is keen to meet new people
Resilient in chaotic, stressful environments and situations
Flexibility and a desire to make the most of an unconventional work schedule
What are the advantages of travel nursing?
Where do we begin! Travel nursing not only gives you the opportunity to bolster your CV at the best hospitals in the UK, it also gives you the freedom and flexibility to travel and explore the UK and the rest of the world. The hourly rates are excellent, you’ll get financial support with your housing from ITN and super flexible hours.
What locations are available to me?
We recruit in London, Milton Keynes and Reading so we’ll get to know you and what you want out of your experience to find you the perfect opportunity.
Can I just do a short stint as a travel nurse?
We offer short 13-week placements allowing you to earn an excellent wage
before continuing on with your travel plans. No long-term commitment necessary!
What if I love my life in the UK and want to stay longer?
We love it when this happens! There’s often the chance to extend your contract at a hospital or you could move around doing short contracts in different locations. It’s totally up to you.
What is a typical day in the life of a travel nurse?
You know better than anyone that there isn’t really a typical day as a nurse… anything can happen! But the sort of things you’ll be doing as a travel nurse are similar to a perm nurse. Except when you finish your shift you’ll be meeting friends in the West End and planning that trip to Budapest next month…
Can I get financial support to help with the move?
When you register with ITN we offer reimbursement packages from £1,300-£3,000 to help cover the cost of your relocation.
How do I find accommodation?
We’re on it! We’ll find housing for you based on your needs and what you want out of your overseas stay. We also offer a housing allowance of £400 pcm to make sure you feel at home.
What if I have questions or need guidance?
The team are here 24/7 for anything you need. We’re only ever a phone call away and no question is too small! You can also connect on social media with our network of nurses so you’re never alone. Because there’s nothing like venting over a coffee with another nurse after a busy shift.