Start a Career as a Travel CNA
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is a vital member of our healthcare system who is responsible for providing basic care to patients in a variety of settings such as long-term care facilities, hospitals, home healthcare, and more! Starting a career as a traveling certified nurse assistant is a rewarding move, not to mention the loads of benefits that come with it like higher pay and resume building experiences. But the biggest advantage is the ability to travel on your own terms! When you work with Marvel Medical Staffing, you get the flexibility of choosing a specific region or city for your travel CNA assignments.
Healthcare facilities rely on healthcare travelers for many reasons including low-staffed units, strikes, maternity leaves, increased patient ratios, and more. That means traveling certified nursing assistants have lots of job opportunities and options! With a high demand for traveling CNAs across the country, this is the perfect time to get out your suitcase and think about making the switch to being a travel CNA.
What is a Travel Certified Nursing Assistant?
The primary role of a CNA is to assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting etc. A travel CNA does all the same job duties but works with an agency that places them in different facilities on short term contracts all over the country. CNAs also help in providing mobility assistance and transferring patients, measuring and recording vital signs, and collecting samples for lab tests. In addition, CNAs are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the patient’s environment, including changing linens, stocking supplies, and keeping equipment clean and in working order. They also provide emotional support to patients, by listening and responding to their concerns and needs. So, any CNA whether in a permanent location or on a travel assignment, needs strong skills in communication, empathy, patience, and physical fitness!
CNAs and travel CNAs mostly work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) and may also work with other healthcare professionals such as physical therapists and occupational therapists. They also assist in monitoring a patient’s condition and reporting any changes or concerns to the supervising nurse. CNAs play an essential role in the healthcare system by providing basic care to patients, allowing RNs and LPNs to focus on more complex tasks. Their work is physically and emotionally demanding, but it is also rewarding as they are able to make a positive impact on the lives of patients and their families.
How to Become a Travel CNA
If traveling as a CNA is new to you, you might not know where to begin, but don’t fret! We have broken down the process of becoming a travel certified nursing assistant. Keep in mind the length of time it takes to become a CNA varies from state and their respective CNA certification programs. Training programs can range from 1 month up to 4 months to complete, sometimes even longer. Individual states will determine the number of training hours that must be completed to take the CNA certification exam.
Meet the Qualifications
To become a certified nursing assistant (CNA), you must first meet the qualifications required by your state. Keep in mind each state is a little different. First, complete a state-approved CNA training program, then pass your permanent state’s competency exam, and obtain a valid CNA license in your home state. As a travel CNA you will need a valid license for whatever state your contract is in so be sure to research other state’s license policies. Federal law stipulates a minimum of 75 instruction hours for CNAs, including at least 16 hours of clinical training. However, some states require up to 175 training hours and up to 100 clinical hours. Training programs are typically offered at a community college, trade school, or medical facilities in your state. Before enrolling in a training program, you should ensure that the program has approval from the nursing board and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Some states may require different training and certifications for travel CNAs, so do your research before deciding on a destination to ensure you meet each one’s specific requirements.
Get Certifications
Most travel contracts in the United States require at least 2 years of experience of working as a CNA before you are eligible to take a travel CNA contract. So, while you are obtaining your 2 years of experience, you can also get additional certifications to add to your resume. Many traveling CNAs choose to become certified in, but not limited to, basic life support (BLS), Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) and many more. In some states, certain requirements such as these are mandatory so be sure to do your research on any state you potentially would like to travel to.
Build a Strong Resume
Since you will need 2 years of experience before you can be a travel CNA you will have plenty of time to build credentials and a strong resume. Compose a comprehensive resume that highlights your experience and qualifications as a CNA. Include information about your training and certifications, as well as any relevant experience you may have. Include specifics on your job duties, workflows, and any professional instances where you proved to shine! If you’re bilingual be sure to add it on there as well. Make sure you have at least 3 strong references and their up-to-date contact information. As always, get multiple people and your recruiter to proofread/review your resume.
Apply and Interview
Once you have researched and found an agency that you are interested in and met a recruiter you jive well with, it’s time to apply for travel CNA jobs with your strongly written resume. No travel healthcare agency will be the same so make sure you ask any and all questions. Be prepared to submit your resume, references, and other required documentation. Once you have been selected for an interview, be ready to answer questions about your qualifications, experience, and availability. Be honest and upfront about your availability and any restrictions you may have.
Once you have been offered a position, review the contract carefully. Make sure you understand all the terms and conditions, including pay, benefits, and housing. If necessary, negotiate any issues or concerns you have before signing the contract. If you ever have any questions or concerns, your for-life recruiter at Marvel Medical Staffing is there to support you and help you with any confusing details.
Complete Pre-employment Requirements
Before you can start your first assignment, you’ll need to complete any pre-employment requirements, such as background checks, licensure updates, vaccinations, physicals, and drug screens. Our in-house compliance team is here to help you along the way too! At Marvel, our compliance team will reach out to you within 24 hours of receiving your placement. Be ready to provide all necessary paperwork and keep it all stored in one secure place. Documents can include copies of licenses, certifications, health records, and more. Constant communication with your compliance specialist is a must, so be sure you are available to take their phone calls!
Enjoy Your New Adventure
Traveling as a CNA can be a fun and exciting way to see the country while gaining valuable experience in different healthcare settings. Now that you’ve locked down your next travel CNA contract, you’ll want to shift focus to finding housing, budgeting, and preparing for the big move. Luckily, at Marvel Medical Staffing we offer a couple of different housing options including our own in-house Marvel Housing! Be sure you plan your budget in advance for moving costs, set up fees, and a little extra stow away cash for emergencies. Then, enjoy your new adventure and make the most of your time on the road. Maybe plan a few fun stops along the way or visit some of the US’s most iconic national parks!
Why You Should Travel as a CNA
Explore the Country
One of the biggest draws of travel healthcare is the opportunity to see new places and experience new cultures. Whether you’re interested in working in a big city or a rural area, there are plenty of opportunities to explore different parts of the country while you work. Are there destinations on your bucket list you’ve always wanted to visit? Are you looking to explore every National Park? Well, shift flexibility allows you to take mini vacations between shifts and even between assignments. Your recruiter can help you space out your next contract, so you have ample time to check off those places you’ve always wanted to visit before your next assignment!
Travel CNA assignments typically last anywhere between 8 and 13 weeks (about 3 months) with many offering the option to extend or become permanent. This allows for a perfect balance of work and personal life, plus the chance to explore various locations and settings before committing to a long-term position. From ski to sea, Marvel Medical Staffing offers a wide range of healthcare specialties in locations all over the United States. Talk to a recruiter today to learn more about kick starting your travel healthcare career by calling 323-977-4437!
Higher Pay
When hospitals and facilities are in high demand for healthcare staff, they will typically offer higher pay rates in order to fill the demand faster. Travel healthcare professionals typically earn higher pay than their permanent counterparts, due to the added costs of housing and travel. This means you can make a substantial amount of money in a shorter amount of time. This is especially true if you have a nursing specialty or work overtime. Talk about being able to rack up your savings!
Not only are you making more money, but you can also make tax-free money. Tax-free money for lodging, meals, and incidental expenditures comprises a significant percentage of travel nursing pay packages. The advantage is that you pocket more money and avoid payroll taxes on your stipends. At Marvel Medical Staffing, we emphasize transparency and are always honest about pay. Our recruiters work hard to ensure our healthcare travelers receive the absolute best pay and experience while on an assignment. Start your travel healthcare career, we want you to get the bang for your buck!
Gain Valuable Experience
Facilities have different procedures, protocols, goals, equipment, and challenges that may seem overwhelming, but it’s the perfect chance for career growth. You will have the ability to learn several EMR systems, ways to approach different patients, and much more. With all the experience and knowledge gained about current trends in the industry from travel healthcare assignments, you will enhance your resume and increase your employability. Travel healthcare can be a great steppingstone to other career opportunities. You’ll gain valuable experience and skills that can help you advance in your chosen field but also learn about different specialties!
Contact a Recruiter to Start Your Travel CNA Journey!
CNAs are essential healthcare workers who contribute so much to patient care and the workflow of facilities/hospitals. Starting a career as a traveling certified nursing assistant is fulfilling both professionally and personally! Higher pay opportunities, resume building experiences, and the luxury of traveling across the country is one heck of a gig! We offer travel CNA contracts from coast to coast so contact a dedicated recruiter today to get started.
