If traveling around the country is on your bucket list, the good news is that traveling CNA jobs are in demand in every state. Depending on how lengthy your assignment is, consider taking up a local pastime like paddling or hiking. Visit the conditions with year-round sunshine if you enjoy sunbathing.
How to become a travel CNA?
Starting as a traveling CNA might be challenging. You must obtain your CNA license and have work experience in your specialty. Before choosing your following location, examine the training and certification requirements for travel CNAs in various states.
If the facility is in a city with severe traffic, it might require you to have a spotless driving record. If you’re working with a staffing agency, they will obtain all the information you need to be successful at your assignment.
What Are Traveling CNAs and What Do They Do?
CNAs support nurses by assisting patients with activities of daily living, keeping track of patients’ progress, and alerting other healthcare team members to any significant changes. CNAs are also permitted to provide some drugs in some settings.
A traveling CNA does short-term assignments in healthcare institutions with significant staffing needs comparable to a travel nurse’s job. This is the only distinction between a traveling CNA and a regular CNA.
Traveling CNA Skills
Flexibility
Flexibility is necessary simply because you will work in various novel environments. Additionally, you are probably summoned to a facility due to a personnel shortage. You must think quickly and adapt to meet the challenges of travel CNA jobs.
Clear Communication
Working with travel CNA agencies and other facilities requires you to speak up for yourself. You don’t have the same familiarity nor support as you would as a staff employee, so make sure you speak up when need be instead of waiting until a minor issue snowballs into a big problem.
Empathy
You’ll be a new face to your patients — maybe even one of many new faces. Some of them, especially the older, could find it difficult to restrain this. During the changeover, you will need to acclimate to one another. Empathy will be helpful for your peace of mind and the comfort of your patients.
Pros of being a travel CNA
1. Higher pay
While wages vary significantly across geographies and facilities needs, income typically falls between $20-35/hr. However, revenue has peaked during the pandemic, and we are seeing pay fall now.
2. Lower living expenses
The agencies usually pay for your travel costs, hotel, and food. An organization might reserve a hotel and flight if you need shelter and transportation.
However, if you get a stipend instead, you can make even more money if you book low-cost accommodation or travel alone.
You also may reach as high as $50 a day for food. You can network with new individuals, experience various facilities, and work with multiple patient populations.
Cons of being a travel CNA
Traveling can be stressful, mainly if you are used to a set lifestyle or have a routine at home. Agencies might give you only 24-48 hours advance notice to pack up and leave for another state.
Time apart from home. Although many agencies allow you to bring your significant other or kids, you may have to spend much time apart from your family, friends, and comfortable home.
You may or may not like your work. You can specify some constraints, such as preferred city/state, pay, and facility type, but at the end of the day, you have little control over where you are going or who you will be working with.
What is Needed to Get CNA Licensed
You can apply for a CNA license with the help of your state’s nursing board if you successfully finish the training course and related test. If you hold a CNA license, you may start a career as a CNA in various healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and home healthcare agencies.
Some requirements that may vary by state:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Pass a criminal background check
- Pay a licensing fee
How is being a travel CNA different from working as a regular CNA?
- Travel CNAs work with agencies that place them at different facilities nationwide. You might be set at a hospital, nursing home, or other facility type.
- Travel CNAs travel to work in different cities. You might have to stay there for a few weeks or months.
- Since their assignments might suddenly vary depending on demand, travel CNAs must also be adaptable to their schedules and hours. This means they could need to work overtime or even on the weekends if necessary.
What is the Training Time to Become a Travel CNA?
Although CNA programs can last from one month to several years, many do. Before traveling as a CNA, experience is crucial. You must develop proficiency to prepare yourself for being thrust into unfamiliar work contexts. Before considering travel assignments, most CNAs will need at least two years of experience.
Conclusion
Working as a travel CNA is only for some, but it’s a great way to start getting paid more while exploring different facilities, meeting other people, and seeing the country. You’ll have flexibility with your schedule and get to pick which assignments you want to do. Getting started requires careful planning, but working as a travel CNA can be incredibly rewarding.
