Discovering the Best Contract Nursing Jobs
The current demand for qualified nursing professionals has given rise to innovative staffing solutions, with contract nursing emerging as a prominent avenue for skilled nurses who are ready to work in a variety of situations.
Contract nursing offers nurses plenty of flexibility and a wealth of choices in today’s fast-moving healthcare market. Rapid response nursing, crisis nursing and project-based assignments like EMR upgrades are the most common types of contract nursing, with assignments of various lengths offered at top facilities throughout the nation.
Contract nurses can explore diverse clinical settings, expand their professional network, and learn new skills while addressing staffing challenges faced by healthcare facilities. This type of travel nursing has gained popularity for its short-term assignments and unique opportunities to step in where the need is greatest.
Advantages of Contract Nursing Jobs
One of the main advantages of contract nursing versus a permanent staff position is flexibility. Contract nurses have the ability to choose when and where they work. That means you can manage your schedule and enjoy incredible work/life balance with the opportunity to take time off in between assignments. You can choose to rest, vacation, travel, spend time with family and friends, and so much more.
When you partner with an AMN Healthcare nurse recruiter, they can help plan your contracts so that you have the time off that best meets your needs. You can also take contracts back-to-back if you are looking to maximize your earning potential and advance your nursing career.
In addition to flexibility, contract nursing jobs offer the opportunity to travel to new locations, explore different healthcare settings and learn new clinical skills, technologies and protocols. Contract nurses navigate a diverse array of healthcare settings, allowing them to broaden their professional horizons in ways that wouldn’t be possible in a traditional, long-term position. As they transition from one facility to another, they are gaining exposure to a variety of clinical environments, working with different patient populations, and learning from experienced and tenured colleagues—enhancing their adaptability and their overall skill set along the way.
One of the most popular advantages to contract nursing is the competitive pay rate for these in-demand positions. In addition to excellent pay, the best contract nursing jobs will also offer an array of other benefits such as these that are offered by AMN Healthcare:
- Free, quality, private housing
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- 401(k) and flex spending accounts
- Life insurance
- Accident and short-term disability coverage
- Free continuing education courses
- Refer-a-friend bonus program
Types of contract nursing assignments
Contract nursing opportunities come in many different shapes and sizes, but the most common types are:
- Crisis nursing
- Rapid response nursing
- EMR / EHR (technology implementations), and other project-based assignments
- Traditional travel nursing assignments (usually lasting 13 weeks)
Each of these assignment types have different nuances, pay rates and requirements. Crisis nursing and rapid response nursing contracts require the ability to start quickly and adapt to high-stress situations. With EMR/EHR contracts, nurses will need the ability to fill in for a variety of different units and specialties, as well as strong computer skills.
If you are interested in a specific type of contract nursing, contact an AMN Healthcare recruiting specialist today to learn more.
Lengths of Contract Nursing Jobs
How long do you want to stay in one place? Finding the right contract duration is easy when you use the AMN Healthcare nursing job search feature. In addition to daily and weekly assignment lengths you might find with per diem, the standard travel contract lengths are:
- 1-8 Weeks
- 9-12 Weeks
- 13 Weeks
- 14-26 Weeks
- 27+ Weeks
Once you start working travel contracts, you can have fun experimenting with different contract lengths. Some assignments also have to potential to be extended if it is agreeable with both parties; it all depends on the needs of the healthcare center. If you start an assignment and are interested in possibly extending, reach out to you recruiter so they can investigate the possibility.
Tips for Success in Contract Nursing
Beyond clinical knowledge and bedside manner, there are key skills and qualities that can make a successful contract nurse. Professionalism, cultural competency, resiliency, adaptability and effective communication skills are some of the most important characteristics. A positive attitude and the willingness to help where needed are also vital.
Nurses working on a temporary contract need to make an effort to engage with and support their new team. Strong interpersonal skills contribute to a positive work environment, and may encourage a facility to renew your contract, provide you with an excellent reference, and/or invite you to come back in the future.
How well you communicate and work with your recruiter will also play a key part. The more forthcoming you are about your needs, wants and current abilities, the more likely they are to connect you with the ideal assignment and set you up for success.
Ready to Learn More?
Contract nursing is more than just a series of temporary assignments; it is a dynamic educational expedition, providing nurses with many different types of experiences that foster personal and professional growth. This ability to explore diverse healthcare settings and embrace continuous learning is a hallmark of contract nursing, making it an appealing choice for those who seek a dynamic and enriching career path.
Are you ready to explore the diverse opportunities available to contract nurses? Simply apply with AMN Healthcare to connect with an experienced recruiter and begin your journey.
