Travel Long Term Care Nurse Jobs
Make a Difference as a Long Term Care Travel Nurse
Long term care nurses oversee the care of patients with long-term health needs such as individuals who have disabilities, chronic illnesses, or are of advanced age and need assistance performing daily tasks. Not just caregivers, many long-term care nurses serve as companions and confidants to their patients. They have a positive impact on improving the quality of life for individuals who, due to their health conditions, may struggle with feelings of isolation or helplessness.
As a med traveler, you can take your knowledge and skills on the road and gain control over your career. Plus, you get to make a significant impact, provide essential care in areas where it's needed the most, and foster a sense of purpose and fulfillment within yourself.
Interested in traveling as a long term care nurse? Browse travel long term care nurse jobs at outstanding facilities across the country and find your fit.
What is a Long Term Care Travel Nurse?
RNs in long-term care settings are responsible for the care of patients/residents as well as the supervision of other nursing professionals in the facility such as licensed practical nurses (LPN) or certified nursing assistants (CNA). Long term care nurses assess the patient/resident, establish the plan of care, and then evaluate the treatment plan and adjust as needed. They may perform technical patient care such as administering medications, taking vital signs, and assisting the patient/resident with IADLs and/or ADLs.
Home health RNs can delegate some patient care to LPNs and/or CNAs that is within their scopes of practice. Home health nurses also coordinate care between a dedicated team of allied health professionals including physical therapy, social work, etc. Long term care registered nurses may hold additional roles within long-term care such as DON, ADON, or MDS coordinator.
Typical Long Term Care Nurse Responsibilities:
- Administer medications
- Assist with pain management, wound care, mobility, and personal hygiene
- Monitor the patients’ overall health
- Coordinate care with other healthcare professionals
- Advocate for the patients’ rights and well-being
- Offer emotional support
Choose where you go
With opportunities for travelers all over the country, we’ve selected areas with the most popular medical traveling jobs to help you find your best fit.
Advantages & Perks for Long Term Care Travel Nurses
Competitive pay
Travel registered nurses are the backbone of medical traveling. Pay transparency means you can see what you'll actually get paid before you even apply.
Per diem
Travel nurses qualify for a weekly, tax-free per diem that can help you cover the costs of moving, like your transportation, meals, and other expenses.
Certifications
Level-up, Nurse. Get your state licenses and travel nurse requirements reimbursed.
Travel life
See new spaces. See new faces. Grow and learn in your nursing career as you grow and learn in various cities all over the country.Travel Nursing Compliance & Licensure
Being a travel nurse is a great way to grow your experience and learn on the job. What if your dream travel assignment is asking for certifications you don’t have? Don’t sweat. You’ll get training in nursing and financial assistance for the cost of licensing and certifications!
Degrees and Certifications
Keeping up with the world of licensing and certification can be intimidating. Degrees and certifications depend on your modality and specialty but getting compliant for your home state and others you want to travel to is easier as a medical professional. Compliance experts work with your recruiter and the facility to ensure that you have all the relevant credentials required for any and all travel jobs.
Compliance Requirements
Some of your compliance requirements are the same across the board, but there are others that will depend on your specialty in nursing.
The three parts of compliance
- Occupational health records: Required immunizations and health examinations
- Documentation: Tax forms, insurance paperwork, and licenses
- Testing: Certifications, online training, and workplace safety exams
FAQs
Who can become a long term care travel nurse?
Typically, one needs to have at least a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) and must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN) in the long term care space. Prospective long term care RNs should be compassionate, patient, and possess excellent interpersonal skills, as they will be working closely with individuals who require assistance with daily tasks. A high degree of emotional resilience is also essential, as working with individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities can be emotionally demanding.
What is the average salary for long term care travel nursing jobs?
The average salary for experienced registered nurse jobs can vary significantly based on a number of factors including geographic location, years of experience, and the type of healthcare facility. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for a registered nurse, in general, was $75,330. However, cath lab RNs work in a specialized setting so they may earn more.
Where are long term care nursing jobs available?
LTC nurses primarily find employment in facilities that provide healthcare services and ongoing medical care and assistance to patients with varying degrees of disability and chronic illness. These settings include long term care facilities, nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, and assisted living facilities, where they cater to the long-term healthcare needs of elderly residents or patients with prolonged illnesses or disabilities.
Will taking long term care travel nursing jobs help my career?
Individuals who take travel nursing jobs through healthcare staffing agencies will gain exposure to different regional nursing procedures and patient populations, have the opportunity to explore new specialties, and gain experience learning a new clinical environment quickly.
Are there any common Long term care certifications I should consider?
Yes! As a long term care registered nurse, you may choose to pursue certifications to enhance your knowledge and professional development. Along with commonly required certifications such as Basic Life Support (BLS), the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN) offers a robust certification program for long-term care nursing professionals. The Certified Nursing Director in Long Term Care (CNDLTC) and the Certified Assisted Living Nurse (CALN) are two designations that signify a nurse’s expertise and commitment to the field of long-term care. These certification programs not only validate the skills and knowledge of nurses in this specialized field, but also enhance their professional credibility, providing them with an edge in the competitive healthcare landscape.