Nurses play a vital role in the health care industry. They are the link between the physicians and their patients. More travel nursing jobs have become available due to the fact that many medical practices and institutions are experiencing a shortage of qualified nursing staff.

Traveling nurses usually work through a recruitment agency which places them at different locations for varying time periods. Hospitals, group practices and private clients may seek the services of traveling nurses when they have a temporary staff shortage. The job description varies slightly according to the employer. They do the same job as other nurses apart from the fact that they will work at different locations usually for a short period.

The duties of nurses are much the same regardless of where they may work. Traveling nurses are often needed by hospitals and clinics experiencing a staff crisis. If employed by a private client, the traveling nurse will find there are additional duties depending on the patient\’s particular needs.

The job invariably entails taking regular readings of the patient\’s vital signs like blood pressure and heart rate. They are required to take the necessary action in the event of unusual readings. They may also have to take blood and urine samples and prepares these for laboratory testing. They need keep patients informed with regard to the reasons for the lab tests.

Nurses need to keep the patients informed about their prescribed medication and ensure that this is taken at the correct times. The doctors may require a nurse to administer an IV. She can do this independently or under the supervision of the physician.

Care giving in the form of assistance with physiotherapy and rehabilitation may also be part of the nurse\’s duties. Patients recovering from surgery or accidents sometimes need guidance in the use of crutches or wheelchairs or other mobility aids. The traveling nurse must help with this.

Traveling nurses who are taken on by hospitals will perform the same tasks as the existing nursing staff. They prepare patients for medical examinations and record their medical history. They are also responsible for explaining the prescribed treatment plan as well as the post examination directives.

Administrative tasks may also be required. This involves matters like filling in insurance papers. In a private practice the nurses are sometimes asked to manage and maintain the patient accounts. An experienced nurse can recommend the type of tests the patient may need like X-rays and CT scans.

Traveling nurses need to complete the same education program as all registered nurses. They should be successfully complete a two year course at an accredited institute. After this there is the national licensing examination administered by the National Council Licensure Examination Board. A four year bachelor\’s degree is another educational option for those who are interested.

All nurses need to have good interpersonal skills to perform their duties. They need to interact with patients as well as family members and other medical personnel. Patience, understanding and good communication skills are important. There are times when the nurse needs to consult with patients and their family members. The future prospects for nurses and travel nursing jobs are promising.

Author Bio: There is a high demand for travel nursing jobs across clinics, hospitals, and medical facilities. Find the ideal travel nursing position to suit your career prospects among these well-acclaimed travel nursing companies.

Category: Career
Keywords: travel, nursing, career, employment, jobs, health, wellness, business, industry, medical, doctor