How to Become a Travel CNA
A travel CNA is a Certified Nursing Assistant who travels on different assignments to various locations and healthcare settings. CNAs work alongside Registered Nurses and LPNs to provide support with patient tasks such as bathing, dressing, and feeding. These travel assignments are often short-term, ranging from 6-13 weeks.
This article explains how to become a travel CNA, including requirements, travel CNA job benefits, finding jobs, and salary information.
Travel CNA Requirements
To become a travel CNA, you must meet the following requirements.
- Have an active, unrestricted Certified Nursing Assistant certification issued by the state in which you will be working.
- Have an active BLS certification, preferably issued by American Heart Association (AHA).
- A minimum of 1-year experience in a long-term care or hospital setting.
- Worked in an applicable setting for at least 6 months in the last year.
We strongly encourage you to obtain multiple state certifications if you haven't already. The CNA Travelers Convention provides links to each state certification application. This is a great resource to help you find states that offer free transfers and waive application fees for the CNA state certifications. If you're still unsure on how to get a traveling CNA license, our team would be happy to help answer any questions you may have!
Travel CNA Job Benefits
Becoming a travel CNA comes with many benefits. When looking into how to become a travel CNA, it is important to consider the benefits of it. Being a travel CNA is an exciting chance for CNAs to grow their careers and expand their experiences. This article will provide you with the benefits of becoming a travel CNA.
Finding Travel CNA Jobs
The process of finding a travel CNA job can be very fast paced. When you are ready, we encourage you to get in contact with one of our recruiters. Our recruiters play a crucial role in helping you find travel CNA jobs and will be there to support you every step of the way. They'll guide you through the application and submittal process to get you ready to travel.
First, you will get your profile started:
- Upload a resume that outlines the past 7 years of your work experience (if applicable).
- Provide supervisor references from the past 2 years.
- Complete an online skills checklist.
- Upload your BLS certification, state license, and COVID-19 vaccination card.
Then, you will be ready to be submitted to open jobs.
We will go above and beyond when finding travel CNA jobs that work best for you. We want to focus on providing healthcare travelers with more choices and possibilities as they plan for their next adventure. When finding travel CNA jobs, you will want to have a good understanding of your expectations. That way we can help find the right opportunity for you that fits your preferences, motivations, and deal breakers.
At GetMed, we help you find travel CNA jobs by connecting you with different healthcare facilities that need CNAs. We will find the perfect assignment for you based on your skills and preferences. This includes being transparent about the location and shifts you are open to working.
Your Recruiter is going to make sure you feel self-assured and create a positive impression with the facilities you could work with. So, let us take care of the details while you focus on your exciting travel CNA adventure!
How Much Does a Travel CNA Make?
Traveling CNAs have the potential to earn twice as much on a travel assignment than they would at a full-time staff position. This often time depends on the location, how critical of a need the facility has, and how much overtime you may work. Overtime is typically readily available for those traveling.
One advantage of being a traveler is getting a tax-free stipend. This helps CNAs with their housing and living costs while they work in different places. This applies if you are duplicating your expenses when on assignment. Before getting started, we recommend you consult with a tax professional to ensure you have all your ducks in a row. There are several tax professionals that specialize in travel nursing. We also think this is a great resource for you, traveltax.com.
What does a travel CNA Do?
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a crucial role in the healthcare system by providing essential direct patient care. Their responsibilities include assisting individuals with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and feeding, monitoring vital signs, and supporting patients' mobility needs. CNAs often serve as a vital link between patients and nursing staff, observing and reporting any changes in patient condition. They contribute to maintaining a clean and safe environment, offer emotional support to patients and their families, and collaborate closely with the broader healthcare team to ensure the overall well-being of those under their care. CNAs demonstrate empathy, compassion, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of patient care, making them integral members of the healthcare workforce.
Be Prepared for your First CNA Travel Assignment
Plan and prepare thoroughly for your first CNA travel assignment by thinking through all the details of your travel and daily living arrangements.
Planning and preparing for your first two weeks on assignment is crucial. Travelers get paid weekly but your first paycheck won't be issued until the end of your second week on assignment.
Be ready to cover these expenses in your first two weeks on assignment:
- Transportation expenses
- Housing expenses
- Food expenses
- Common living expenses
Be sure to thoroughly research your travel destination beforehand. Take into consideration how much housing will be, the cost of living, weather conditions, and any additional transportation you may need. For example, do you have a reliable car that has been serviced recently?
Securing safe housing is one of the most important steps in preparing for your travel assignment. We want you to feel safe and secure in your temporary home, and we recommend that you find a place that meets your needs so you can be comfortable during your travel assignment. If you don't know where to start when looking for housing during your assignment, here are some helpful resources.
At GetMed Staffing, we know healthcare travelers have different needs. That's why we provide personalized help to ensure every travel assignment is successful.
To learn more about how to become a traveling CNA, visit our website. We'll assist you throughout your entire journey as a traveling CNA, and get you set up for success with your travel CNA job journey.