What To Consider When Taking a Crisis Contract for Travel Nurses

Travel nurses are in demand now due to the ongoing pandemic. Recently, we highlighted which states consistently request travel nurses, how nurses can work in different states, and the pay travel nurses receive as a result of the demand. This is a time to succeed for travel nurses. But before accepting a travel assignment, consider what to look out for when you sign a travel nurse crisis contract.

What is a Crisis Contract?

A crisis contract for travel nurses or rapid response contract is for assignments that are going to start rapidly, within 48 hours, in some cases. The length of these assignments are on a “to be determined” status and are typically shorter than normal. Crisis nurses are sent out for rapid response due to a sudden increase in illness or patients, or due to internal issues like a software upgrade rolling out sooner than expected.

Reasons to Take a Rapid Response Assignment

Rapid response assignments require travel nurses to be flexible and to adapt to brand-new environments quickly. In exchange, they receive things like higher base wages, bonuses, and a larger housing stipend since it’s more difficult to find housing on short notice. Nurses may also receive shift bonuses and stipends for travel and food on top of others.

What to Consider Before Signing a Crisis Contract

Things move rapidly when a travel nurse accepts a rapid response assignment. So, it’s important to be familiar with the hiring company, the types of assignments that may come up, and what duties will need to be performed. A crisis travel nurse should feel comfortable performing duties within their scope of practice. In addition, they should have access to the resources needed for the assignment on site or provided by the hiring agency.

Most importantly, the hiring company or institution should be willing to support their travel nurses. This means fulfilling promises, being accessible to answer questions in a timely manner, and understand what an assignment requires.

Keeping these things in mind will help nurses avoid companies that are less than reputable and may put the travel nurse in difficult situations as a result of not understanding the assignment, risks involved, or asking a nurse to operate outside their scope of practice.

NexNurse is the place where employers and nurses can connect to fill vacant positions. If you’re looking to take on a crisis contract or fill an urgent nursing need, create a profile on NexNursetoday.