Travel Nurses Don’t Have to Sacrifice Career Advancement

Dori’s the most ambitious of travel nurses. She’s a single mom who plans to earn her CRNA. She travels to check out different hospitals systems and decide where she wants to apply. She’s on a serious journey, but she never forgets to have fun. “I tell everyone, travel nurses work 3 days a week and vacation 4 days a week,” she says.

Dori takes breaks from her vacations to further her career through the Aya Scholars Program. We asked her … why?

“The Aya Scholars Program makes it so that you can still be integrated into the hospital’s education and policies in ways you typically aren’t as a travel nurse,” Dori explained. “When you’re a traveler, people can perceive you as someone who’s coming by to make a paycheck versus being a nurse who’s actually engaged in the unit. The best part of the program is that the perception is mitigated.”

Travel Nurses Can Stay on the Forefront of Patient Care

We know that many nurses have hesitations to traveling. Some travel nurses are worried traveling will stall their career. But never fear, that’s why the Aya Scholars program is here. Association memberships, ongoing education, certifications … you can add all those things to your resume while travel nursing.

“Aya took care of my critical care association membership. You get current updates, resources for studies that have been completed, access to resources that you wouldn’t have otherwise.”

The Aya Scholars Program Makes Connections While Travel Nursing

Another part of the program that appeals to Dori is the opportunity to meet people. She’s headed to her dream travel nurse assignment — Hawaii. With only a quick gap between contracts, the road to paradise could have been difficult.  If she didn’t have friends in high places, that is.

“I knew the people from my last assignment well, because I worked with them through the Aya Scholars program. I reached out and they were more than happy to do a shorter-term assignment because we’d built a strong relationship,” Dori says.

And it’s not just people at various hospitals you meet. Program participants make internal Aya Healthcare connections as well.

“Being in the program gives you access to amazing resources,” Dori believes. “When you’re in different hospitals, there’s always the possibility that you won’t feel safe somewhere. It’s nice knowing that you have people at Aya you can reach out to. I haven’t had to do that, but it’s nice peace of mind.”

Hands-on Projects Lead to Innovation + Put Policy in Nurse’s Hands

We asked Dori if she was able to implement any policy changes through her Aya Scholars Program project, and well … keep reading. You’ll see.

“At the facility where I did my project, a lot of people didn’t understand how to alarm critically ill patients,” Dori explained. “I did the research and presented why we wanted to change the alarm protocol to management. Luckily the educator was fantastic. She was open to listening to us and we were able to implement the changes!”

Having nurses more involved in policy is something Dori sees as positive. After all, nurses are often the clinicians who spend the most time with patients. They have ideas. The Aya Scholars Program provides a platform to implement those ideas. And for travelers to do so without causing offense.

Dori says, “If you make suggestions as part of the Aya Scholars program, it doesn’t come off as judgmental or complaining. It allows you to introduce them in a positive way. A lot of policy is set by doctors and by upper management who aren’t as involved in day-to-day patient care,” she continued. “It’s nice to have nurses involved in setting standards for care.”

Are you ready to take your travel nursing career to the next level? Apply for the Aya Scholars Program today!