Should I be a Travel Medic?
What is the work like?
Assignment typically range from 2-13 weeks. Some will be more standard shift work where you can expect to work 40-60 hours a week in 8 or 12 hour increments. Others are 24/7 with no official down time. Especially in a hospital or field clinic setting, you may be asked to perform tasks that you feel are “beneath” you, or your certification level. First remember you are not in a box, and you will have different things expected of you. But also, many times these employers are not familiar with the capabilities of an EMT or Paramedic, and it can take some time to realize their precise roll in the contract.
What are the common roles?
COVID Testing and Vaccinations
Infusion Centers
ED/ ICU Tech
Ground ambulance staffing
FEMA Ground ambulance deployment
What’s my timeline?
Most commonly, assignments are posted only a few days before they start. This means if you apply, be prepared to have a start date of 48-72 hours.
Make sure your affairs are in order. Do you have any family or work responsibilities coming up? Do you need to find pet care? Do you need to give advance notice to your job?
When you start nearing the end of your contract, you may be asked if you would like to extend your contract. This is typically done in 2 or 4 week increments, but on some occasions they will extend you for months. This can also be a good time to re-negotiate your contract if you would like and increase in you pay rate.
Unfortunately a lot of contracting comes with many uncertainties. Funding may abruptly end and your contract might be cut short with minimal warning (sometimes under 24 hours). Or you may not know if there will be an extension until the day before your expected end date. As you near the end, it’s your choice if you want to ride it out, or start looking for a new job.
What will I need?
Have all of your certifications ready in a folder with hard copies and digitally scanned on your computer. Clearly title what certification they are and when they expire so you don’t have to open each one every time. AHA cards are sometimes preferred so if you have those, it may open a few more doors. (note: you may need to send your certifications in a few times to a few different people. There’s usually a lot of moving parts on these quick contracts, and multiple departments may need to see your qualifications.)
You will also usually need a copy of your COVID Vaccine card. As well as a record of any other vaccines like Hep B and Flu.
What should I pack?
Plan on 1 checked bag (max. 50lbs) and a backpack or duffle. You may not be in a place where you can shop if you forget anything.
Consider the environment you will be working in. If outdoor, what is the weather like? If indoors do you need boots, or can you wear more comfortable shoes for extended times on your feet.
If you are going out on a natural disaster deployment, you may not have access to a shower or laundry facilities for an extended period of time. Pack plenty of clothes to get you though. Also pack baby wipes (they’re great if you don’t have a place to shower).
Compensation
There are many things to consider on compensation. You may receive hourly pay, per diem , or a flat day rate. Check what the laws are on overtime, ie. California laws are geared towards helping the employee not the employer, you get 1.5x pay after 8 hours of pay and 2x pay after 12 hours in a day.
Also consider that per diem is NOT considered taxable income. So although a company may offer a lower pay rate, if they have a higher per diem, this may make that contract more worth it financially.
Remember to ask about travel reimbursement if it is not organised and payed for you. You can also ask about housing and car rental reimbursement. Although car rentals are not commonly covered by the company, it’s not unheard of.
Some companies may set you up in a hotel or rental house, while others will give you a daily/weekly stipend to spend on housing you have to find yourself.
Common Certifications Requested
EMT:
BLS
NREMT and state EMT
EVOC/CEVO
ICS 100, 200, 700, 800
Drivers License
HAZMAT Awareness level (FEMA deployments)
Paramedic:
All of the EMT credentials
NR-P and state Paramedic
ACLS
PALS
PHTLS