Becoming a travel nurse is an exciting career choice that offers healthcare professionals the opportunity to explore new locations, gain diverse clinical experiences, and earn competitive salaries. This dynamic profession is perfect for those who are passionate about nursing but also have a love for adventure and travel. Travel nurses are in high demand across the United States, making this a lucrative and fulfilling career option for registered nurses (RNs) who enjoy flexibility and change.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the steps to becoming a travel nurse, including education requirements, certifications, how to find travel nursing jobs, and tips to excel in this exciting career. If you’re ready to combine your love for nursing with a passion for travel, this article will provide you with all the information you need to get started.
What Is a Travel Nurse?
A travel nurse is a registered nurse who accepts short-term assignments at various healthcare facilities across the country. These assignments typically last from 8 to 26 weeks, allowing nurses to work in different environments and locations. Travel nurses fill temporary staffing shortages in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
Because travel nurses are filling urgent needs, they are often offered higher pay rates and other benefits like housing stipends and travel reimbursements. For nurses seeking flexibility in their careers, travel nursing offers the freedom to choose when and where they work.
Why Become a Travel Nurse?
There are several reasons why registered nurses (RNs) choose travel nursing over traditional permanent positions
Higher Pay
Travel nurses often earn significantly more than staff nurses due to the demand for their skills and the temporary nature of the work.
Flexible Schedule
You can take time off between assignments and decide when and where you want to work.
New Experiences
Working in various healthcare settings allows you to gain experience in different specialties and work environments.
Adventure
Travel nurses get to explore new cities and regions, experiencing different cultures and environments.
Professional Growth
Travel nurses develop adaptability and strong problem-solving skills, which can enhance their career prospects.
Obtain Your Nursing Degree
To become a travel nurse, the first step is to obtain a nursing degree. There are two main paths to becoming a registered nurse:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
This program typically takes two years to complete and prepares you for entry-level nursing positions. After earning an ADN, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A BSN program usually takes four years to complete but provides more in-depth education and can open the door to more specialized nursing roles. Many hospitals and healthcare facilities prefer nurses with a BSN, especially for travel nursing roles.
Regardless of the degree path you choose, passing the NCLEX-RN is essential to becoming a registered nurse.
Gain Clinical Experience
After obtaining your nursing degree and becoming licensed, you’ll need to gain some clinical experience before embarking on a travel nursing career. Most travel nursing agencies require at least one to two years of experience in a hospital or clinical setting. During this time, you should:
Develop Your Skills
Build a strong foundation in nursing care, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Specialize if Possible
Consider specializing in areas like emergency care, critical care, or labor and delivery, as these specialties are often in high demand for travel nursing assignments.
Get Comfortable with Change
Travel nurses need to adapt quickly to new environments and work effectively with different teams.
Obtain the Necessary Certifications
While your RN license is essential, additional certifications can make you a more competitive candidate for travel nursing positions. Here are some certifications to consider:
Basic Life Support (BLS)
This certification is often required for all nursing positions and ensures you’re capable of performing basic emergency care, such as CPR.
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
This certification is particularly important if you plan to work in critical care or emergency nursing.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
If you want to work in pediatrics, this certification is a must.
Specialty Certifications
If you’re focusing on a particular area, such as oncology or ICU nursing, obtaining a certification in that specialty can make you stand out to potential employers.
Get Licensed in Multiple States
As a travel nurse, you’ll need to be licensed to practice in the state where you’re working. Fortunately, the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows nurses to have one license that enables them to practice in multiple states. If you’re licensed in a compact state, you can work in any other NLC state without having to apply for a separate license.
However, not all states are part of the compact, so you’ll need to research the licensing requirements of the states where you’re interested in working. Some travel nursing agencies may help you with the licensing process for specific states.
Research Travel Nursing Agencies
Travel nurses typically work through travel nursing agencies, which act as intermediaries between nurses and healthcare facilities. These agencies help match nurses with job assignments, negotiate contracts, and handle logistics like housing and travel stipends. When choosing a travel nursing agency, consider the following factors:
Reputation
Research the agency’s reviews and reputation in the industry.
Benefits
Compare the benefits offered by different agencies, such as pay rates, housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and health insurance.
Assignment Availability
Look for agencies that offer assignments in locations and specialties that interest you.
Some popular travel nursing agencies include Aya Healthcare, Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA), and Medical Solutions. It’s a good idea to register with multiple agencies to maximize your job opportunities.
Find Travel Nursing Jobs
Once you’ve signed up with one or more travel nursing agencies, your recruiter will help you find job assignments that fit your preferences and qualifications. Travel nurses typically receive job offers based on their specialty, experience, and location preferences. Here are some tips for finding the right travel nursing job:
Be Flexible
While it’s great to have preferences, being open to different locations or assignments can increase your chances of finding a job quickly.
Negotiate Your Contract
When accepting a travel nursing position, make sure to review and negotiate your contract. Pay attention to details like your salary, housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and the duration of the assignment.
Prepare for the Assignment
Once you’ve accepted a position, make sure you’re prepared for the assignment by researching the healthcare facility, packing appropriately, and familiarizing yourself with the area.
Excel in Your Travel Nursing Assignments
Travel nursing requires adaptability and strong communication skills. To excel in your assignments, follow these tips
Be Adaptable
Each healthcare facility will have its own policies, procedures, and team dynamics. Being able to adapt quickly to new environments is key to success as a travel nurse.
Build Relationships
Forming good working relationships with the permanent staff can make your assignments more enjoyable and can lead to positive recommendations for future assignments.
Stay Organized
As a travel nurse, you’ll need to manage your licenses, certifications, and contracts efficiently. Keeping your paperwork and professional credentials organized will make your travel nursing career smoother.
Pros and Cons of Travel Nursing
Before you decide to pursue a career in travel nursing, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.
Pros
High Pay
Travel nurses often earn more than permanent staff nurses, especially when factoring in housing stipends and travel reimbursements.
Flexibility
You can choose when and where to work, allowing you to take time off between assignments.
Adventure
Travel nurses get the opportunity to explore new places and meet new people.
Professional Growth
Exposure to different healthcare settings can enhance your clinical skills and career prospects.
Cons
Temporary Assignments
While some nurses thrive on change, others may find the temporary nature of assignments challenging.
Licensing Requirements
You may need to obtain additional licenses to work in certain states.
Housing Challenges
While many agencies provide housing stipends, finding short-term housing in certain locations can be difficult.
Conclusion
Becoming a travel nurse offers a unique blend of adventure, professional growth, and financial rewards. By obtaining the necessary education, gaining clinical experience, and working with travel nursing agencies, you can embark on an exciting career that allows you to travel the country while doing what you love—helping others. With flexibility, high earning potential, and diverse experiences, travel nursing is a perfect option for nurses who seek more freedom and adventure in their careers. Now that you know the steps to becoming a travel nurse, you’re ready to begin your journey.
