Travel nursing is an exhilarating and rewarding career that combines one’s love for adventure with helping people in communities everywhere get the care they deserve. It gives nurses the opportunity to work in a variety of healthcare settings, meet new people, and experience different parts of the country (or even other countries) while continuously growing their skills. But does someone start their travel nurse journey? Whether you’re a nurse just starting out or an experienced RN considering a career change, our guide will take you through the steps on how to become a travel nurse.
What is a Travel Nurse?
A travel nurse is a healthcare professional who takes short-term nursing assignments in various facilities across the country, often filling gaps where there is high demand for nursing staff. These nurses typically partner with a travel nursing agency and a dedicated recruiter to find and apply for temporary positions that suit their preferences. Assignments often last around 13 weeks, although they can range anywhere from 4 to 32 weeks. Sometimes assignments can even be extended for up to 12 months, depending on if the travel nurse and healthcare facility agree to extend the contract. Becoming a travel nurse is alluring to a wide range of individuals, from solo adventurous spirits to seasoned veterans seeking a new adventure with their family.
Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse
Taking a travel nurse job can both personally and professionally impact one’s life and career in unimaginable ways. While the benefits of a travel nursing career are infinite, some the main reasons RNs choose to become a travel nurse include:
- Flexibility and Freedom: Travel nursing allows you to choose assignments based on location, duration, and specialty, promoting a better work-life balance and helping to prevent burnout. It also allows nurses to prioritize their personal interests and well-being while tailoring their careers to their specific needs.
- Great pay and benefits: Due to the high demand for qualified nurses, travel nursing offers competitive salaries and attractive perks. Benefits like health insurance and paid housing enable nurses to maximize their earnings while exploring new locations and achieving financial goals.
- Endless Adventures: Travel nursing offers a unique opportunity for RNs to choose assignments in various cities, states, or countries that align with their interests and goals.
Becoming a Travel Nurse
Becoming a travel nurse requires a combination of education, experience, and credentials.
Earn a Nursing Degree
The first step to becoming a travel nurse is to complete nursing school and get your degree in nursing. There are several pathways to becoming a registered nurse:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): A two-year program that provides the necessary education to become a registered nurse.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): This four-year degree provides more comprehensive training and opens up additional opportunities for specialization and leadership roles.
Some nurses choose to start with an ADN and later pursue a BSN through bridge programs, which are available both in-person and remotely.
Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
Once you’ve completed nursing school and got your degree, the next step is to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This exam is required for licensing in the United States; each state’s Board of Nursing oversees the licensing process, but all RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN to work as a nurse.
Get Your State Licensure
After you pass the NCLEX, you’ll need to obtain licensure in the state where you plan to work, which is a requirement for all nurses, not just travel nurses. However, travel nurses often need to be licensed in multiple states. Luckily for travel nurses, there’s a tool called the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses to hold a multi-state license in valid in participating states. That means if you are licensed in an NLC state, you can practice in other NLC states without needing to obtain additional licenses. If you’re planning to work in a non-NLC state, you will need to apply for a license in each state where you accept assignments. Some travel nurse agencies, like Medical Solutions, will even reimburse you for every license obtained!
Obtain the Right Certifications for Your Specialty
While not every travel nursing assignment requires certifications beyond your RN license, many specialties and facilities do require and prefer you to have additional relevant certifications. For example, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) for nurses working in critical care, or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) if you’re working with children. Not only do these certifications enhance your skills, but also they set you apart from other candidates.
Gain Experience
Before becoming a travel nurse, most agencies and healthcare facilities would prefer nurses to have at least 1-2 years of in-hospital experience. While you might feel like you’re ready to jump right into traveling, clinical experience helps ensure that you have the skills and confidence to adapt to different healthcare settings and provide the best patient care possible.
Find the Best Travel Nurse Agency for You
Choosing the right travel nurse agency is crucial to your success and the key to finding the best travel nurse jobs that align with what you want out of your career. When deciding which agency you should partner with, there are a few qualities you should look for:
- Reputation: When choosing a travel nurse agency, prioritize those with reputable accreditations from organizations like The Joint Commission or NATHO to ensure quality and safety. Additionally, researching reviews from fellow travelers can help you gauge the agency’s reputation before starting your assignment.
- Diverse Opportunities: The best travel nurse agencies provide a wide range of assignment options across various specialties, locations, and environments. Whether you prefer the energy of busy city hospitals or the calm of rural clinics, select an agency that aligns with your individual preferences and career aspirations.
- Support: Top-tier travel nurse agencies distinguish themselves by offering comprehensive support services, including assistance with licensure, housing, and round-the-clock clinical guidance. Look at agencies whose recruiters are dedicated to nurses’ well-being and ensure a smooth experience throughout each assignment.
Hit the Road with Your First Travel Nursing Job
Once you’ve earned your degree, gained experience, and partnered with a reputable agency that found you the perfect travel nursing job, you can finally embark on a fulfilling journey as a travel nurse. Becoming a travel RN not only has tons of financial rewards, but it also gives you the chance to make a difference all across the country. No matter where you’re at in your nursing career, it’s never too late to connect with our recruiters and uncover all the endless opportunities travel nursing has to offer.
