Ask a Travel Nurse Question:
I’m an LPN transitioning to RN, and Travel Nursing has always been a dream of mine. My question is: How do I transition from LPN to Travel RN? Should I take on an ER RN position for experience before attempting to try Travel Nursing?
Ask a Travel Nurse Answer:
The easy answer is you will HAVE to take a position for at least a year before attempting to travel.
Even though you are transitioning from being a Travel LPN, that, and being an RN, are two different worlds and are looked upon as such by the people who will be hiring you, the hospitals.
Plus, you need to gain experience in the specialty in which you wish to travel. ER would certainly be a good choice as you will likely find an ER in every facility in which you wish to work.
I also wanted to let you know that while a year of experience used to be the norm for taking a travel assignment, these days, 18 months to two years is what most facilities are currently requiring (which may change by the time you wish to travel).
For now, get in the hospital, at the bedside, in the specialty in which you would like to travel. Become proficient in your skills like IV starts, and NG and Foley insertions. If you do choose ER, even though it is not required by all EDs, I would at least get your ACLS card and possibly your PALS card. If you wish to work in trauma centers, maybe your TNCC. Anything that will show that you have a bit more education.
