How to Become a Travel Nurse

• May 1, 2022
• kupplinadmin
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What if you could pick and choose when and where you wanted to start a career as a nurse? A career as a travel nurse may be right for you if you enjoy meeting new people, exploring different parts of the country, and accumulating a diverse list of professional experiences at hospitals across the country.

Travel nursing is an exciting career path, but you’ll need to know the requirements before you embark on it.

Does A Career As A Travel Nurse Sound Like A Good Fit For Your Lifestyle?

Independent staffing firms hire RNs to work as travel nurses to fill positions all over the country and abroad. Hospitals and clinics are finding it more and more difficult to meet their staffing needs due to a shortage of nurses. However, travel nurses may also be called upon to fill in for nurses on vacation, on leave, or who have been hired by a new hospital or medical facility. Not all travel nurses have to work in different states; some work in local hospitals short on staff because of budget cuts.

Travel nurses sign an agreement to fill a position that may last for a few days, weeks, months, or even longer. These contracts may include opportunities to work abroad. When a travel nurse’s contract expires, they can either extend their stay or move on to a new location. Contract lengths can range from 8 to 26 weeks, but that’s about the average. If you find a temporary job that you enjoy, you may be able to land the job permanently.

Obtain A BSN or an ASN/ADN Degree

Travel nursing is open to any registered nurse who has earned an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an approved nursing program.

Herzing offers six start dates throughout the year, which is a significant benefit for students. Students can begin classes on their terms, allowing them to adjust personal and work schedules to fit their studies around their other commitments.

National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and become an RN

The National Council Licensure Exam NCLEX-RN, which is required to become a registered nurse in the United States, can be taken after completing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing.

You’ll be able to practice as a registered nurse after passing your NCLEX exam and meeting the requirements of your state’s board of nursing. To work as a traveling nurse, you’ll require to gain experience in your nursing field first.

Become Familiar with Your Field Of Study

Additionally, you’ll have to obtain your BLS and ACLS certifications from an accredited institution before joining a travel nursing agency.

You may be required to obtain additional credentials if you decide to specialize in a particular area. Whether you’re a surgical, neonatal, critical care, pediatrics, trauma, or clinical nurse with a wide range of specialties, most places expect you to have at least two years of experience. Travel nursing positions are narrowed down based on clinical experience. There is a constant need for highly-trained, experienced nurses with specific specializations and advanced training in hospitals across the United States.

If you decide to take the certification exam after two years of nursing experience, you’ll have enough time to specialize in your area of expertise. As a result, you’ll be more attractive to potential employers and job prospects alike. If you work in a specific field, check with your agency to see if you need additional work experience.

Apply For a Compact License in Nursing

To work as a registered nurse, you must have a license from the state you live in. Fortunately, the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) is a contract between states that allows RNs to hold a single nursing license valid in multiple states.

States that have endorsed and implemented the NLC are kept track of by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Those who reside in a state that is a member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLC) can apply for this multistate license. Residents of non-compact states must apply for licensure in the state where they intend to work. It’s important to check your state’s licensing requirements before becoming a travel nurse, as the NLC does not cover all of the United States.

Find A Travel Nursing Agency and Fill Out An Application

You’ll need to work with a travel nurse staffing agency once you’ve completed your education, gained nursing experience, and earned your nursing credentials. There are numerous tools accessible to you to assist you in your search for the ideal agency.

Ex-traveling nurses can use various online resources to rate the agencies they worked for.

Lead generation websites sell your personal information and contact details to make sales to agencies. As a result of this information, these travel nursing agencies will then contact you.

Ask your colleagues if they know anyone who has worked with a travel nursing agency join a professional social media network. A professional networking site can be a great place to connect with others in your industry. Increase your chances of receiving more recommendations or contacting agencies and recruiters by using this resource.

Each staffing agency’s benefits and alliances with specific hospitals or healthcare networks, specific geographic areas, or even specific nursing specializations will differ from one agency to the next. Keep meticulous records of the positions you’re interested in and the perks and compensation offered by each employer.

Your Travel Nursing Career Is About To Take Off!

You can begin the interview process once you have completed all of the paperwork. Even if it takes some time, your placement agency will assist you in securing a job.

The next step is to find a place to live after being accepted into an organization. Non-profit organizations usually provide these one-bedroom apartments, so you may want to look for your own. Make sure to check with your company and the location to see your options.

Don’t worry if you ever change your mind about working as a travel nurse. A travel nurse’s contract may end, and a permanent position becomes available. You can cancel your contract if you are unable to remain at a particular location.