How To Become A Travel Nurse - Steps, Requirements, And Benefits Explained
This article will guide you through the steps to becoming a nurse, with a special focus on the exciting and flexible career of a travel nurse, highlighting the necessary education, licensure, and the benefits of this dynamic profession.
Author:Velma BattleReviewer:Michael RachalSep 09, 202424.6K Shares332.5K Views
Nursing is a highly rewarding and impactful career, perfect for those with a passion for helping others. Among the various paths within nursing, becoming a travel nurse offers unique opportunities to work in different locations on short-term assignments.
This article will take you through the steps to becoming a nurse, with a special focus on the exciting and flexible career of a travel nurse, highlighting the necessary education, licensure, and the benefits of this dynamic profession. Learn how to become a travel nurseand embark on a fulfilling journey in the healthcare field.
Who Is A Travel Nurse?
A travel nurse is a skilled nursing professional willing to take short-term assignments locally, across the U.S., and even internationally. These assignments can last from a few weeks to several months. Instead of seeking permanent positions in healthcare facilities, these nursing professionals find temporary placements using the services of staffing agencies that specialize in travel nursing.
Travel nurse contracts outline the start and end dates for the placement, total compensation for the duration of the assignment, and work expectations. Travel mapplanning can be essential for travel nurses as they move from one location to another, ensuring they are familiar with their new environment and can adjust smoothly. To become a nurse, you will need to follow a series of steps that will help you acquire the necessary education, skills, and certifications. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to become a nurse:
- Earn A high School Diploma Or Equivalent:The first step on your journey to becoming a nurse is to complete your high school education or obtain a General Education Development (GED) certificate. It is important to have a strong foundation in subjects like biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
- EnrollIn A Nursing Program:After completing high school, you will need to enroll in an accredited nursing program. There are various options available, including diploma programs, associate degrees in nursing (ADN), and bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs.
- Complete The Nursing Program:During your nursing program, you will learn about various aspects of nursing, including anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and patient care. You will also gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
- Obtain A Nursing License:To practice as a nurse, you will need to obtain a nursing license. The requirements for licensure vary by state, but typically include passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) or a similar licensing exam.
- Consider Pursuing Advanced Certifications Or Degrees:Once you have obtained your nursing license, you may choose to further enhance your career by pursuing advanced certifications or degrees. This can include becoming a certified nurse specialist (CNS), nurse practitioner (NP), or pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in nursing.
- Continuing Education And Professional Development: Nursing is a constantly evolving field, and it is important to stay updated on the latest advancements and best practices. Engaging in continuing education and professional development activities will help you enhance your skills and knowledge.
Steps To Becoming A Travel Nurse
A travel nurse must fulfill the same educational and clinical criteria as all registered nurses. A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or associate degree in nursing (ADN) must be obtained first. More than any other degree type, 47% of travel nurses hold a BSN, according to Zippia data.
After receiving your degree, you must obtain your state nursing license and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. The reason travel nurse staffing firms often search for applicants with at least one year of clinical experience is because employers expect travel nurses to start working right away. Certifications and specializations can work to your benefit.
Earn An ADN Or BSN Degree From An Accredited Program
An ADN or a BSN is required for travel nurses to become eligible for RN licensing. The quickest route to a career as an RN nurse is an ADN. A BSN, on the other hand, usually takes four years to complete and offers graduates more clinical experience and training, which opens up more job options. RNs with a BSN are preferred for employment by major travel nurse staffing companies and large healthcare systems.
Pass The NCLEX Exam To Receive RN Licensure
To become a registered nurse (RN), you need to pass the National Council Licensure Exam for RNs (NCLEX-RN). This test is taken on a computer and adapts to your skill level, which means it gets harder or easier based on how well you answer the questions. The exam can last up to six hours. It covers a lot of important topics such as how to care for patients, different medical conditions and treatments, how the healthcare system works, laws and ethics in nursing, and how to effectively communicate with and educate patients.
Gain Clinical Nursing Experience
The more hands-on experience you have, the easier it is to get a job. Most agencies want applicants to have at least one year of experience, but some jobs need two years or more. Travel nurses need to be ready to start working right away without extra training or orientation. They must quickly adapt to new places, teams, and ways of doing things.
Find A Travel Nursing Agency
As more RNs retire or leave the job, nurse staffing services have become more and more popular as a solution to the nursing shortage. As a result, a large number of organizations that focus on staffing travel nurses have emerged. Travel nurse organizations post job openings and frequently conduct online and career office recruitment at nursing schools as well as professional associations.
It's crucial to look into a travel nurse agency's reputation before working with it. You should check if the contracts that agencies offer match your expectations regarding available locations, assignment types, pay and perks, as well as travel and housing arrangements.
Begin Your First Travel Nursing Assignment
Travel nurses' roles and responsibilities change with every assignment because they work in a variety of locations with a wide range of patient demographics. You won't typically get much on-the-job training. Your first shift may start with a thorough orientation or just a quick rundown of the facility's policies and procedures, depending on the employer.
Healthy happy agingis an important consideration in the healthcare field, as nurses often deal with patients who are striving for quality of life as they grow older. For the first few days, you might be teamed with a nurse, but you'll soon be expected to work on your own. You may choose to find your own housing to save on living expenditures, even though some travel employment firms handle housing arrangements to assist you in acclimating to your new surroundings.
Travel Nurse Assignments
Travel nurse assignments can vary in duration and location. Some assignments may last as little as eight weeks, while others can span several months. The specific length of an assignment will depend on the needs of the healthcare facility and your preferences as a travel nurse.
Travel nurses have the opportunity to choose assignments in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and even cruise ships. Depending on your specialty and experience, you can select assignments that align with your professional goals and interests.
During an assignment, travel nurses are responsible for providing high-quality patient care, collaborating with healthcare teams, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the unit or department. Adaptability, strong clinical skills, and the ability to quickly acclimate to new environments are essential traits for success as a travel nurse.
Benefits Of Travel Nursing
Travel nursing offers a wide range of benefits that make it an attractive career choice for many healthcare professionals. Here are some of the key advantages of working as a travel nurse:
- Opportunity To Explore New Places: As a travel nurse, you have the opportunity to work in different cities, states, and even countries. This allows you to explore new places, experience different cultures, and expand your horizons.
- Flexible Schedules:Travel nursing offers flexibility in terms of scheduling. You have the freedom to choose assignments that fit your lifestyle and personal preferences. This can be especially beneficial if you have family commitments or other responsibilities.
- Competitive Compensation: As mentioned earlier, travel nursing can provide higher earning potential compared to traditional nursing positions. In addition to a competitive salary, travel nurses often receive housing allowances, travel reimbursements, and other financial incentives.
- Professional Growth And development:Travel nursing allows you to gain experience in different healthcare settings and work with diverse patient populations. This can greatly enhance your skills and knowledge, making you a more well-rounded and marketable healthcare professional.
- Networking Opportunities:Working as a travel nurse provides you with the opportunity to connect and collaborate with professionals from various healthcare facilities. This can help expand your professional network and open doors to future career opportunities.
Travel Nurse Licensure
If you want to become a travel nurse, you need a valid nursing license for the state where you plan to work. If the state where you got your first RN license is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), you can work in any other NLC state without getting a new license. However, not all states are in the NLC. If you take a job in a non-NLC state, you must apply for a license in that state before you start working.
Some states offer quick processes for getting temporary licenses, and some staffing agencies can help you with the application. Keeping your nursing license active as a travel nurse is the same as for other RNs. You need to renew your RN license regularly and meet your home state's requirements for continuing education and contact hours. If you're working in a non-NLC state, you also need to follow the renewal rules for that state.
Nurse Travel Agencies
Travel nurses often partner with travel nursing agencies to find and secure assignments. These agencies act as intermediaries between nurses and healthcare facilities, facilitating the placement process and providing support throughout the assignment. Travel affects healthin various ways, as frequent relocation and changes in environment can impact a nurse's physical and mental well-being. Here are some popular travel nursing agencies with good pay rates:
Aya Healthcare
Aya Healthcare is one of the largest travel nursing companies in the U.S. and offers some of the highest pay rates in the industry. According to their website, Aya Healthcare offers an average pay rate of $2,100 per week for travel nurses, with some positions paying as much as $3,000 per week.
Fastaff Travel Nursing
Fastaff Travel Nursing is another highly rated travel nurse agency that offers competitive pay rates for their nurses. According to their website, Fastaff Travel Nursing pays their nurses an average of $2,400 per week, with some positions paying up to $5,000 per week.
TotalMed Staffing
TotalMed Staffing is a newer travel nurse agency but has quickly gained a reputation for offering high pay rates to their nurses. According to their website, TotalMed Staffing pays their nurses an average of $2,500 per week, with some positions paying up to $4,800 per week.
American Mobile Healthcare
American Mobile Healthcare is a well-established travel nursing company with over 30 years of experience in the industry. According to their website, American Mobile Healthcare offers competitive pay rates for their nurses and provides a wide range of benefits and perks.
Medical Solutions
Medical Solutions is a popular travel nurse agency that has been in business since 1997. According to their website, Medical Solutions offers high pay rates and a variety of benefits and perks to their nurses, including paid time off and health insurance.
Triage Staffing
Triage Staffing is a travel nurse agency that specializes in connecting nurses with positions in top-rated healthcare facilities. According to their website, Triage Staffing offers competitive pay rates for their nurses, as well as a range of benefits and perks.
Stability Healthcare
Stability Healthcare is a travel nurse agency that offers competitive pay rates and a variety of benefits and perks to their nurses. According to their website, Stability Healthcarepays their nurses an average of $2,660 per week.
Host Healthcare
Host Healthcare is a travel nurse agency that prides itself on offering personalized services to their nurses. According to their website, Host Healthcare pays their nurses an average of $2,400 per week, with some positions paying up to $5,000 per week.
ADEX Medical Staffing
ADEX Medical Staffing is a travel nurse agency that has been in business for over 25 years. According to their website, ADEX Medical Staffing pays their nurses an average of $2,500 per week, with some positions paying up to $4,800 per week.
GIFTED Healthcare
GIFTED Healthcare is a travel nurse agency that offers competitive pay rates and a range of benefits and perks to their nurses. According to their website, GIFTED Healthcare pays their nurses an average of $2,500 per week.
Next Travel Nursing
Next Travel Nursing is a travel nurse agency that offers high pay rates and a variety of benefits and perks to their nurses. According to their website, Next Travel Nursing pays their nurses an average of $2,400 per week.
TaleMed
TaleMed is a travel nurse agency that prides itself on providing personalized services to their nurses. According to their website, TaleMed pays their nurses an average of $2,600 per week.
LRS Healthcare
LRS Healthcare is a travel nurse agency that offers competitive pay rates and a range of benefits and perks to their nurses. According to their website, LRS Healthcare pays their nurses an average of $2,500 per week.
Axis Medical Staffing
Axis Medical Staffing is a travel nurse agency that offers high pay rates and a variety of benefits and perks to their nurses. According to their website, Axis Medical Staffing pays their nurses an average of $2,500 per week.
Cross Country Nurses
Cross Country Nurses is a travel nurse agency that has been in business since 1986. According to their website, Cross Country Nurses offers competitive pay rates and a range of benefits and perks to their nurses.
FAQs
Why Is It Called Nurse?
The term nurse originates from the Latin word nutire, which means to suckle. This is because it referred primarily to a wet-nurse in the early days and only evolved into a person who cares for the sick in the late 16th century.
What Kind Of Nurses Get Paid Most?
HIGHEST-PAID NURSING JOBS: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist - $212,650. Certified Nurse Midwife - $129,650. Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse - $128,211. General Nurse Practitioner - $126,260. Clinical Nurse Specialist - $124,374. Pain Management Nurse - $121,916. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner - $119,801.
How Do I Find A Travel Nurse Staffing Agency?
Travel nurse staffing agencies may recruit at nursing schools, through referrals, or through advertisements for specific positions or general placements. You can also look online for travel nurse staffing agencies or discover agencies through networking. Be sure to double check references and the agency’s reputation.
What Is The Highest-paid Travel Nursing Agency?
Aya Healthcare is one of the largest travel nursing companies in the U.S. and offers some of the highest pay rates in the industry. According to their website, Aya Healthcare offers an average pay rate of $2,100 per week for travel nurses, with some positions paying as much as $3,000 per week.
Conclusion
Becoming a nurse is a rewarding path, especially if you choose travel nursing. Travel nurses work temporary assignments in different locations, gaining valuable experience and enjoying flexible schedules. To get started, you need to complete a nursing program, get licensed, and gain some clinical experience.
Partnering with reputable travel nursing agencies can help you find great assignments with good pay and benefits. Travel nursing lets you explore new places and make a positive impact on patients' lives while advancing your career.
Remember to tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your travel nursing experience, flexibility, and adaptability. Stand out from the competition by showcasing your passion for travel, commitment to patient care, and willingness to take on new challenges.
Velma Battle
Author
Travelling Expert
Michael Rachal
Reviewer
Travelling Expert
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