Travel nursing offers a unique opportunity for registered nurses (RNs) to explore different parts of the country (or even the world) while practicing their profession. If you’re a nurse who loves adventure, enjoys flexibility, and wants to work in a dynamic environment, becoming a travel nurse could be the perfect fit for you.
This article will walk you through the entire process of how to become a travel nurse—from the education and qualifications required, to finding assignments, to the lifestyle benefits and challenges you might encounter along the way.
1. What Is a Travel Nurse?
A travel nurse is an RN who works on temporary assignments, usually lasting between 8 to 26 weeks, at hospitals and healthcare facilities in different locations. Travel nurses are typically hired to fill gaps due to staff shortages, seasonal demand, or special projects.
Travel nurses enjoy a unique set of perks, such as higher pay rates, flexibility in job location, and the ability to gain experience in diverse clinical environments. This makes travel nursing an attractive option for adventurous RNs who want to explore different areas while earning competitive salaries.
2. Step-by-Step Process to Become a Travel Nurse
Step 1: Complete Nursing Education
To become a travel nurse, you must first complete the educational requirements to become an RN. This can be achieved through one of three primary educational pathways:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This typically takes about 2-3 years to complete and prepares you for entry-level nursing positions.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A BSN program usually takes 4 years to complete. Many employers now prefer or require nurses to hold a BSN due to its comprehensive curriculum.
- Accelerated BSN Program: If you already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, you can enroll in an accelerated BSN program, which typically takes 12-18 months.
Once you have completed your nursing education, you will need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed.
Step 2: Obtain RN Licensure
After completing your nursing education, the next step is obtaining your RN licensure. This involves:
- Registering for and passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Applying for state licensure through the state’s board of nursing where you intend to practice.
While you’ll need licensure in the state where you practice, one key benefit for travel nurses is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This compact allows nurses to hold a multistate license and work in any of the participating states without needing to apply for additional licenses. Be sure to check whether the states where you wish to work are part of the NLC.
Step 3: Gain Nursing Experience
Most travel nurse agencies and employers require RNs to have at least 1-2 years of experience in a specific nursing specialty before embarking on travel nursing. This is because travel nurses are often expected to hit the ground running with minimal orientation.
Common specialties in demand for travel nursing include:
- Emergency Room (ER)
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
- Operating Room (OR)
- Labor and Delivery (L&D)
- Medical-Surgical (Med-Surg)
Building experience in these high-demand specialties increases your chances of landing desirable travel nursing assignments.
Step 4: Choose a Travel Nursing Agency
Travel nurses typically work with travel nursing agencies to find job placements. These agencies partner with healthcare facilities across the country to fill temporary positions and help nurses secure assignments, housing, and benefits.
When choosing a travel nursing agency, consider factors such as:
- Reputation and Reviews: Research the agency’s reputation by reading reviews from other travel nurses.
- Contract Terms and Pay Packages: Compare pay rates, housing stipends, and other benefits.
- Support and Communication: Ensure the agency offers strong support throughout your assignment, including help with licensure, housing, and on-the-job issues.
Some of the well-known travel nursing agencies include:
- Aya Healthcare
- American Mobile
- FlexCare Medical Staffing
- Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA)
Step 5: Secure Travel Nursing Assignments
Once you’ve chosen an agency, the next step is securing your first assignment. Your agency will provide you with job opportunities based on your preferences for location, specialty, and duration. You can typically choose from:
- Short-Term Contracts: Assignments ranging from 8-13 weeks.
- Long-Term Contracts: Assignments lasting 26 weeks or longer.
- Crisis Contracts: Shorter assignments with higher pay rates, often to cover urgent staffing shortages or disaster relief efforts.
When reviewing assignments, consider factors like pay, location, job expectations, and available housing. Most agencies offer a housing stipend or free accommodations during your assignment.
3. Licensing and Credentialing for Travel Nurses
Each state has its own licensing requirements, and as a travel nurse, you’ll need to obtain licensure in each state where you plan to work. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Compact States: If you hold an NLC multistate license, you can work in any of the compact states without needing additional licenses.
- Non-Compact States: For states that are not part of the NLC, you will need to apply for licensure in each state individually.
Agencies often help facilitate the licensing process, but it’s essential to stay organized and proactive in obtaining the necessary credentials before starting an assignment.
In addition to licensure, healthcare facilities may require travel nurses to complete specific credentialing paperwork, including background checks, drug screenings, immunization records, and certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
4. Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse
Becoming a travel nurse comes with a host of unique benefits, including:
Higher Pay
Travel nurses often earn higher salaries than staff nurses, especially for high-demand specialties or crisis assignments. Pay packages typically include:
- Hourly Wage: Often higher than permanent staff positions.
- Housing Stipend: Tax-free stipends to cover housing expenses.
- Travel Reimbursement: Compensation for travel costs to and from assignments.
- Bonuses: Many agencies offer sign-on bonuses, completion bonuses, and referral bonuses.
Flexibility
As a travel nurse, you have the flexibility to choose where and when you want to work. If you want to take a break between assignments, you can schedule time off. This flexibility allows travel nurses to balance work with personal goals like travel, education, or family time.
Professional Growth
Travel nursing exposes you to a variety of healthcare environments, patient populations, and treatment methods. This experience not only enhances your clinical skills but also broadens your understanding of the healthcare industry.
Adventure and Travel
For those with a sense of adventure, travel nursing is a dream job. You can explore new cities, regions, and even countries while maintaining your career. Some nurses take assignments in tourist destinations, while others choose locations closer to family or areas they’ve always wanted to visit.
5. Challenges of Being a Travel Nurse
While the benefits are abundant, travel nursing also comes with challenges:
Constant Adjustment
Every new assignment requires you to adapt to a different healthcare facility, staff, and protocols. This can be mentally and physically demanding, especially if you’re constantly moving between assignments.
Job Security
Travel nurses work on short-term contracts, which means you may experience gaps between assignments. Having financial savings and a strong relationship with your agency can help mitigate these gaps.
Lack of Stability
Some travel nurses find the transient lifestyle exciting, but others may struggle with the lack of long-term stability, especially when it comes to relationships, friendships, and housing.
Conclusion
Becoming a travel nurse is an exciting career path for RNs who value flexibility, adventure, and the chance to explore different healthcare settings. By completing the necessary education, gaining experience, and partnering with a reliable travel nursing agency, you can enjoy a rewarding career that offers higher pay, diverse work environments, and the freedom to travel.
While there are challenges, the opportunity to grow professionally and personally makes travel nursing an attractive option for many nurses. If you’re ready to combine your passion for nursing with a love for exploration, travel nursing could be your ideal career move!
