Becoming a Travel Nurse: A Step-By-Step Guide
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a travel nurse, it’s essential to understand the process and requirements. Travel nurses are healthcare professionals who work on a short-term basis in various locations, providing care in hospitals, residential care facilities, and private practices. 
Whether you’re considering this path, you’ll find answers to common questions about travel nursing, including what they do and how much they earn. This guide offers insights into the journey of becoming a travel nurse.
Working as an International Travel Nurse: What to Know
Time and Education Needed
– Duration: 2-4 years
– Degree: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
– Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
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What is the Role of a Travel Nurse
Travel nurses are healthcare professionals who travel to different regions, both nationally and internationally, for temporary nursing assignments. They can work in a wide range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, residential care facilities, and private practices. Travel nurses may have a general nursing background or specialize in specific areas of healthcare.
Steps to Becoming a Travel Nurse
1. Earn a BSN Degree:
Many travel nurse staffing agencies and clients prefer nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, although an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is the minimum requirement to become a registered nurse (RN). BSN programs typically take four years, but there are also RN-to-BSN programs for ADN graduates.
2. Pass the NCLEX Exam:
To become an RN, you must pass the National Council Licensure Exam for RNs (NCLEX-RN). This comprehensive exam covers nursing practice, healthcare system knowledge, legal and ethical aspects, patient communication, and more.
3. Obtain RN Licensure:
After passing the NCLEX exam, you need to obtain an RN license in your state of residence. Some states participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, making it easier to work in multiple states.
4. Gain Nursing Experience:
Most travel nursing positions require at least one year of RN experience.
5. Find a Travel Nurse Staffing Agency:
Travel nurse staffing agencies play a crucial role in connecting nurses with travel assignments. These agencies facilitate the placement of travel nurses in various healthcare settings.
Steps to Becoming a Travel Nurse
Different employers and positions may have varying educational requirements for travel nurses. Generally, earning an ADN takes around two years, which is the minimum to become an RN.
– ADN Degree:
Some travel nurse roles accept ADN graduates, although many employers prefer BSN-prepared nurses. ADN programs require a high school diploma or GED certificate, and they usually cover essential nursing skills and knowledge.
– BSN Degree:
Most travel nursing positions require a BSN, and it takes around four years to complete. BSN programs have specific admission requirements, including a minimum high school GPA, and they cover a broader range of nursing topics, including healthcare systems and management.
Specialization in Nursing
Nursing students often choose a specialization during their studies, influencing their elective courses and clinical rotations. Specializations can include areas like intensive care, pediatrics, emergency room care, and more.
Licensure and Certification
To work as a travel nurse, you typically need to complete a two-year ADN or a four-year BSN from an accredited institution. While a BSN is not always mandatory, it can enhance your competitiveness in the job market. Additionally, obtaining licensure as an RN is a fundamental requirement. After earning your RN license, you should gain clinical experience, usually at least two years. While there isn’t a specific “travel nurse” certification, you can pursue certifications in various specialty areas.
Working as a Travel Nurse
Given the diversity of roles and specialties within travel nursing, thorough research is essential during your job search. Determine the types of travel nurse positions available and their geographical locations in high demand. Specialized areas like intensive care units (ICUs), pediatrics, emergency rooms (ERs), and more often require travel nurses. Numerous online staffing agencies focus on travel nursing, so choose one that aligns with your preferences and needs.
Travel nurse salaries can vary depending on factors such as specialization and location. On average, registered nurses in the United States earn about $82,750 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Travel nurse salaries can surpass this figure, with locations like New York and San Diego offering higher compensation. Hospice and palliative medicine is reported as one of the highest-paying specialties for travel nurses, according to Indeed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Travel Nurse
1. How much does a traveling nurse make a month?
According to Indeed, the average monthly salary for a traveling nurse is around $7,919, but this figure can vary significantly based on factors like credentials, experience, specialization, location, and the specific benefits offered in the job package.
2. What does a travel nurse do?
Travel nurses perform a wide range of nursing duties, often filling in for regular staff nurses or addressing short-term staffing needs. They primarily work on the floor, providing direct patient care. Some travel nationally or internationally, while others focus on specific regions.
3. Do travel nurses get paid more?
In general, travel nurse salaries tend to be higher than those of staff nurses. However, the extent of the pay difference can vary based on factors such as location, benefits, housing, and other variables.
4. How do I find a travel nurse staffing agency?
You can discover travel nurse staffing agencies through various channels, including nursing schools, referrals, advertisements, and online searches. Ensure you thoroughly research and check references to find the agency that best fits your needs and preferences.
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