Travel nursing LPN is a great career option for individuals who are passionate about nursing and love to travel. As a travel nurse, you can experience new environments, meet new people, and enhance your nursing skills all while earning competitive pay and benefits. In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages of travel nursing LPN and how to become one.
What is Travel Nursing LPN?
Travel nursing LPN is a specialized nursing profession that involves temporary placements in various healthcare facilities across the country. As a travel nurse, you will work as an LPN in different hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centers for a set period of time.
The length of your assignment can vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on the location, the nature of the job, and your personal preferences. During your assignment, you will be responsible for providing patient care, administering medication, monitoring vital signs, assisting doctors and RNs, and communicating with the patient’s family about the progress of their loved one.
The Advantages of Travel Nursing LPN
Travel nursing LPN has many advantages for nurses who are looking for a change of pace, personal growth, and professional development. Some of the benefits of travel nursing LPN include:
1. Competitive Pay
Travel nurses typically earn higher salaries than permanent nurses due to the temporary nature of their assignments and the high demand for their services. According to Payscale, the average hourly wage for a travel LPN is $25.23 per hour, which is significantly higher than the national average for LPNs.
2. Flexibility
Travel nursing LPN offers great flexibility in terms of where and when you want to work. You can choose to work in a big city, a small town, or a rural area according to your preferences. You can also decide on the length of your assignment, the type of facility you want to work in, and the specialty you want to pursue.
3. Travel Opportunities
Travel nursing LPN allows you to travel to new places, explore new cultures, and meet new people. You can live and work in different states, regions, or even countries, which can broaden your perspective and enrich your personal and professional life.
4. Professional Growth
Travel nursing LPN can help you enhance your nursing skills, expand your knowledge, and build your resume. You can work with different patients, diseases, and treatment modalities, which can sharpen your critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Moreover, you can earn certifications, attend workshops, and participate in training programs that can boost your career.
5. Benefits
Travel nursing LPN offers comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, retirement plans, and housing allowances. Some agencies also offer sign-on bonuses, travel reimbursements, and referral bonuses, which can add to your income.
How to Become a Travel Nursing LPN
If you’re interested in becoming a travel nursing LPN, here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Get Your LPN License
The first step to becoming a travel nursing LPN is to obtain your LPN license. To do so, you need to complete an accredited LPN program, pass the NCLEX-PN exam, and meet your state’s licensing requirements. Once you’re licensed, you can start looking for travel nursing LPN jobs.
2. Gain Nursing Experience
Most travel nursing LPN jobs require at least one year of clinical experience as an LPN. You can gain this experience by working in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or other healthcare facilities. Make sure to develop your nursing skills, build your confidence, and network with other nurses and healthcare professionals.
3. Choose a Travel Nursing Agency
Travel nursing LPN jobs are usually offered through travel nursing agencies. These agencies match your skills, preferences, and qualifications with available job openings, negotiate your salary and benefits, and provide you with support and resources throughout your assignment. Make sure to choose a reputable agency that is licensed, accredited, and has a good track record.
4. Prepare Your Documents and Requirements
To become a travel nursing LPN, you need to prepare your documents and requirements, such as your resume, licenses, certifications, immunization records, and background checks. Make sure to update them regularly and keep them organized and accessible.
5. Apply for Jobs and Attend Interviews
Once you’ve chosen an agency and prepared your documents, you can start applying for travel nursing LPN jobs that match your preferences and qualifications. Send your application, including your resume and cover letter, to the agency, and wait for their response. If you’re selected for an interview, make sure to prepare well, dress professionally, and show your enthusiasm and professionalism.
Conclusion
Travel nursing LPN is a great career option for nurses who love to travel, learn, and grow. With competitive pay, flexibility, travel opportunities, professional growth, and comprehensive benefits, travel nursing LPN can offer you a rewarding and fulfilling nursing career. If you’re interested in becoming a travel nursing LPN, follow the steps we’ve outlined in this article, and start your adventure today!
FAQ
What is the difference between a travel nurse and a regular nurse?
The main difference between a travel nurse and a regular nurse is that a travel nurse works temporary placements in different healthcare facilities across the country, while a regular nurse works in a permanent position in one location. Travel nurses have more flexibility, variety, and autonomy than regular nurses, but they may also have more challenges, such as adapting to new environments and building new relationships.
How much do travel nursing LPNs make?
Travel nursing LPNs typically earn higher salaries than permanent LPNs due to the temporary nature of their assignments and the high demand for their services. According to Payscale, the average hourly wage for a travel LPN is $25.23 per hour, which is significantly higher than the national average for LPNs.
What are the requirements for becoming a travel nursing LPN?
The requirements for becoming a travel nursing LPN include obtaining your LPN license, gaining nursing experience, choosing a reputable travel nursing agency, preparing your documents and requirements, and applying for travel nursing LPN jobs. You also need to be flexible, adaptable, and willing to travel to different locations.
What are the benefits of travel nursing LPN?
The benefits of travel nursing LPN include competitive pay, flexibility, travel opportunities, professional growth, and comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, retirement plans, and housing allowances. Some agencies also offer sign-on bonuses, travel reimbursements, and referral bonuses, which can add to your income.
How long do travel nursing LPN assignments last?
The length of travel nursing LPN assignments can vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on the location, the nature of the job, and your personal preferences. Some assignments may be extended or can be renewed, while others are one-time placements. It’s important to discuss the length and terms of your assignment with your agency before accepting the job.