Do you have a passion for nursing and love the idea of constantly exploring new places? If so, becoming a travel nurse might just be the perfect career for you! With the increasing demand for healthcare professionals across the country, travel nursing has become a popular and exciting career choice for individuals who want to combine their passion for nursing with their love of travel.
What is Travel Nursing?
Travel nursing is a temporary nursing assignment that typically lasts between 8 to 26 weeks in various healthcare facilities across the country. Travel nurses are highly skilled and trained professionals who work on a contract basis and fill in the gaps in staffing needs of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities throughout the United States.
Travel nurses are also well-compensated, with an average salary of $80,000 per year, and enjoy numerous benefits such as housing stipends, travel reimbursement, health insurance, and retirement plans. Additionally, travel nurses get to experience different cultures and environments, create professional networks across the country, and gain valuable experience in various nursing specialties.
What are the Requirements to Become a Travel Nurse?
In order to become a travel nurse, you must first obtain a nursing degree from an accredited nursing program. There are various types of nursing degrees available, including:
- Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Once you have obtained your nursing degree, you must then obtain your nursing license by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). You must also have at least one year of clinical experience in your nursing specialty.
After meeting these requirements, you can then apply for travel nursing positions through travel nurse agencies, which will assist you in finding assignments, negotiating contracts, and arranging for housing and other benefits.
What are the Best Travel Nurse Colleges?
There are numerous nursing programs across the country that can prepare you for a successful career as a travel nurse. Some of the top travel nurse colleges include:
- Johns Hopkins University
- Duke University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of California Los Angeles
- Emory University
These colleges offer a variety of nursing degrees, including both traditional in-person programs and online programs, which can be beneficial for individuals who want to pursue a nursing degree while also maintaining their current job or lifestyle.
What are the Benefits of Attending a Travel Nurse College?
Attending a travel nurse college can provide you with numerous benefits, including:
- Access to top-notch nursing education and training
- Opportunities to gain hands-on experience in various nursing specialties
- Networking opportunities with other nursing professionals
- Preparation for the challenges and rewards of a career as a travel nurse
Additionally, attending a travel nurse college can set you apart from other candidates when applying for travel nursing positions, as it shows that you are dedicated to your nursing career and have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in this exciting field.
Conclusion
Travel nursing is a rewarding and exciting career choice that offers numerous benefits, including the opportunity to explore new places, gain valuable experience in various nursing specialties, and earn a highly competitive salary. Attending a travel nurse college can prepare you for a successful career as a travel nurse and provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in this exciting field.