If you’re a registered nurse (RN) and you’re looking to take your career on the road, becoming a travel nurse may be the perfect choice for you. Travel nursing is a unique and rewarding career option that allows RNs to travel to different cities and states to work for a set period of time. But one of the most common questions that aspiring travel nurses have is whether or not they need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree to work in this field.
The Short Answer
The short answer to the question of whether or not you need a BSN to be a travel nurse is no. In most cases, travel nursing agencies require only that candidates have an RN license and a minimum of one year of nursing experience in their specialty area. However, having a BSN degree can be beneficial for a number of reasons, which we’ll explore in more detail below.
The Benefits of Having a BSN
While a BSN is not typically required to be a travel nurse, there are several reasons why having this degree can be advantageous:
- More job opportunities: Many hospitals and healthcare facilities prefer to hire nurses with a BSN degree, so having this credential can open up more job opportunities for you both as a travel nurse and in your future career.
- Higher pay: Nurses with a BSN degree generally earn higher salaries than those with only an RN diploma or associate’s degree. As a travel nurse, this can mean higher pay rates and better compensation packages.
- More advanced skills: The BSN curriculum includes coursework in topics like leadership, public health, and research, which can give you a broader skill set and make you a more competitive candidate for travel nursing assignments.
FAQs
Q: Can I be a travel nurse with an associate’s degree in nursing? | A: Yes, in most cases travel nursing agencies require only an RN license and one year of nursing experience in your specialty area. |
Q: Do I need to have a specialty certification to be a travel nurse? | A: No, while having a specialty certification can be beneficial, it is not typically required to work as a travel nurse. |
Q: What are some popular specialties for travel nurses? | A: Some popular specialties for travel nurses include emergency room, intensive care unit, labor and delivery, and medical-surgical nursing. |
In Conclusion
While a BSN is not required to be a travel nurse, having this degree can offer several benefits, including more job opportunities, higher pay rates, and a more advanced skill set. However, even if you don’t have a BSN, you can still pursue a career as a travel nurse with the right experience and qualifications.