If you love to travel and have a passion for helping others, a career as a travel RN nurse may be perfect for you. A travel nurse is a registered nurse who takes on short-term assignments in different parts of the country or even the world. This career offers the opportunity to gain new experiences, meet new people, and earn a higher salary. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to becoming a travel RN nurse.
Step 1: Become a Registered Nurse
The first step to becoming a travel RN nurse is to become a registered nurse. This requires graduating from an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. You can choose to obtain an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution. However, many travel nursing agencies require a minimum of a BSN degree.
Step 2: Gain Nursing Experience
Most travel nursing agencies require at least one year of nursing experience before accepting your application as a travel nurse. Gain experience in various areas of nursing to increase your chances of being accepted by a travel nursing agency. You can work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or any other healthcare facility to gain experience.
Step 3: Obtain Licensure and Certifications
Obtain your RN license in the state where you intend to work as a travel nurse. You may also need to obtain additional nursing licenses for each state where you plan to work. Many travel nursing agencies require certifications in various specialties such as critical care, emergency, or pediatrics. Obtaining these certifications can increase your chances of landing a travel nursing job.
Step 4: Research Travel Nursing Agencies
Research travel nursing agencies and choose one that suits your needs. Look for agencies that offer competitive pay, benefits, and housing options. Also, read reviews from other travel nurses to get an idea of the agency’s reputation. Apply to multiple agencies to increase your chances of finding a job.
Step 5: Apply for Travel Nursing Jobs
Once you have chosen an agency, apply for travel nursing jobs that interest you. Be prepared to provide information about your nursing experience, certifications, and licenses. You may also need to provide references from previous employers. Once you have been accepted for a job, the agency will handle the logistics of your travel and housing arrangements.
Step 6: Embrace the Travel RN Nurse Lifestyle
Embrace the travel RN nurse lifestyle and enjoy the benefits of working in different locations. You will have the opportunity to meet new people, gain new experiences, and earn a higher salary. However, this lifestyle can also be challenging, so be prepared to adapt to new environments and work with different teams. Your flexibility and positive attitude will help you succeed as a travel RN nurse.
FAQ
Question | Answer |
What is a travel RN nurse? | A registered nurse who takes on short-term assignments in different parts of the country or the world. |
What degree do I need to become a travel RN nurse? | Most travel nursing agencies require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). |
What experience do I need to become a travel RN nurse? | Most travel nursing agencies require at least one year of nursing experience in various areas. |
What certifications do I need to become a travel RN nurse? | Many travel nursing agencies require certifications in various specialties such as critical care, emergency, or pediatrics. |
How do I choose a travel nursing agency? | Research travel nursing agencies and choose one that offers competitive pay, benefits, and housing options. Also, read reviews from other travel nurses to get an idea of the agency’s reputation. |
What are the benefits of being a travel RN nurse? | You will have the opportunity to meet new people, gain new experiences, and earn a higher salary. |