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Travel nursing can be a rewarding career path for those who love to travel and help others. However, many people wonder if they can become travel nurses with just an associate’s degree. The answer is yes, but there are some important things to consider before pursuing this career path.
What is a Travel Nurse?
A travel nurse is a registered nurse who works on a temporary basis in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities across the country. They typically work for 13-week periods and then move on to a new location. Travel nurses often fill in for short-staffed facilities, provide specialized care, or work in disaster relief situations.
Requirements to Become a Travel Nurse
To become a travel nurse, you must first become a registered nurse (RN). This requires either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, travel nurses must have at least one year of clinical experience in their specialty area, such as medical-surgical or critical care. They must also be licensed in the state where they will be working.
Advantages of Being a Travel Nurse with an Associate’s Degree
While it is possible to become a travel nurse with just an associate’s degree, there are some advantages to having a bachelor’s degree. For one, many hospitals prefer to hire nurses with bachelor’s degrees, which could give you an edge in finding assignments. Additionally, a bachelor’s degree may qualify you for higher-paying positions or help you advance your career in the future.
How to Find Travel Nursing Assignments
There are many travel nursing agencies that help connect nurses with assignments across the country. These agencies handle everything from finding assignments to arranging housing and travel. Some popular travel nursing agencies include FlexCare Medical Staffing, Aya Healthcare, and Medical Solutions.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
| Can you be a travel nurse with just an associate’s degree? | Yes, it is possible to become a travel nurse with just an associate’s degree in nursing. However, you must still pass the NCLEX-RN exam and have at least one year of clinical experience in your specialty area. |
| Do travel nurses make good money? | Travel nurses typically make more money than staff nurses, due to the temporary nature of their assignments and the higher demand for their specialized skills. The exact salary will depend on your experience and location. |
| How long do travel nurse assignments typically last? | Travel nurse assignments typically last for 13 weeks, although some may be shorter or longer. You can choose to extend your assignment if you enjoy the location and facility. |
| Do travel nurses have to pay for their own housing? | Most travel nursing agencies provide housing for their nurses, either in the form of a stipend or by directly arranging the housing. In some cases, you may be able to opt for a higher stipend and find your own housing. |
Conclusion
Becoming a travel nurse with an associate’s degree is possible, but it requires passing the NCLEX-RN exam and having at least one year of clinical experience in your specialty area. While having a bachelor’s degree may offer some advantages, it is not required. Travel nursing can be a rewarding and lucrative career path for those who love to travel and help others.