If you love working with children and have a passion for travel, becoming a traveling pediatric nurse could be the perfect career choice for you. As a traveling pediatric nurse, you’ll have the opportunity to work in a variety of healthcare settings across the country or even around the world, providing quality care to children in need.
Step 1: Obtain a Nursing Degree
The first step to becoming a traveling pediatric nurse is to obtain a nursing degree. You can choose to pursue either an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program. While both degrees will qualify you to become a registered nurse (RN), a BSN degree will give you a competitive edge in the job market and may even be required for some travel nursing positions.
Step 2: Obtain Your RN License
Once you have completed your nursing degree, you will need to obtain your RN license by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). This exam tests your knowledge and competency in the field of nursing and is required for licensure in all 50 states.
Step 3: Gain Experience in Pediatric Nursing
To be considered for traveling pediatric nursing positions, you will need to have experience working in pediatric nursing. This can be gained by working in a hospital or outpatient clinic that specializes in pediatric care. Most travel nursing agencies require a minimum of two years of experience in pediatric nursing before considering you for a travel assignment.
Step 4: Research Travel Nursing Agencies
To become a traveling pediatric nurse, you will need to work with a travel nursing agency. These agencies work with healthcare facilities across the country to provide temporary nursing staff to meet their needs. Research different travel nursing agencies to find the one that best fits your needs and career goals. Consider factors such as pay rates, benefits, and the types of travel assignments they offer.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Once you have chosen a travel nursing agency, submit your application and provide them with all the required documentation, including your nursing license, resume, and references. The agency will review your application and determine if you meet their requirements for becoming a traveling pediatric nurse.
Step 6: Interview with the Agency and Potential Employers
If your application is accepted, you will be scheduled for an interview with the travel nursing agency and potential employers. During the interview process, you will have the opportunity to ask questions about the travel assignment, such as the location, job duties, and pay rate. Be prepared to discuss your nursing experience and why you would be a good fit for the position.
Step 7: Accept the Travel Assignment
If you are offered the travel assignment, review the terms of the assignment carefully and decide if it is the right fit for you. Consider factors such as the location, length of the assignment, and pay rate. Once you have accepted the assignment, the travel nursing agency will make all the necessary arrangements, such as travel and housing.
Step 8: Complete the Assignment and Move On to Your Next Adventure
During your travel assignment, you will have the opportunity to work with children from different cultures and backgrounds, gaining valuable experience and skills. Once your assignment is complete, you can choose to take time off or accept another travel assignment in a new location. Traveling pediatric nursing offers a rewarding career with endless possibilities for adventure and personal growth.
FAQ
Question | Answer |
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What is a traveling pediatric nurse? | A traveling pediatric nurse is a nurse who works on temporary assignments in different healthcare facilities across the country or around the world to provide quality care to children in need. |
Do I need a BSN degree to become a traveling pediatric nurse? | No, you can become a traveling pediatric nurse with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN). However, a BSN degree will give you a competitive edge in the job market and may even be required for some travel nursing positions. |
How much experience do I need in pediatric nursing to become a traveling pediatric nurse? | Most travel nursing agencies require a minimum of two years of experience in pediatric nursing before considering you for a travel assignment. |
What should I look for in a travel nursing agency? | When choosing a travel nursing agency, consider factors such as pay rates, benefits, and the types of travel assignments they offer. Research different agencies to find the one that best fits your needs and career goals. |
What is the interview process like for a traveling pediatric nurse? | During the interview process, you will have the opportunity to ask questions about the travel assignment, such as the location, job duties, and pay rate. Be prepared to discuss your nursing experience and why you would be a good fit for the position. |