how to become a travel nurse salary

Are you a nurse looking for a new adventure? Do you have a passion for traveling and helping people? If so, becoming a travel nurse might just be the perfect career move for you! Not only will you get to explore new places, but you’ll also be able to earn a higher salary. In this guide, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step plan on how to become a travel nurse, including information on salary and benefits.

What is a Travel Nurse?

A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who works temporary nursing assignments, usually for 13 weeks at a time, in hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country. These assignments can be in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and more. Travel nurses are in high demand, as they help to fill gaps in healthcare facilities that are experiencing temporary staffing shortages.

Travel Nurse SalarySource: bing.com

Step 1: Obtain Your RN License

The first step in becoming a travel nurse is to obtain your registered nurse (RN) license. This typically requires completing an accredited nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Once you have your RN license, you’ll need to gain some nursing experience before you can become a travel nurse.

Step 2: Gain Nursing Experience

Most travel nursing companies require at least one year of nursing experience in your specialty area before they will consider you for a travel assignment. This experience can be gained through working in a hospital, clinic, or other healthcare facility. The more experience you have, the better your chances of being selected for high-paying travel nursing assignments.

Step 3: Research Travel Nursing Companies

There are many travel nursing companies out there, each with their own unique set of benefits and requirements. Some of the top travel nursing companies include American Mobile, Aya Healthcare, and Cross Country Nurses. Research different travel nursing companies to find one that best fits your needs and career goals.

Travel NurseSource: bing.com

Step 4: Apply to Travel Nursing Companies

Once you’ve identified the travel nursing companies you’re interested in working for, you’ll need to submit your application. This typically includes your nursing resume, references, and licensing information. You’ll also need to specify your availability and desired travel locations.

Step 5: Complete the Interview Process

If your application is accepted, you’ll typically go through a phone or video interview with a travel nursing recruiter. This is your chance to ask questions and learn more about the specific travel nursing assignments available. It’s important to be honest about your experience and preferences during this process so that the recruiter can best match you with assignments that fit your skill set and career goals.

Step 6: Accept Travel Nursing Assignments

Once you’ve gone through the interview process and been offered a travel nursing assignment, you’ll need to accept it. Make sure to carefully review the assignment details, including the location, duration, and pay rate. If everything looks good, sign the contract and get ready for your new adventure!

Travel Nurse Salary and Benefits

Travel Nurse PaySource: bing.com

How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

Travel nurse salaries can vary depending on a variety of factors, including your specialty area, location, and experience level. According to Glassdoor, the average travel nurse salary is around $82,000 per year. However, some travel nurses can earn significantly more than this, with some earning upwards of $100,000 per year.

What Benefits Do Travel Nurses Receive?

In addition to a higher salary, travel nurses typically receive a number of benefits, including health insurance, travel reimbursement, and housing allowances. Some travel nursing companies also offer 401(k) plans and other retirement benefits. These benefits can vary depending on the specific travel nursing company you work for.

FAQs

Q: Can I choose where I want to work as a travel nurse? A: Yes! One of the benefits of being a travel nurse is that you get to choose where you want to work. You can specify your desired locations when applying for travel nursing assignments.
Q: Do I need a specialty certification to become a travel nurse? A: It depends on the travel nursing company and the specific assignment. Some assignments may require a specialty certification, while others may not.
Q: How long are travel nursing assignments? A: Most travel nursing assignments are 13 weeks long, but some can be shorter or longer.
Q: What if I don’t want to work in a hospital setting? A: Travel nursing assignments can be in a variety of settings, including clinics, long-term care facilities, and more.

Conclusion

Becoming a travel nurse can be a rewarding and exciting career move. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful travel nurse. Remember to research different travel nursing companies and carefully review assignment details before accepting a contract. With the right experience and attitude, you can earn a higher salary while exploring new places and helping people in need.