If you’re a nurse looking for a change of scenery, you might want to consider becoming a traveling nurse. This exciting career allows you to travel the country while providing essential medical care to patients in need. But how do you get started on this adventure? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to becoming a traveling nurse.
What is a Traveling Nurse?
A traveling nurse is a registered nurse who works on a temporary basis in various locations across the country. These nurses usually work for staffing agencies that help them find placements in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Traveling nurses are in high demand due to nursing shortages in many parts of the country, and they often earn higher salaries than their stationary counterparts.
What are the Requirements to Become a Traveling Nurse?
To become a traveling nurse, you must first become a registered nurse (RN). This requires completing an accredited nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). You must also have at least one year of experience as an RN in your chosen specialty. Additionally, some staffing agencies may require additional certifications or training.
How Do I Find a Traveling Nurse Job?
The easiest way to find a traveling nurse job is to work with a staffing agency that specializes in healthcare placements. These agencies have connections with healthcare facilities across the country and can help you find a job that meets your needs and preferences. You can also search for traveling nurse jobs on job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn.
What are the Benefits of Being a Traveling Nurse?
There are many benefits to being a traveling nurse. First and foremost, you get to travel the country and experience new places and cultures. You also have the opportunity to work in a variety of healthcare settings, which can help you develop new skills and expand your professional network. Additionally, traveling nurses often earn higher salaries than stationary nurses and may receive other benefits like housing allowances and travel reimbursements.
What are the Challenges of Being a Traveling Nurse?
While being a traveling nurse can be a rewarding experience, it also comes with its own set of challenges. You may have to adjust to new work environments and different procedures at each placement. Additionally, being away from family and friends for long periods of time can be difficult. Finally, there’s always the possibility of a placement falling through or not meeting your expectations, which can be frustrating.
How Much Do Traveling Nurses Make?
Traveling nurses can earn significantly higher salaries than stationary nurses due to the high demand for their services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for registered nurses was $75,330 in 2020. However, traveling nurses can earn anywhere from $80,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on their location and specialty.
What Should I Consider Before Becoming a Traveling Nurse?
Before becoming a traveling nurse, it’s important to consider your personal and professional goals. Are you comfortable being away from home for long periods of time? Do you enjoy working in different healthcare settings? Are you willing to be flexible and adaptable to different situations? Additionally, you should consider the financial implications of being a traveling nurse, including housing and travel expenses.
Conclusion
Becoming a traveling nurse can be an exciting and rewarding career choice for RNs who are looking for a change of scenery. By working with a staffing agency and being open to new experiences and challenges, you can embark on a new adventure while providing essential medical care to patients across the country.
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Traveling Nurse | A registered nurse who works on a temporary basis in various locations across the country. |
NCLEX-RN | The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, which is required to become a licensed RN in the United States. |
Staffing Agency | A company that helps healthcare facilities find temporary staff, including traveling nurses. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of a traveling nurse?
A traveling nurse provides essential medical care to patients in various healthcare settings across the country.
What are the requirements to become a traveling nurse?
You must first become a registered nurse (RN) and have at least one year of experience in your chosen specialty. Some staffing agencies may require additional certifications or training.
How do I find a traveling nurse job?
You can work with a staffing agency that specializes in healthcare placements, or search for jobs on job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn.
What are the benefits of being a traveling nurse?
Traveling nurses get to travel the country, work in a variety of healthcare settings, and often earn higher salaries than stationary nurses.
What are the challenges of being a traveling nurse?
Traveling nurses may have to adjust to new work environments and procedures at each placement, be away from family and friends for long periods of time, and deal with placements that fall through or don’t meet their expectations.
How much do traveling nurses make?
Traveling nurses can earn anywhere from $80,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on their location and specialty.