Travel nursing is an exciting career path for registered nurses who wish to explore new places and gain valuable work experience while earning a good salary. In this article, we will delve into high paying travel nurse jobs that are available in the healthcare industry.
What is a Travel Nurse?
A travel nurse is a qualified registered nurse who is hired on a contract basis to work in different locations. These nurses work in various healthcare settings like hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and clinics across the country. Their primary role is to fill temporary staffing needs in these facilities. Travel nurses typically work for periods ranging from a few weeks to several months, and they receive highly competitive pay rates for their services.
Types of High Paying Travel Nurse Jobs
There are several types of high paying travel nurse jobs in the healthcare industry. Here are some of the most popular:
Emergency Room Nurse
Emergency room nurses are specialized travel nurses who work in hospital emergency departments. They are responsible for providing immediate care for patients who are critically ill or injured. These nurses receive higher pay rates due to the high level of expertise required for the role.
Operating Room Nurse
Operating room nurses are travel nurses who specialize in assisting surgeons during surgical procedures. They ensure that the surgical environment is clean and sterile, monitor the patient’s vital signs, and provide post-operative care. Operating room nurses receive higher pay rates due to the complex nature of their work.
Critical Care Nurse
Critical care nurses are specialized travel nurses who work in intensive care units (ICUs). They are responsible for caring for patients with life-threatening illnesses or injuries, such as heart attacks, strokes, or trauma. Critical care nurses are in high demand, which means they receive higher pay rates compared to other nursing specialties.
How to Become a Travel Nurse
If you’re a registered nurse interested in becoming a travel nurse, here are the steps you need to follow:
Get Your RN License
To become a travel nurse, you must hold a current and valid RN license. You can obtain your RN license by passing the NCLEX-RN exam in your state of practice.
Gain Clinical Experience
Most travel nursing agencies require nurses to have at least one to two years of clinical experience in their specialty area. Gaining clinical experience will enable you to develop the necessary skills and knowledge required to succeed as a travel nurse.
Find a Reputable Travel Nursing Agency
Travel nursing agencies are companies that specialize in providing staffing solutions to healthcare facilities. These agencies offer a range of benefits to their travel nurses, such as housing, travel reimbursements, and health insurance. Find a reputable travel nursing agency that specializes in your specialty area and meets your salary requirements, and submit an application.
Conclusion
If you’re a registered nurse looking for a new and exciting career path, travel nursing might be the perfect fit for you. With high paying travel nurse jobs available in various specialties, you can explore new places, gain valuable work experience, and earn a good salary at the same time.
Specialty | Average Hourly Pay |
---|---|
Emergency Room Nurse | $50 – $75 per hour |
Operating Room Nurse | $50 – $80 per hour |
Critical Care Nurse | $45 – $75 per hour |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What qualifications do I need to become a travel nurse?
You need to be a registered nurse with a current and valid RN license. You should also have at least one to two years of clinical experience in your specialty area.
How much do travel nurses get paid?
Travel nurses receive higher pay rates compared to traditional full-time nurses due to the temporary nature of their work. The hourly pay rates for travel nurses range from $40 to $80 per hour, depending on the specialty and location.
What benefits do travel nursing agencies offer?
Travel nursing agencies offer a range of benefits to their travel nurses, such as housing, travel reimbursements, and health insurance. Some agencies also offer retirement plans and bonuses for completing assignments.
How long do travel nursing contracts typically last?
Travel nursing contracts can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the facility’s staffing needs. The typical contract length is around 13 weeks, which gives travel nurses enough time to explore a new place and gain valuable work experience.