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If you are a registered nurse (RN) looking for an exciting career opportunity that offers travel, adventure, and flexibility, then becoming a travel nurse might be the perfect fit for you. Travel nursing is a unique nursing specialty that allows you to work in various healthcare settings in different locations across the country or even internationally.
What is a Travel Nurse?
A travel nurse is a licensed RN who takes short-term assignments in different healthcare facilities like hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities across the country or internationally. Travel nurses work with staffing agencies, which specialize in providing nurses to hospitals and healthcare facilities in need of additional staff due to shortages, seasonal fluctuations, or increased demand.
What are the Requirements and Qualifications to Become a Travel Nurse?
To become a travel nurse, you must meet the following requirements and qualifications:
- Be a licensed RN in good standing with your state board of nursing
- Have a minimum of one year of recent nursing experience in your specialty area
- Be willing to travel and work in different locations for short-term assignments ranging from 4-26 weeks
- Have excellent clinical skills and critical thinking abilities
- Be able to adapt quickly to new work environments, policies, and procedures
- Be a team player and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills
How Do I Start My Career as a Travel Nurse?
To start your career as a travel nurse, follow these steps:
- Research travel nursing companies and staffing agencies that offer travel nursing assignments
- Submit your resume and application to the agencies that interest you
- Complete any additional requirements like skills testing, background checks, and drug screenings
- Complete an interview with the agency recruiter and discuss your preferences for location, specialty, and assignment duration
- Receive offers for assignments from the agency and choose the one that best fits your preferences and needs
- Complete any necessary paperwork, licensing, and credentialing requirements for the specific assignment
- Travel to the assignment location, complete orientation, and start your exciting adventure as a travel nurse!
What Education and Experience Do I Need to Be a Travel Nurse?
To become a travel nurse, you must have a minimum of an RN degree from an accredited nursing program and a current, active RN license in good standing with your state board of nursing. Additional education and certifications like a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or specialty certifications in areas like critical care, emergency nursing, or labor and delivery can increase your qualifications and job opportunities.
Experience is also essential for travel nursing, as facilities require a minimum of one year of recent nursing experience in your specialty area. Experience in critical care, emergency nursing, and other high-demand specialty areas is highly valued by travel nursing companies and can lead to higher pay rates and more job opportunities.
What is the Salary and Benefits for Travel Nurses?
The salary and benefits for travel nurses vary depending on multiple factors like location, specialty area, assignment duration, and experience. However, on average, travel nurses can earn between $35 to $45 per hour, with additional benefits like:
- Housing or housing stipends
- Travel reimbursement
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plans
- Tuition reimbursement and continuing education opportunities
FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are the advantages of being a travel nurse? | Travel nurses enjoy the benefits of flexibility, adventure, and higher pay rates compared to staff nurses. |
| Can new graduates become travel nurses? | Travel nursing companies typically require a minimum of one year of recent nursing experience, so new graduates may not be eligible for travel nursing positions. |
| Do travel nurses have to pay for their own housing? | Travel nursing companies may provide housing or housing stipends for their nurses, depending on the assignment location and duration. |
| Can travel nurses bring their families with them on assignments? | Yes, travel nurses can bring their families with them on assignments, but it may require additional planning and coordination with the travel nursing company. |
| What happens after the travel nursing assignment ends? | Travel nurses can choose to extend their current assignment, take a new assignment with the same or different agency, or return to their permanent staff nursing position. |
Now that you know how to become a travel nurse, you can start your exciting career adventure and enjoy the benefits of flexibility, adventure, and higher pay rates. Follow the steps and requirements, research the best travel nursing companies, and start your journey as a travel nurse today!