how do you become a travel nurse

Travel NurseSource: bing.com

Are you a nurse who loves to explore new places and meet new people? Do you want to take your nursing career to the next level while seeing the world? If yes, then you might want to consider becoming a travel nurse. In this article, we will discuss the steps you need to take to become a travel nurse and start your exciting journey in the healthcare industry.

What is a Travel Nurse?

Map For Travel NurseSource: bing.com

A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who works in temporary nursing assignments in different locations across the country or around the world. Travel nurses are usually hired by nursing agencies that provide staffing services to healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes, that have a temporary staffing need due to a high demand for healthcare professionals or a shortage of qualified staff.

What Are the Requirements to Become a Travel Nurse?

Nursing LicenseSource: bing.com

To become a travel nurse, you need to meet several requirements, including:

  • Hold an active nursing license in your state of residence
  • Have at least one year of nursing experience in your specialty area
  • Obtain the necessary certifications for your specialty area, such as CPR, ACLS, PALS, or TNCC
  • Pass a background check and drug screen
  • Be willing to work in different locations and adapt to new healthcare settings and patient populations

How Do You Find Travel Nursing Jobs?

Travel Nurse JobsSource: bing.com

You can find travel nursing jobs through nursing agencies that specialize in travel nursing placements. Some of the top travel nursing agencies include:

  • American Mobile
  • Cross Country Nurses
  • Gifted Healthcare
  • Medical Solutions
  • NurseFly
  • Travel Nurse Across America

You can also search for travel nursing jobs on job boards, such as Indeed, Glassdoor, or Monster, that feature job postings from nursing agencies and healthcare facilities that need travel nurses.

How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

Travel Nurse SalarySource: bing.com

Travel nurses typically earn higher wages than staff nurses due to the temporary nature of their assignments, the need for specialized skills, and the added cost of travel and housing expenses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median pay for registered nurses was $75,330 per year or $36.22 per hour in May 2020. However, travel nurses can earn up to $100,000 per year, depending on their specialty area, location, and experience.

What Are the Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse?

Travel Nurse BenefitsSource: bing.com

Being a travel nurse has many benefits, including:

  • Exploring new places and cultures
  • Meeting new people and making new friends
  • Building your nursing skills and knowledge through exposure to different healthcare settings and patient populations
  • Earning higher wages and bonuses
  • Receiving travel and housing stipends, health insurance, and retirement benefits from nursing agencies
  • Having more control over your work schedule and location

Conclusion

Becoming a travel nurse can be a rewarding and exciting career move for nurses who want to combine their passion for nursing with their love of travel. By meeting the requirements and finding the right travel nursing agency, you can start exploring the world while practicing your profession and making a difference in the lives of patients in need.

Question Answer
Can new graduate nurses become travel nurses? Most travel nursing agencies require at least one year of nursing experience before accepting travel nurses. However, some agencies offer training and mentorship programs for new graduate nurses to help them gain the necessary skills and experience.
Do travel nurses have to pay for their own travel and housing expenses? Travel nurses typically receive travel and housing stipends from nursing agencies to cover their expenses. Some agencies also offer assistance with finding housing and transportation.
Is travel nursing a good career for nurses with families? Travel nursing can be a challenge for nurses with families, as it requires frequent travel and relocation. However, some travel nursing agencies offer family-friendly policies, such as flexible schedules, remote work options, and child care assistance, to support nurses with families.