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Traveling nurses are healthcare professionals who move from one location to another to take on temporary nursing assignments. They often work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities to fill in for staff shortages or deliver specialized care in different areas. If you’re interested in becoming a traveling nurse, you may wonder how long it takes to get started in this exciting and rewarding career.
Education and Training Requirements
To become a traveling nurse, you must first complete a nursing degree program and obtain a nursing license. Typically, this involves earning an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and obtaining a license to practice nursing in your state. The length of time it takes to complete these steps can vary, depending on your education and prior experience.
If you’re starting from scratch, it can take four to five years to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing and pass the licensing exam. However, if you already have a degree in a related field or are a licensed practical nurse (LPN), you may be able to complete an accelerated program in as little as 12 months.
Experience Requirements
In addition to education and licensing requirements, traveling nurses typically need at least one year of experience working in a clinical setting. This is because traveling nurses are expected to be self-sufficient and able to hit the ground running in new environments. They must have a solid understanding of nursing fundamentals, as well as the ability to adapt to different workflows, procedures, and technologies.
If you’re just starting out in your nursing career, it may take you a few years to gain enough experience to qualify for a traveling nurse position. However, if you have experience in a specialized area, such as critical care, emergency nursing, or pediatrics, you may be able to start traveling sooner.
Getting Started As A Traveling Nurse
Once you’ve fulfilled the education, licensing, and experience requirements, you’ll need to find a travel nursing agency to work with. These agencies serve as intermediaries between nurses and healthcare facilities, helping to match nurses with temporary assignments that fit their skills, interests, and geographic preferences.
Applying to a travel nursing agency can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the agency’s requirements and the volume of applicants. You’ll need to provide your nursing license, resume, and references, as well as complete a skills assessment and interview with a recruiter. Once you’re accepted into an agency’s pool of candidates, you can start applying for available assignments.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need to be a registered nurse to become a traveling nurse? | Yes, you must be a registered nurse (RN) with a nursing license to work as a traveling nurse. |
| How many years of experience do I need to become a traveling nurse? | You typically need at least one year of clinical nursing experience to qualify for a traveling nurse position. |
| What kind of assignments do traveling nurses usually take on? | Traveling nurses can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They may also take on short-term assignments in disaster relief zones or international healthcare settings. |
| How much do traveling nurses make? | Traveling nurses typically make higher salaries than traditional staff nurses, due to the temporary and flexible nature of their assignments. According to PayScale, the average hourly rate for a traveling nurse is $34.31. |
| What are the benefits of being a traveling nurse? | Traveling nurses enjoy a variety of benefits, including higher pay, flexible schedules, and the opportunity to travel and explore new places while working. They may also receive housing and travel allowances, health insurance, and retirement benefits through their agency. |
Conclusion
As you can see, becoming a traveling nurse requires a combination of education, licensing, and experience. Depending on your background and goals, it may take anywhere from a few years to a decade to prepare for this rewarding career. However, for those who are willing to put in the time and effort, the benefits of being a traveling nurse can be well worth it.