LPN travel nurse assignments are a popular option for those in the nursing profession who love to travel and explore new places. If you’re an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) looking for new career opportunities, becoming an LPN travel nurse might be just what you’re looking for. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about LPN travel nurse assignments, including how to become an LPN travel nurse and what you can expect from this exciting career path.
What is an LPN Travel Nurse?
An LPN travel nurse is a licensed practical nurse who works on a temporary basis in different healthcare facilities across the country. These temporary assignments can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the needs of the facility and the contract agreed upon by the nurse and the staffing agency. LPN travel nurses work alongside other healthcare professionals, providing care to patients in a variety of settings.
How to Become an LPN Travel Nurse
To become an LPN travel nurse, you must first become a licensed practical nurse. This involves completing an approved nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Once you have your LPN license, you can start looking for travel nursing jobs.
Many healthcare staffing agencies specialize in placing travel nurses in assignments across the country. These agencies typically require a minimum of one year of nursing experience and may have additional requirements for travel nurses, such as a willingness to work in different states or a specific specialty area like pediatrics or critical care.
Why Become an LPN Travel Nurse?
There are many reasons why someone might choose to become an LPN travel nurse. Some of the benefits of this career path include:
- The opportunity to travel and see new places
- The ability to earn higher pay and additional benefits
- The chance to gain new skills and experience
- The flexibility to choose when and where you work
- The opportunity to meet new people and work with a variety of healthcare professionals
What to Expect from LPN Travel Nurse Assignments
LPN travel nurse assignments can vary widely depending on the facility and the needs of the patients. However, there are some general expectations that LPN travel nurses can anticipate:
- Working alongside other healthcare professionals like doctors, RNs, and CNAs
- Providing bedside care to patients, including administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and carrying out treatment plans
- Keeping accurate records of patient care and communicating effectively with other healthcare providers
- Adapting to new healthcare settings and facilities quickly
FAQs
Q: What kind of nursing experience do I need to become an LPN travel nurse? | A: Most healthcare staffing agencies require a minimum of one year of nursing experience before placing an LPN travel nurse in an assignment. |
Q: Do I need to have a specific nursing specialty to become an LPN travel nurse? | A: While some agencies may prefer LPN travel nurses with a specialty like pediatrics or critical care, it’s not always necessary. Many LPN travel nurses work in a variety of settings and specialties throughout their career. |
Q: How long do LPN travel nurse assignments typically last? | A: Assignments can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the needs of the facility and the contract agreed upon by the nurse and staffing agency. |
LPN travel nurse assignments can be an exciting and rewarding career choice for those in the nursing profession. If you’re interested in becoming an LPN travel nurse, be sure to research healthcare staffing agencies and consider the benefits and challenges of this unique career path.