LPN travel nursing is an exciting and rewarding career path for licensed practical nurses who love to travel and want to explore different parts of the country while providing quality care to patients. In this guide, we’ll explore what LPN travel nursing is, what it entails, and how to become an LPN travel nurse.
What is LPN Travel Nursing?
LPN travel nursing is a type of nursing job that allows licensed practical nurses to work in different healthcare facilities across the country. As an LPN travel nurse, you’ll be assigned to short-term contracts (typically 4-13 weeks) in various locations, such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.
What Does an LPN Travel Nurse Do?
The duties of an LPN travel nurse are similar to those of a regular LPN. They include administering medications, changing bandages, monitoring vital signs, and helping patients with daily activities such as eating, bathing, and dressing. However, as a travel nurse, you’ll be working in different settings and with different patient populations, which requires adaptability and flexibility.
Requirements to Become an LPN Travel Nurse
To become an LPN travel nurse, you’ll need to have a license as a practical nurse in your state of residence. You’ll also need to obtain additional licensure in the state where you plan to work as a travel nurse. Most travel nursing agencies require at least one year of experience working as an LPN before they consider you for travel assignments.
Benefits of LPN Travel Nursing
LPN travel nursing offers many benefits, including the ability to see new places, meet new people, and gain valuable experience in different healthcare settings. Travel nurses also typically earn higher salaries than their non-traveling counterparts, and many agencies offer benefits such as housing, transportation, and health insurance.
Challenges of LPN Travel Nursing
While LPN travel nursing can be an exciting and rewarding career, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Travel nurses must be adaptable and flexible, as they may be working in different settings with different patient populations. They must also be comfortable with living temporarily in new places and dealing with the logistics of moving from one assignment to the next.
How to Prepare for LPN Travel Nursing
Before embarking on a career as an LPN travel nurse, it’s important to prepare yourself both professionally and personally. This includes obtaining the necessary licensure, gaining experience working as an LPN, and developing skills such as adaptability, flexibility, and problem-solving. You’ll also need to be comfortable with living temporarily in new places and dealing with the logistics of moving from one assignment to the next.
LPN Travel Nursing FAQ
Question | Answer |
What is the salary of an LPN travel nurse? | The salary of an LPN travel nurse varies depending on location, experience, and specialty. According to Payscale, the average hourly rate for an LPN travel nurse is $25.50. |
How long are LPN travel nursing assignments? | LPN travel nursing assignments typically last between 4-13 weeks, depending on the needs of the healthcare facility and the agreement with the travel nursing agency. |
What is the difference between an LPN and an RN? | The main difference between an LPN and an RN is the level of education required. LPNs typically complete a one-year certificate program, while RNs complete either an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. RNs also have a wider scope of practice and can perform more advanced nursing duties than LPNs. |
Conclusion
LPN travel nursing is an exciting and rewarding career path for licensed practical nurses who love to travel and want to explore different parts of the country while providing quality care to patients. It offers many benefits, such as higher salaries and the ability to gain valuable experience in different healthcare settings. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges, such as adaptability and flexibility. If you’re ready for adventure and a fulfilling career, LPN travel nursing may be right for you!