Travel nursing is a type of nursing profession that involves temporary travel positions in various healthcare facilities across the country or even internationally. Registered Nurses (RNs) who have completed their education and licensure requirements are eligible to take up travel nursing jobs. Travel nurses are required to meet certain eligibility criteria to qualify for travel nursing jobs. Below are the RN travel nurse requirements that an aspiring travel nurse should fulfill.
1. RN Licensure
One of the fundamental RN travel nurse requirements is a valid RN license issued by the state board of nursing. Each state has its own set of requirements for obtaining an RN license, but a general requirement is to have completed an accredited nursing program and passed the NCLEX-RN exam. Travel nurses are required to hold a current and unencumbered RN license in the state where the job will be performed.
2. Experience
Travel nurses are expected to have some experience in their respective specialty areas. Some healthcare facilities require a minimum of 2 years of experience as an RN, preferably in a hospital setting. The experience should be relevant to the specialty area where the travel nursing job is being offered.
3. Certifications
Certifications add to the RN travel nurse requirements and can improve a travel nurse’s chances of obtaining a job, especially in competitive specialties such as critical care or emergency nursing. Certifications such as Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) can be beneficial in securing travel nursing jobs.
4. Flexibility
Travel nursing jobs require a high degree of flexibility. Travel nurses must be willing to relocate every few weeks or months depending on the length of the contract. They should be open to working various shifts, including weekends and holidays. Good communication and interpersonal skills are essential in adapting to new work environments and interacting with different colleagues and patients.
5. Background Checks
Travel nursing agencies require background checks as part of the screening process for potential candidates. The background check includes criminal records, drug screening, and immunization records. Applicants are required to provide proof of negative tuberculosis (TB) test and current vaccination records for diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, and influenza.
6. Education
Travel nurses should have a minimum of an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The BSN degree is becoming the preferred method of education for travel nursing jobs. A BSN degree can offer better job prospects and opportunities for advancement in the nursing field.
FAQ
Question | Answer |
What is travel nursing? | Travel nursing is a type of nursing profession that involves temporary travel positions in various healthcare facilities across the country or even internationally. |
What are the requirements for travel nursing? | To qualify for travel nursing jobs, RNs are required to have a valid RN license, relevant experience in the specialty area, certifications, flexibility, educational qualifications, and a clean background check. |
What certifications are required for travel nursing? | Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) can improve a travel nurse’s chances of obtaining a job. |
What is the education requirement for travel nursing? | Travel nurses should have a minimum of an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. |
What is the expected experience for travel nursing? | Some healthcare facilities require a minimum of 2 years of experience as an RN, preferably in a hospital setting. The experience should be relevant to the specialty area where the travel nursing job is being offered. |