If you’re a licensed practical nurse (LPN) who loves to travel and help people, becoming a traveling nursing LPN might be the perfect career for you. Traveling nursing LPNs provide care to patients in various healthcare facilities across the country, typically on short-term contracts ranging from a few weeks to several months.
If you’re interested in pursuing this career path, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about traveling nursing LPN. Keep reading to learn more!
What Does a Traveling Nursing LPN Do?
As a traveling nursing LPN, your primary job is to provide bedside care to patients in various healthcare facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. You will work under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors to provide basic medical care, including monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with daily activities such as bathing and dressing.
Traveling nursing LPNs are typically hired on short-term contracts, which means that you will have the opportunity to travel to different parts of the country and work in various healthcare settings. This can be a great way to gain experience and expand your skillset while also seeing new places and meeting new people.
How to Become a Traveling Nursing LPN
To become a traveling nursing LPN, you must first complete an accredited LPN program and obtain your LPN license. You will also need to have at least one year of experience working as an LPN in a healthcare setting.
Once you meet these requirements, you can start looking for travel nursing agencies that hire LPNs. These agencies typically require you to complete an application, submit your resume and transcripts, and undergo a background check and drug test.
If you are selected, the agency will assign you to various short-term contracts based on your availability and the needs of their clients. You will usually receive a higher salary than regular LPNs, as well as benefits such as housing and travel expenses.
The Pros and Cons of Traveling Nursing LPN
Like any career, traveling nursing LPN has its pros and cons. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of this career:
Pros
- Opportunity to travel to new places and meet new people
- Higher salary than regular LPNs
- Flexible schedule and work locations
- Opportunity to gain experience in various healthcare settings
- Benefits such as housing and travel expenses
Cons
- Short-term contracts mean that you may not have job security
- Constantly adapting to new work environments can be stressful
- Not having a permanent residence can be difficult for some individuals
- May have to work long hours or night shifts
It’s important to weigh these pros and cons before deciding if traveling nursing LPN is the right career path for you.
FAQs About Traveling Nursing LPN
Q: How much does a traveling nursing LPN make? | A: According to Payscale, traveling nursing LPNs make an average of $24.73 per hour. |
Q: How long are short-term contracts for traveling nursing LPNs? | A: Short-term contracts for traveling nursing LPNs typically range from a few weeks to several months. |
Q: Do traveling nursing LPNs need to have a specific certification? | A: No, traveling nursing LPNs do not need to have a specific certification. However, some travel nursing agencies may require LPNs to have certifications in certain areas such as IV therapy or medication administration. |
Q: What are the requirements for becoming a traveling nursing LPN? | A: To become a traveling nursing LPN, you must first complete an accredited LPN program and obtain your LPN license. You will also need to have at least one year of experience working as an LPN in a healthcare setting. |
Conclusion
Traveling nursing LPN is an exciting and rewarding career path for LPNs who love to travel and help people. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can become a traveling nursing LPN and start experiencing all the benefits that this career has to offer.