How To Become A Travel Nurse? + Salary & Requirements
Are you a passionate healthcare professional with a sense of adventure? Do you dream of exploring new places while making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients? If so, then becoming a travel nurse might be the perfect career path for you.
Travel nursing offers an exciting opportunity to combine your love for nursing jobs and becoming a nurse with your desire to travel and experience diverse cultures. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the ins and outs of how to become a travel nurse, exploring the salary prospects and the requirements to be a travel nurse to embark on this rewarding journey.
What is a travel nurse?
A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who works on short-term assignments in various healthcare facilities, typically in different locations or regions. These assignments can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the needs of the healthcare facility and the agreement between the nurse and the staffing agency.
Travel nurses are often hired through specialized staffing agencies that connect them with healthcare facilities experiencing a temporary shortage of nursing staff. These agencies handle the logistics of travel, accommodation, and licensing requirements, allowing nurses to focus on their clinical responsibilities.
The primary role of a travel nurse is to provide healthcare services to patients in need. They work alongside the permanent staff in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. Travel nurses can work in various specialties, such as medical-surgical, emergency room, intensive care, labor and delivery, pediatric, or psychiatric nursing, among others.
How to become a travel nurse?
To work as a travel nurse, you must hold a registered nurse (RN) license, which typically necessitates at least an associate degree in nursing (ADN). However, most travel nurse staffing agencies and healthcare facilities prefer candidates with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
In addition to the RN license, employers often require certifications in basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). While not mandatory for all entry-level positions, having additional certifications can enhance your chances of being placed in specialized areas of nursing.
Here are some steps to becoming a nurse as a travel one and travel nursing requirements:
1- Obtain a nursing degree
Complete a nursing program and earn either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Many travel nurse positions prefer candidates with a BSN degree.
Attain a BSN degree
Completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program typically takes a minimum of four years, although some schools offer RN-to-BSN programs for individuals with an associate degree in nursing (ADN).
Those who hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field may be able to transfer certain credits toward an accelerated BSN program. Prerequisites for BSN programs generally include a high school diploma or GED certificate, along with coursework in mathematics, science, and chemistry. ADN programs often have lower GPA requirements compared to BSN programs, so individuals with average grades in high school can enhance their chances of admission to a BSN program by achieving better grades in an ADN program.
2- Pass the NCLEX exam
To obtain an RN license, passing the National Council Licensure Exam for RNs (NCLEX-RN) is necessary. This computer adaptive test can take up to six hours and assesses knowledge in areas such as nursing practice, treatments and conditions, healthcare system operations, legal and ethical considerations, and patient communication and education.
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3- Acquire RN licensure
Certain states participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, enabling a nursing license obtained in one state to be valid in others. However, individual states may have their own requirements, potentially necessitating licensure application in multiple states. Travel nursing agencies can provide assistance during this process, and board certifications remain valid across states.
4- Gain clinical experience
Acquire nursing experience by working in a healthcare facility. Most travel nursing positions require at least one year of experience, though some may have specific requirements for a longer duration or specialized experience.
Experience is crucial for aspiring travel nurses. Most travel agencies and hospitals mandate a minimum of two years of nursing experience before considering candidates for travel nursing contracts. It is preferable for nurses to possess the following qualities:
Strong clinical background
Leadership skills
Expertise in their field
Adaptability
Flexibility
Strong communication skills
Problem-solving abilities
Reliability
Critical thinking
Enthusiasm for the unknown
Organizational skills
Compassion
Ability to work well in a team
Please note that these qualities are desirable for pursuing a career in travel nursing, but individual requirements and preferences may vary among travel agencies and healthcare facilities.
5- Research travel nurse requirements
Familiarize yourself with the requirements and qualifications specific to travel nursing. These may include certain certifications, additional training, or specific skills depending on the assignment and healthcare facility.
6- Consider specializations
Explore nursing specializations that interest you or align with your experience. Specialized skills and certifications can make you more competitive in the travel nursing field.
7- Seek employment through a travel nurse staffing agency
Travel nurse staffing agencies play a vital role in connecting travel nurses with employment opportunities. This sets travel nursing apart from temporary nursing work. Many educational institutions help graduates connect with travel nurse staffing agencies, or individuals can independently search for agencies actively recruiting travel nurses.
Advantages of being a travel nurse
Being a traveling nurse offers several advantages:
1- Variety and adventure
Traveling nurses have the opportunity to work in different locations and healthcare settings. This allows them to experience new cities, cultures, and healthcare practices, adding excitement and adventure to their careers.
2- Competitive compensation
Traveling nurses often receive higher pay rates compared to permanent staff nurses. Additionally, they may receive benefits such as housing allowances, travel reimbursements, and healthcare coverage, making the compensation package more attractive.
3- Professional growth and skill development
Working in diverse healthcare settings exposes traveling nurses to a wide range of cases, technologies, and treatment approaches. This exposure enhances their skills, knowledge, and versatility as healthcare professionals, contributing to their professional growth.
4- Flexibility and work-life balance
Traveling nurses have the flexibility to choose their assignments, including the duration and location. This flexibility allows them to create a work-life balance that suits their personal needs and priorities.
5- Networking opportunities
Traveling nurses interact with various healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists, in different locations. This provides them with valuable networking opportunities, allowing them to build connections and expand their professional network.
6- Personal and cultural enrichment
Traveling nurses have the chance to immerse themselves in different cultures, meet new people, and experience diverse lifestyles. This exposure enhances their personal growth, broadens their perspectives, and fosters cultural competence.
7- Continued learning
Traveling nurses often work in cutting-edge healthcare facilities that offer advanced technologies and innovative practices. This exposure enables them to stay updated with the latest advancements in their field and continue learning throughout their career.
8- Job security
The demand for nurses is consistently high, and travel nursing offers a wide range of employment opportunities. Traveling nurses can find assignments even in regions experiencing nursing shortages, providing them with greater job security.
9- Supportive staffing agencies
Traveling nurses typically work through staffing agencies that handle the logistics, paperwork, and placement processes. These agencies provide support and guidance throughout the assignments, making the travel nursing experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Salary for travel nurses
Extensive research is crucial when searching for travel nursing positions due to the wide range of roles and specialties available. It is important to explore the various types of travel nurse positions and their locations, focusing on nursing specialties and geographic areas where there is a high demand for traveling nurses.
Specialty areas that require travel nurses include the ICU, pediatrics, the ER, kidney dialysis, the NICU, and postpartum care. To find the most suitable option, it is necessary to distinguish among the numerous online staffing agencies that specialize in travel nursing.
The salary for travel nurses can vary depending on their specialty and where they work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for registered nurses (RNs) in the United States is $82,750.
Conclusion
In conclusion, becoming a travel nurse offers a unique opportunity for healthcare professionals to explore new places, gain diverse experiences, and earn competitive salaries. To embark on this exciting career path, it is essential to fulfill certain requirements. These include holding an active RN license, obtaining the necessary education and experience in a specialized area, and possessing the required skills and certifications. Additionally, meeting health clearances and passing background checks are crucial for ensuring patient safety and compliance with regulations. Once these requirements are met, travel nurses can expect to enjoy attractive salaries.
FAQs
1- How do I write a travel nurse resume?
To write a travel nurse resume, consider including the following bullet points:
Personal Information: Include your full name, contact information (phone number, email address), and professional social media profiles (if relevant).
Professional Summary: Provide a concise overview of your experience, skills, and goals as a travel nurse.
Licensure and Certifications: List your active RN license and any specialty certifications you hold (e.g., BLS, ACLS, PALS) relevant to the travel nursing position.
Education: Mention your highest level of education, including the degree earned and the name of the institution. If applicable, include any honors or awards.
Clinical Experience: Detail your work experience as a nurse, emphasizing positions held in various healthcare settings and specialties. Include the facility name, location, job title, and dates of employment.
Skills: Highlight your nursing skills, such as patient assessment, medication administration, wound care, and proficiency with electronic medical records (EMRs).
Specialties: Specify your areas of expertise and any specialized experience you possess, such as ICU, ER, pediatrics, or labor and delivery.
Travel Experience: If you have prior experience as a travel nurse, highlight the locations and facilities where you worked and mention any exceptional achievements or positive feedback.
Achievements and Awards: Showcase any notable accomplishments, awards, or recognitions you have received in your nursing career.
Professional Affiliations: Include memberships in nursing organizations or associations that demonstrate your commitment to professional development and networking.
References: State that references are available upon request. Be prepared to provide contact information for previous supervisors or colleagues who can vouch for your skills and work ethic.
Tailor your Resume: Customize your resume for each travel nursing job application to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the specific requirements of the position and facility.
2- How much does a travel nurse make in UK?
The average hourly rate for a travel nurse is $56.49. However, recently-licensed travel nurses tend to earn a much lower starting salary of $37.71.
