Although there is technically a nursing shortage, that doesn’t mean there isn’t lots of competition out there for travel nursing jobs. The best way in increase your competitive edge is to add to your skill set and experience level. Basic qualifications such as BLS, ACLS, PALS and TNCC are not enough anymore to land the best RN jobs. “Hospitals are looking for candidates with the most up-to-date and advanced certifications,” notes Deborah Bacurin, RN, clinical resource manager at American Traveler. By pursuing advanced nursing training by earning additional credentials and certifications, you are proving yourself as a motivated individual who cares about keeping on top of the latest trends and education -- and therefore, a top candidate for American Traveler’s travel nursing jobs. This goes double for new grads and nursing students, who are finding that it is somewhat difficult to find the ideal job right out of school with basic nursing skills. Get as many certifications and credentials as you can, as soon as possible, advises Bacurin. Also, do not expect the employer to reimburse you for this nursing job training (although it never hurts to ask!); view these credentials as prerequisites for top RN jobs.  The more [+]

This answer is for Nurse Blogger and anyone else wondering how to start working as a travel nurse. I get this question often. A travel nurse career is an option for nurses with a minimum of 12 months of acute care clinical experience. However with this being said; facilities will determine how many years they want for the position that they are posting (some may require 2 - 5 years). If you are a graduate nurse, without the required experience, the best option is to fill out an application profile and receive future travel nurse job information. Once you have 12 months of acute care clinical experience, come back and update your application profile with the latest job(s) you had in the last 12 months; then, you will be ready to apply for travel nurse jobs nationwide. Travel nurses get a chance to see new places, expand their resume and work at some of the country's top facilities. As a travel nurse you can choose jobs close to home or anywhere in the country. Come back every week to check my posts on "Ask Kristin a Question...." with helpful information about the travel nursing career. Thank you for the question [+]