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Looking for adventure and new clinical skills? Discover how to become a travel nurse! Learn about the education requirements and career preparation on how to become a traveling nurse today!
How to Become a Travel Nurse
Discover your next adventure with travel nursing! Whether you're seeking extreme thrills like snowboarding and rock climbing, or you find adventure in simply meeting new people and exploring places you’ve only dreamed of visiting, then becoming a travel nurse may be what you’re looking for. Read on to see if you’re ready for a career in travel nursing.
What are the education requirements for travel nursing?
Ensuring you’re on the right educational track is key to becoming a travel nurse. Your first must-have to fulfill your travel nurse qualifications is a nursing degree from an accredited program, with some facilities favoring candidates with a BSN. Passing the NCLEX exam is another travel nursing requirement, qualifying you for state RN licenses. In addition, most travel positions require certifications like the American Heart Association's BLS.
Nursing students who have their eye on a travel career can register with us early to stay ahead of the game and explore future opportunities. Once registered, your recruiter can tell you exactly what’s required for the type of assignments you’re interested in.
What are the work experience requirements for a travel nurse?
Once you have the education needed to be a travel nurse, then you can acquire the necessary work experience. Most healthcare employers typically require travelers to have one to two years of recent experience in the specialty and setting similar to the desired travel nursing assignment. Traveling registered nurses are sought after in virtually every specialty, with those in high-demand fields like Critical Care, Emergency Room, Medical Surgical, Telemetry, Labor and Delivery, or Operating Room enjoying more employment options and higher pay. To practice, every travel nurse must hold an active professional license as required by the state in which they wish to practice -- and be eligible to work in the U.S.
What basic documentation is needed to become a travel nurse?
While specific documents vary for each position and facility, certain documents are consistently requested. Key documents typically include:
- An active professional license as required by the state you wish to practice in, as well as documentation for any certifications required for the position
- Titer results showing immunity to Rubella, Rubeola and Varicella, and proof of recent vaccines
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
- A recent physician's statement and respirator fit test
- Nursing school transcripts and proof of degree
- A copy of your driver's license
Rest assured, our professional team is here to guide you through the documentation process seamlessly. Your dedicated recruiter will keep you informed on the specific requirements for your assignment. Check out our more comprehensive list of required paperwork for travel jobs here at American Traveler.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Travel Nurse?
If you’ve obtained the minimum required experience, becoming a travel nurse could be a matter of a few days. But, there are a few factors that play a role:
- Flexibility: Having flexibility in destination, healthcare setting, shift, start date, and other assignment specifications will open up more job options available for a quick start.
- Healthcare Provider Needs: Is there an urgent demand for your specialty?
- Traveler Preparedness and Availability: The traveler must have the appropriate documentation, licensure, and certifications on hand and ready to go. It’s up to each traveler to decide when they are ready to accept an assignment.
Is Becoming a Travel Nurse Right for Me?
Considering a travel career and wondering if it’s the right career path for you? There are numerous benefits to traveling. For RNs or LPNs starting their careers, travel nursing provides an excellent opportunity to explore various healthcare settings, models of care, and places to live. Experienced RNs often turn to travel nursing to prevent burnout, elevate their clinical skills, and gain exposure to new procedures and practices. Many clinicians even travel with family and friends.
Regardless of career stage, travelers agree that the lifestyle benefits and the potential for increased compensation are powerful incentives!
The salary of a travel nurse depends on the specialty, location, and hospital facility. But, on average, travel nurses earn more than their on-staff counterparts. If pay is a priority, a recruiter can help you find the best-paying assignments in your specialty. Whether pay is your primary motivator or not, as a traveler, you'll still enjoy the intangible benefits of travel nursing: freedom, adventure, a flexible schedule, the ability to work when and where you want, skill building, and the confidence that comes with achieving personal and professional goals.
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