How to Become a Traveling Nurse? A Complete Guide!

What does it take to become a traveling nurse? You need experience, an adventurous spirit, and a willingness to live on the road. Some people call them gypsies or nomads; others call them jet setters.

Either way, they are one of those rare individuals who can’t stay put for any length of time because they’re constantly moving around. And as if that weren’t enough, these people also happen to be nurses!

A career as a traveling nurse offers many advantages: new experiences, financial rewards, and even prestige among peers – all without sacrificing your sense of fulfillment or commitment to the nursing profession.

If you think a career as a traveling nurse is right for you, there are several things to consider before taking the first step.

This article will give you a complete guide on how to become a traveling nurse. So, take a deep breath and scroll down!

Who Is A Traveling Nurse?

Before becoming a traveling nurse, you need to know who is a traveling nurse.

A traveling nurse is a nurse who moves from one location to another to work. They may work in different hospitals, clinics, or care facilities where there is a shortage of healthcare professionals.

Their work can be short-term or long-term, depending on the needs of the facility they are working in. They are often hired by temporary employment agencies, nursing placement firms, or directly by hospitals.

Why Choose Traveling Nursing?

The benefits of being a traveling nurse are many. For one, you get to see different parts of the country or the world while you’re working. You also have the opportunity to work in various settings, giving you a lot of experience. Plus, it’s a great way to meet new people and make new friends.

As a traveler, you can work in different types of positions. You can pick up open jobs for Emergency room nurses, ICU nurses, Operating room nurses, post-operative nurses, and L&D nurses.

One typical report shared by traveling nurses is the freedom they get to experience when working as one. Traveling nurses have a flexible schedule. They often choose where they want to work and how long they want to stay at that assignment. Furthermore, you can even get your contracts canceled early or end up extending your stay in a place because you’ve fallen in love with the city and the people.

Most travelers will agree that they like to keep things fresh and exciting when it comes to their career, and becoming a traveling nurse is one of the best ways to do just that. Changing environments can help you remain inspired, motivated, and rejuvenated as a nurse.

Step-By-Step Guide to Become a Traveling Nurse

Want to pursue your career as a traveling nurse? Don’t worry; you can do it quickly. Just keep reading to find out how!

Step #1. Research the requirements.

There are many traveling nurse requirements that you must meet before starting working as a traveling nurse.

The most important of these is that you must have a nursing license in the state where you will be working. You must also have at least one year of nursing experience. In addition, you must have a valid driver’s license and pass a criminal background check.

Step #2. Meet the requirements.

Once you become a travel nurse, you will also need to meet the nursing requirements of the state where you’re working. For example, since Florida has stricter licensing rules than New York does, it’s recommended that only RNs who reside in Florida apply for positions in that state.

Step #3. Get licensed and certified.

Once you have met the requirements, you must get licensed and certified.

Take the Nursing Boards to become a registered nurse; you must take the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination) exam. The NCLEX-RN is a national certification exam that assesses your knowledge of nursing.

You can get your compact nursing license, which allows you to hold a multi-state license, beneficial to practice in the home state and other compact states.

Step #4. Find travel nursing agencies.

Once you meet those requirements, you’ll need to find a travel nurse staffing agency and submit your resume.

Finding a travel nursing job can be a daunting task, but it can be a breeze with the right tools and resources. Start by checking out the websites of travel nurse agencies. These agencies are always looking for talented nurses to fill their open positions.

Another great way to find travel nursing jobs is through online job boards. There you will find a wide variety of postings from all over the country. Finally, don’t forget to network with your fellow nurses. Chances are they will know of some great opportunities that you may not have heard about. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect travel nursing job for you!

Step #5. Research the salary.

Travel nurse salary is typically higher than nurses who work in a single location, and they also have the opportunity to see new places and learn new things. So if you’re interested in finding a great and rewarding career without having to stay in one place, look into becoming an RN.

Step #6. Research the housing options.

There are various housing options available to traveling nurses, including short-term rentals, hostels, and apartments. It is essential to research the options available in your area before choosing a housing arrangement.

Step #7. Apply for the job.

Now that you’ve researched a lot, it’s time to apply for the travel nurse assignments. Don’t worry if you are feeling a bit hesitant. Everybody feels the same at first.

How to prepare for your first travel nursing assignment?

If you’re anything like me, the idea of traveling for work is both thrilling and a little nerve-wracking. After all, it’s a new experience, and there’s a lot that can go wrong, right? Well, don’t worry. Your first travel nursing assignment can be a breeze with a bit of preparation.

While most hospitals will provide you with a list of what to bring, it’s best to double-check this list and make sure you have everything you’ll need. If your hospital doesn’t offer a checklist, search online for one that’s specific to your state and position.

While at home, take care of any errands you might have. If you’ve gone for an extended period, it’s good to make sure bills are paid.

What to expect on your first travel nursing assignment?

When you first start your travel nursing assignment, there are a few things that you can expect. First, you will likely be meeting a lot of new people. Travel nurses are a close-knit group, and you will quickly make friends with your fellow nurses. You can also expect to be busy.

Nursing is a demanding profession, and travel nurses often have extended hours. However, the pay and benefits are usually worth it.

Finally, you can expect to learn a lot. A travel nursing assignment is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in a new setting and learn about different healthcare systems.

Tips for thriving as a traveling nurse

As a traveling nurse, it is essential to know how to thrive in your role. Here are some tips:

1. Make sure you have the right supplies. This includes medical supplies, personal supplies (e.g., shampoo, soap, toothbrush/toothpaste), and food/water.

2. Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep.

3. Connect with other travelers and make friends. This can help make your time away from home more enjoyable.

4. Be prepared for anything. Sometimes you may have to work long hours or cover for someone else at the last minute. Be flexible and ready to adapt to whatever situation you find yourself in.

5. Make sure to keep up with your education by taking continuing education courses.

Have fun! Traveling can be an excellent opportunity to explore new places and cultures.

Most common misconceptions

One of the most common misconceptions about traveling nurses is that they are not as qualified as permanent nurses. This is not always the case, as traveling nurses often have more experience due to the variety of hospitals and clinics they have worked in.

Another common misconception is that traveling nurses are only in it for the money. While traveling nurses typically receive a higher salary than permanent nurses, many travels because they enjoy the adventure and new experiences.

How to make the most of your travel nursing experience?

Travel nursing can be a great way to see new places and experience new cultures. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your travel nursing experience:

• Make a list of the places you want to visit while you’re in town.

• Talk to other nurses and get recommendations for restaurants and attractions.

• Explore the area around your hospital. There’s often a lot to see and do in the local neighborhoods.

• Take advantage of your free time to travel and explore nearby cities and countries.

• Make friends with other nurses in your unit and hang out with them during your downtime.

• Keep a journal of your experiences, and share them with friends and family when you return home.

Summary – How to become A traveling nurse!

If you’re thinking about becoming a traveling nurse, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help make your decision easier. Whether you’re looking for information on pay and benefits, housing or travel arrangements, or want to know what it’s like to work as a traveler, we have the answers you need. And if there’s anything we haven’t covered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us–we’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you have!

FAQs

1. How many years does it take to become a traveling nurse?

It depends on many different factors, such as your level of experience and training, the country or region you want to work in, and the nursing position you’re seeking. But generally speaking, most nurses require at least one year of nursing experience before starting traveling.

So if you’re starting in nursing schools right now, don’t plan on becoming a traveling nurse until at least 2020. However, if you already have a few years of nursing experience under your belt, you could potentially start traveling as early as next year. Just do your research and find a reputable travel nursing agency that can help guide you through the process.

2. What are the costs associated with being a traveling nurse?

The costs of being a traveling nurse can vary depending on the location and duration of the assignment. Standard charges include travel expenses, housing, and medical insurance.

3. What qualifications do travel nurses need?

To become a travel nurse, you typically need to get an LPN education or a two-year associate’s degree from an accredited nursing program with at least one year of experience in a hospital. However, some travel nurse agencies will accept nurses without any prior experience.

In addition to your nursing skills, you’ll also need to adapt to new environments quickly and be able to work independently. Since you’ll be working in different hospitals all the time, it’s also vital that you’re comfortable with change and can build relationships quickly with new people.

Lastly, it’s always a plus if you have a passport and are willing to travel!

4. Can I be a travel nurse with no experience?

Of course, you can be a travel nurse with no experience – make sure to bring your A-game and be prepared for a challenging yet rewarding career!

However, it is always suggested to get certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).

Travel nursing is a great way to see the country while helping others, and it’s a perfect opportunity for nurses looking to expand their skill set. With the right attitude and plenty of preparation, you’ll be ready to take on any assignment that comes your way.

5. How much do traveling nurses make?

A lot, depending on their experience and specialty.

For example, according to Indeed.com, the average salary for a travel nurse with one to four years of experience is $70,000 per year. And the average salary for a travel nurse with more than ten years of experience is $87,000 per year. There are also many different specialties within nursing, so wages can vary widely depending on the nurse’s area of expertise.

But overall, it’s safe to say that traveling nurses make a perfect living. And given the growing demand for nurses in the United States (due to our aging population), this trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.

6. Is travel nursing worth it?

There’s no definitive answer to this question. Some nurses love travel nursing because it provides a unique and exciting opportunity to see new places and meet new people. Others find that the constant moving around is disruptive and stressful.

Travel nursing can be a great way to earn more money and gain experience in different facilities, but it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons before deciding. Consider your personal preferences and the financial and professional implications of travel nursing.

7. Can travel nurses choose where they go?

Absolutely! Travel nurses have a lot of control over where they go and what assignments they take.

Some nurses prefer to stay within a particular region, while others enjoy taking on new challenges in different parts of the country. It’s also possible to work internationally as a travel nurse.

The best way to find assignments that interest you is to visit the website of a travel nursing agency. These agencies maintain databases of open positions all over the country (or world), so it’s easy to find something that fits your preferences.

8. Why do hospitals pay travel nurses so much?

Hospitals pay travel nurses a lot because they’re worth it! In addition to being highly skilled and experienced professionals, travel nurses are also highly flexible, willing to go wherever they’re needed, and able to start work quickly. They’re a valuable asset to any hospital staff, and that’s why hospitals are willing to pay top dollar for them.

9. Is it hard to find a job after travel nursing?

It can be hard to find a job after travel nursing, but it’s not impossible.

There are a few things you can do to make yourself more appealing to employers:

• Update your resume to highlight your travel nursing experience.

• Network with other nurses and healthcare professionals.

• Attend job fairs and networking events.

• Apply for jobs online.

• Stay positive and persistent in your job search.