If you’re interested in making a difference as a nurse but don’t want to be tied down to one place, then exploring new cities (or even countries) as a travel nurse could be right up your alley. This dynamic, in-demand career path is available to registered nurses. It offers a number of benefits that range from competitive pay and flexibility to the unique opportunity to explore different healthcare settings across the country.
Is a career as a travel nurse right for you? With a better understanding of what this line of work entails and how to become a travel nurse, you may be able to determine whether this path aligns with your career goals.
What Is a Travel Nurse?
Specifically, travel nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who take on roles in different locations across the country or internationally. Typically, they fill temporary or contract roles, working in diverse healthcare environments where their talents are needed most.
Unlike traditional nurses, travel nurses are employed through travel nursing agencies. They work temporary contracts that can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months or more. These professionals may work in more conventional hospital settings, or they may need to assist with disaster relief or in other settings.
Role and Responsibilities of a Travel Nurse
The exact duties and responsibilities of a travel nurse can vary greatly depending on the specific role. However, the exact expectations (including everything from pay to housing options to schedule and job duties) are always detailed in the nurse’s contract with their staffing agency.
Often, travel nurses are expected to take on many of the same roles as a traditional RN, such as:
- Assessing and evaluating patients.
- Administering medications and treatments to patients.
- Documenting care and treatments.
- Collaborating with nurses, doctors, and other staff members.
- Monitoring patients’ vital signs.
Unlike traditional nurses, however, RNs may also be expected to float between different departments or otherwise go where they are needed. Because contracts are often short, travel nurses need to be able to adapt to new hospitals, clinics, and other medical settings quickly to succeed in this dynamic role.
Qualifications and Requirements for Becoming a Travel Nurse
If you’re currently wondering how to be a travel nurse, you’ll first need to meet some basic qualifications and requirements before you can start looking for your first assignment.
Basic RN Licensure Requirements
As mentioned, all travel nurses are also RNs, so if you haven’t yet earned your RN license, this is one of the first things you’ll want to do on your path to becoming a travel nurse. According to the American Nurses Association, “travel nurses must be registered nurses (RNs), which means completing a nurse training program, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and applying for licensure,”
Once you obtain your RN license, you’ll also need to renew it every so often. Most states require renewal about once every two years, and you may need to pay a renewal fee and provide proof of continuing education or professional development.
Compact State License and eNLC Eligibility
From there, RNs interested in travel nursing may also want to explore their options for an Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), which allows them to work in multiple states without needing a separate license in each state. You’ll need to contact your state nursing board to find out the specific requirements for obtaining an eNLC in your state, but in most cases, you’ll need to:
- Have an active RN license in good standing.
- Pass a state or federal background check.
- Maintain a primary residence in your state of nursing licensure.
Certifications That Enhance Travel Nursing Prospects
In addition to having your RN license and eNLC, you may also consider pursuing special certifications that make you stand out among other applicants to travel nursing roles. Some examples of valuable and in-demand certifications to explore include:
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN)
- Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)
Steps to Becoming a Travel Nurse
Once you’ve met all the formal requirements to become a travel nurse, there are a few more steps you’ll need to take as you seek out your first assignment.
Step 1 – Gaining Experience as a Registered Nurse
Gaining hands-on clinical experience is essential. Most travel nursing agencies prefer RNs with at least two years of nursing experience, especially for high-demand roles like ICU, ER, or medical-surgical positions. Experience in these specific areas can help you build valuable skills and knowledge that can prepare you for the challenges of real travel assignments while increasing your job marketability.
Step 2 – Researching and Selecting a Travel Nursing Agency
From there, finding a reputable travel nursing agency with which to work is an important second step. Not only does your agency ultimately help you find job placement and secure housing, but it will also be a valuable source of support as you embark on the exciting and dynamic career path.
When looking for a travel nursing agency, consider factors such as reputation/online reviews, housing options, a variety of travel assignments, and competitive pay rates.
Step 3 – Preparing Applications and Documentation
When applying for specific travel nursing jobs and assignments, you’ll need to have some essential documentation on hand and readily available. Typically, this includes proof of your current license, proof of any certifications you carry, details about your employment history, and your own health records. Be sure to keep these documents on hand so that when the perfect opportunity arises, you can submit your application quickly.
Finding and Applying for Travel Nursing Jobs
Part of how to be a travel nurse is setting aside time to research and apply for travel nursing jobs that suit your needs and interests. Ideally, you’ll want to keep a resume highlighting your relevant skills, experience, and certifications so that you can jump on new work opportunities as soon as they become available.
Creating a Travel Nurse Resume and Profile
A well-crafted resume can help you stand out from other applicants for in-demand travel nursing roles, so be sure to put your best foot forward. In your resume, highlight your previous travel nursing experience, including any specific skills you acquired or specialized roles you took on. Likewise, you’ll want to detail any current certifications, educational experience, and a summary of your skills. Highlighting your adaptability and readiness to meet the demands of temporary nursing assignments can really work to your benefit here.
Interviewing and Accepting Travel Nursing Assignments
If you’re called in to interview with a healthcare facility, you’ll most likely participate in the interview remotely via video chat or phone call. When interviewing for a travel nursing role, be ready to share your professional experience. Provide specific examples of how you adapted to new environments or applied your nursing skills to help patients.
As part of your interview, you’ll also want to gather as much information as possible about the role. That said, you’ll want to be prepared with questions about assignment details, location, duration, and available support before accepting a position.
Preparing for Your First Assignment as a Travel Nurse
Once you’ve secured your first assignment as a travel nurse, you’ll need to prepare for relocation and navigate your new work environment to make the transition to your role as smooth as possible.
Planning for Housing and Relocation
When it comes to housing, most travel nurses have two options. They can either stay in housing that their agency provides, or they can accept a housing stipend and find their own temporary place to live during their assignment. Both options have their inherent benefits and drawbacks, so be sure to do your research and determine which is best for you.
Navigating New Work Environments and Building Rapport
Starting work in a new healthcare facility with all new healthcare teams and environments may seem daunting, but with a sense of adaptability and flexibility, you’ll be able to establish rapport with your coworkers and find your groove in no time. During your adjustment period, though, it’s important to go out of your way to communicate not just with your fellow team members but with your managers and supervisors as well. This way, you’ll know what’s expected of you and can get any help you may need as you learn the ropes in a new facility.
Learn More in an RN to BSN Program
Working as a travel nurse can be an exciting career path for those who enjoy helping others and want to explore the world while they make a difference in the healthcare field. While there are some strict travel nurse requirements in place to work in this role, working with the right travel nursing agencies can make all the difference.
A solid education can also set you up with the foundational skills and knowledge that you need to work in this dynamic field.
Still looking for the RN to BSN program that’s right for you? Nevada State University’s RN to BSN online program is designed with busy professionals in mind. With the program’s 100% online format, you’ll enjoy the flexibility you need as you explore coursework focusing on improved health, safety, and cultural awareness.
Contact us to learn more about our RN to BSN online program, or get started with your application to Nevada State University today!