What if you had the freedom to decide when and where to build your nursing career?

If you enjoy the idea of meeting new people, living life in different parts of the country, or building a resume that documents a variety of professional experiences at medical facilities, then it may be time to consider becoming a travel nurse.

You’ll need to know the requirements for becoming a travel nurse before leaping into this new exciting career path.

Who is a Travel Nurse?

A travel nurse is a registered nurse who completes a wide range of roles and duties, all whilst working on short-term contracts that see them move from location to location. Thanks to the shorter nature of these contracts, travel nurses can go to areas that need support quickly, filling staffing gaps and offering high-quality care.

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There are always vacancies in nursing, especially in developing countries that have fewer trained staff members. There are also some key benefits to taking the role.

Many nursing roles restrict people from living in the same area and working at the same hospital for a long period, which isn’t ideal for people who have a more adventurous nature.

The concept of a travel nurse means that you can take in the sights and sounds of a new city every few months. The hospital gets its vacancies covered by competent members of staff, and you get to travel the country.

Travel nurses are often people without any family commitments, although nurses with grown children may also be interested in travel nursing opportunities.

Steps to Become a Travel Nurse:

Here are the few things you should do if you want to become a travel Nurse;

A Career as a Travel Nurse – is it right for you?

Travel nurses work for independent staffing companies that recruit RNs to fill positions across the United States and abroad.

The ongoing shortage of nurses makes it challenging for hospitals and clinics to maintain their staffing needs. Travel nurses can help with staffing issues but can also come in to fill in temporary gaps when nurses take a vacation, go on leave,e or get hired by a different hospital or medical facility.

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Travel nurses don’t always need to work in different states – some serve at local understaffed hospitals.

Travel nurses sign a contract to fill a temporary position that can last several days, weeks, months,s or longer with potential opportunities including international work.

When contracts are up, travel nurses either extend their stay at the same location or move on to a new destination, and opportunity.

The length of their contracts can vary, although most placements are between 8 to 26 weeks. Some travel nurses can find a temporary assignment they love and have it turn into a full-time position.

If you have the desire to try new experiences, meet new people, visit new areas, and continue to develop an understanding of healthcare in other communities, becoming a travel nurse can be an exciting career move!

Gain Experience in Your Specialization

In addition to state licensing, you’ll also need to become certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) before you can sign on to a travel nursing agency.

If you choose to specialize in a field, you may need to get additional licensing. Most places require you to have at least two years of experience in your nursing specialty, whether it’s surgical, neonatal, critical care, pediatrics, trauma, or a clinical nurse with many different specialties.

Your clinical background will determine the specific openings you’ll qualify for as a travel nurse. Hospitals are constantly on the lookout for experienced, in-demand types of nurses with certain specializations and advanced training.

The two years of experience in nursing also gives you the time you need to receive a specialization in your area of expertise should you choose to take the certification exam.

This will also make you more marketable for more opportunities. Check with your agency to confirm whether you need additional work experience if you’re in a specialized field.

Get Ready For Your Travel Nurse Career to Take Off!

After you have completed all the necessary paperwork, you can begin the process of interviewing. This might take some time, but your agency will help you find placement.

Once you’re matched with an organization, you must find housing. Some organizations will provide free housing, but these are usually small one-bedroom apartments, so you may want to find your own.

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Be sure to check with your organization and location to explore your options.

If you ever decide that you no longer want to be a travel nurse, don’t worry! Some hospitals will offer full-time positions to travel nurses after their contract is up.

If you feel like you cannot stay at a placement, you have the option of canceling your contract.

Earn Your ASN/ADN or BSN Degree

Any nurse who has completed an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing program is eligible to be a travel nurse. Regardless of where you currently find yourself on the nursing continuum, there’s a paassociate’szing University to help you earn the credentials you need:

An Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree for entry-level RNs that can be completed in 20-24 months.

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree that can be earned in 3 years or less, based on transfer credit and applicable prior learning experience you may already have. We offer an online BSN program for students new to nursing, available in select U.S. states.

An online RN to BSN program can be completed in as few as 12 months if you are already working as a licensed RN and seeking your BSN. 

An accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree can be completed in as few as 20 months if you already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree from a region seeking  accredited college or university.

However, you may also qualify for our online MSN Direct Entry program, in which you can alternatively earn a master’s degree in as few as 20 months.

Bridge options for LPNs, paramedics, military medics, Respiratory Therapists (RT), and Cardiovascular Technologists (CVT) can be completed faster than traditional ASN/BSN programs.