How To Become a Travel Nurse

As global healthcare systems continue to adapt and change to our “new normal” following the events of recent years, staffing shortages are being felt across the country and around the world.

But, as difficult as this time has been for many medical staff, it has also opened the door to nurses looking to diversify beyond their primary unit and expand their current skill set.

Offering a mixture of adventure, hard work, excitement, and even a little chaos, working as a travel nurse is definitely not for everyone. But, if traveling to new places and learning new skills is at the top of your bucket list, becoming a travel nurse is incredibly rewarding (and fun!).

In this article, we will explore how to become a travel nurse, including travel nursing requirements, how much travel nurses make, and how to find your first assignment. Whether you’re curious about the process or ready to take the leap, this is your ultimate guide to starting a successful and lucrative travel nursing career.

What is travel nursing (and what does a travel nurse do)?

Travel nurses are medical professionals hired on short-term contracts to work at hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and more, to address staffing shortages and support existing staff. These contracts typically last anywhere from a few weeks to multiple months at a time.

Depending on their preferences and willingness to relocate, a travel nurse can work in medical centers in a different state, country, or even continent if needed.

In most cases, the positions offered to travel nurses are in locations experiencing nursing shortages, which is one of the primary reasons why travel nurses can earn higher salaries than other nursing professionals.

Currently, getting an assignment in states with the most need is the best way to lock in a higher-paying contract — while warmer, destination travel nursing positions are more likely to pay a lower (but still competitive) annual salary.

Offering positions in just about every nursing specialty, working as a travel nurse is a great way to explore your options before committing to one specific unit or area of care. From med-surg units and intensive care to smaller rural isolated clinics, you truly do have a variety of options to sift through if you try your hand at travel nursing.

How to Become a Travel Nurse

If you’re wondering how to become a travel nurse, it starts with becoming a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). Here’s a step-by-step outline of the process:

1. Earn Your Nursing Degree
   To work as a travel nurse, you must complete the education requirements to become an RN or LPN. This typically involves earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Learn more about the different nursing degrees available.
2. Pass the NCLEX Exam
   After graduation, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam to obtain your nursing license. This is a required step for all nurses in the United States.
3. Gain Nursing Experience
   Most travel nursing agencies require at least one to two years of clinical experience in a specialized area such as med-surg, ICU, or emergency nursing.
4. Research Travel Nursing Agencies
   Start by researching agencies that fit your needs and preferences. Learn how to become a nurse to get an overview of the nursing career path.
5. Apply for Travel Nursing Assignments
   Once you meet the requirements, you can begin applying for travel nursing jobs. Check out free nursing resume templates to ensure your application stands out.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Travel Nurse?

Becoming a travel nurse typically takes 3–5 years. Here’s a breakdown:

• Nursing Education: Completing an ADN or BSN program takes 2–4 years. If you’re still deciding, here’s a helpful guide on how to get into nursing school.
• Licensure: Passing the NCLEX exam takes a few months after graduation.
• Work Experience: Gaining the required 1–2 years of clinical nursing experience adds an additional year or two.

How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

Depending on the location and experience level, travel nurses can earn an average of $2,102 per week, or $114,883 annually (according to Indeed). With the ability to earn an average of $50 an hour, working as a travel nurse is one of the most lucrative ways to improve your nursing skills while exploring a new unit, meeting new people, and living in a new place.

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Travel Nursing Requirements

To become a travel nurse, you need to meet specific travel nursing requirements, which include:

1. A Valid Nursing License
   Both RNs and LPNs can work as travel nurses, though RN positions are more common.
2. Certifications
   Required certifications include CPR, first aid, and possibly advanced certifications like ACLS or PALS.
3. Experience
   Employers typically require at least one year of clinical nursing experience.
4. Soft Skills
   Confidence in your nursing skills, adaptability, and strong communication skills are essential.

For more insights into different nursing careers, explore types of nurses.

Pros and Cons of Being a Travel Nurse

Before deciding to pursue travel nursing, weigh the pros and cons to ensure it’s the right fit for your career goals.

Pros:

• The ability to explore new areas of nursing without a long-term commitment.
• Meeting new people and gaining diverse experiences.
• Higher salaries compared to traditional nursing roles.
• The opportunity to travel to new places for work.

Cons:

• Managing housing logistics for each assignment.
• Feeling isolated or lonely in new environments.
• Searching for new contracts as assignments end.
• Spending time away from home, family, and friends.

How to Find Travel Nursing Jobs

Once you decide to pursue travel nursing, it’s time to start your job search.

Most travel nurses choose to work with an agency to find assignments that align with their skills and preferences. Before committing to an agency, research thoroughly and ask questions like:

• What locations do they offer assignments in?
• Do they provide housing or stipends?
• How is payment structured?
• Are signing bonuses or other incentives available?

Begin Your Travel Nursing Career on the Right Step

Travel nursing offers a unique and rewarding career path, but it requires careful planning and preparation. If you’re ready to start your journey, SimpleNursing can help you build confidence and succeed with e-learning resources, study tools, and NCLEX prep courses.

Make nursing knowledge stick — get the nursing school support you need today!