Skip to content How to Become a Travel Nurse? Learn about travel nurse requirements, becoming a travel nurse, travel nurse salary expectations, and opportunities in international travel nursing.
The nursing field is always in high demand, and the travel nurse specialty is one of the most in-demand positions in the industry. As a travel nurse, you have the opportunity to explore new places while earning an excellent salary and benefits. If you’re interested in becoming a travel nurse, here are some things you need to know.
Travel Nurse Requirements
To become a travel nurse, you must meet specific requirements. Travel nurses have typically experienced nurses who have at least two years of experience in their field. Travel nursing agencies often prefer nurses with specialties such as critical care, emergency room (ER), or operating room (OR) experience. In addition, you must be licensed in the United States and hold a current nursing license in good standing.
Becoming a Travel Nurse
If you meet the requirements, the next step is to find a travel nursing agency. There are many agencies to choose from, so it’s essential to do your research before selecting one. When selecting an agency, consider factors such as the company’s reputation, benefits, and salary. It’s also essential to ensure that the agency is licensed and insured.
Travel Nurse Salary Expectations
The average salary for a travel nurse is around $60,000 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on your experience and specialty. In addition, most travel nurses receive benefits such as health insurance, 401(k) contributions, and paid vacation time.
Opportunities in International Travel Nursing
Travel nurses also have the opportunity to work in other countries. Many agencies specialize in international travel nursing, and they often have positions available in a variety of countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
If you’re interested in becoming a travel nurse, these are just some of the things you need to know. You can ensure that you have a successful career as a travel nurse by doing your research.
What Is a Travel Nurse?
Travel nurses are registered nurses hired by hospitals or other medical facilities to work in specific locations for a limited period. Travel nurse requirements vary from state to state. Still, they typically include being a registered nurse with an active license, having at least one year of experience as a registered nurse, and completing a Travel Nurse Orientation Program. Travel nurses are paid hourly wages and may also receive health insurance, 401k plans, and housing allowances.
Steps to Becoming a Travel Nurse
Becoming a travel nurse is a great way to see the world while earning a good salary. Travel nurse requirements vary from state to state. Still, they typically include being a registered nurse with an active license, having at least one year of experience as a registered nurse, and completing a Travel Nurse Orientation Program. Travel nurses are paid hourly wages and may also receive health insurance, 401k plans, and housing allowances.
If you’re looking for an exciting new challenge in your nursing career, becoming a travel nurse may be the perfect option for you.
1. Earn a BSN Degree.
Becoming a travel nurse is a great way to see the world while earning a good salary. To become a travel nurse, you first need to make your BSN degree. This will give you the necessary qualifications and training for this exciting career path.
2. Get a Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure.
Next, you need to become a registered nurse. You can do this by passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Once you have your RN license, you can start applying for travel nursing jobs.
3. Get Certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
Traveling nurses often work in high-stress environments, so it is essential to be certified in advanced cardiac life support. This will ensure that you can handle any medical emergencies that may come up.
4. Get Certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
As a travel nurse, you may often be working with children. That’s why it is essential to be certified in pediatric advanced life support. This will give you the knowledge and skills necessary to care for kids in medical emergencies.
5. Make Sure Your Passport is Up-to-Date.
One of the best things about being a travel nurse is that you get to see the world. However, to do this, you need to make sure your passport is up-to-date. If it’s not, then you’ll need to get it updated before you start applying for jobs.
6. Apply for Travel Nursing Jobs.
Once you have your BSN degree, RN licensure, ACLS and PALS certifications, and up-to-date passport, you’re ready to start applying for travel nursing jobs. Several websites list travel nursing jobs, so be sure to check them out.
7. Enjoy Your New Adventure!
Once you’ve been accepted to a travel nursing job, it’s time to pack your bags and head off on your new adventure. Travel nursing is a great way to see the world while earning a good salary. So be sure to enjoy every minute of it!
Travel Nurse Schooling
If you’re thinking about becoming a travel nurse, one of the most important things to consider is your schooling. While there are many different ways to get the training you need, not all programs are created equal. Here we’ll take a look at some of the best options out there so that you can make an informed decision.
One great way to become a travel nurse is attending a school specializing in travel nursing. These programs typically offer a variety of courses that will prepare you for the demands of the job and provide you with the opportunity to network with other nurses who are also working in the field.
Another great option is attending a traditional nursing school and completing a specialized travel nursing program. This option can be a little more expensive, but it will give you a well-rounded education as well as the specific training you need to work as a travel nurse.
Finally, if you’re already a nurse, you may be able to complete a travel nursing certification program in just a few months.
ADN Degree
After graduating from your ADN program, you will be qualified to work in a hospital as an RN. You will have the opportunity to advance and specialize in many different areas of nursing. There are so many options for nurses with an ADN degree! You could work as a critical care nurse, an emergency room nurse, or a pediatric nurse. You could also decide to specialize in a particular area of nursing, such as oncology or cardiology. With your ADN degree, the possibilities are endless!
A BSN is generally required for travel nursing work, but some nurses start with an ADN, which takes two years rather than four years to complete. Many BSN programs include RN-to-BSN bridge courses.
- Admission Requirements: Many PADN programs demand a high school diploma or GED, and some need passing scores in math and science courses, particularly biology and chemistry.
- Program Curriculum: The ADN curriculum consists of nursing practice, the fundamentals of evidence-based practice, testing and monitoring patients, and patient education and communication. It also covers clinical hours, including learning skills in a hospital environment.
- Time to Complete: The majority of students, on average, complete an ADN in two years. Students who have AP course credits or transfer credits from another institution may finish the program quicker, while full-time workers might take longer.
- Skills Learned: Graduates of an ADN program can, for example, safely lift and move patients; communicate effectively with patients; understand the healthcare delivery system, and address legal and ethical issues in nursing.
BSN Degree
Getting a BSN degree used to be the surefire way to guarantee a successful career in nursing. However, with the advent of online programs and increased demand for nurses, that is no longer necessarily true. There are now many different ways to get your nursing education, and each has its advantages and disadvantages.
However, one thing that is for sure is that whichever route you choose, a nursing degree is essential. You can take many different paths to earn your degree, and each has its benefits and drawbacks. Let’s take a look at some of the most common routes:
1. Traditional BSN Degree Programs
This is the most common way to earn a nursing degree. Traditional BSN degree programs are offered at colleges and universities and typically require four years of full-time study. These programs provide a comprehensive education in all aspects of nursing and include classroom learning and clinical experience.
Advantages:
Traditional BSN degree programs offer a well-rounded education in nursing that will prepare you for a successful career.
Classroom learning and clinical experience provide hands-on training essential for becoming a nurse.
Disadvantages:
Traditional BSN degree programs can be expensive and may require taking out loans.
They can also be time-consuming, requiring you to commit four years of your life to school.
2. Online BSN Degree Programs
Online BSN degree programs allow you to study nursing at home, on your schedule. Colleges and universities offer these programs and typically require the same number of hours as a traditional program.
Advantages:
Online BSN degree programs offer flexibility and convenience, allowing you to study at home on your schedule.
They are typically less expensive than traditional BSN degree programs.
Disadvantages:
Online BSN degree programs may not offer the same level of hands-on training as traditional programs.
They may also be less comprehensive and may not prepare you for a successful career in nursing.
3. Accelerated BSN Degree Programs
Accelerated BSN degree programs are designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in another field. These programs typically require 12-18 months of full-time study and offer a comprehensive education in nursing.
Advantages:
Accelerated BSN degree programs are less time-consuming than traditional BSN degree programs.
They offer a comprehensive education in nursing and prepare you for a successful career.
Disadvantages:
Accelerated BSN degree programs may be more expensive than traditional programs.
They may also be less flexible and require you to commit 12-18 months of your life to school.
4. RN to BSN Degree Programs
RN to BSN degree programs is designed for nurses who already have a registered nurse (RN) license. These programs typically require 12-24 months of full-time study and offer a comprehensive education in nursing.
Advantages:
RN to BSN degree programs offers a convenient way to earn your degree.
They are typically less expensive than traditional BSN degree programs.
Disadvantages:
RN to BSN degree programs may not offer the same level of hands-on training as traditional programs.
They may also be less comprehensive and may not prepare you for a successful career in nursing.
5. Online RN to BSN Degree Programs
Online RN to BSN degree programs allow you to study nursing at home, on your schedule. Colleges and universities offer these programs and typically require the same number of hours as a traditional program.
Advantages:
Online RN to BSN degree programs offers flexibility and convenience, allowing you to study at home on your schedule.
They are typically less expensive than traditional RN to BSN degree programs.
Disadvantages:
Online RN to BSN degree programs may not offer the same level of hands-on training as traditional programs.
They may also be less comprehensive and may not prepare you for a successful career in nursing.
Which type of BSN degree program is right for you?
Traditional BSN degree programs offer a well-rounded education in nursing that will prepare you for a successful career. They provide classroom learning and clinical experience, giving you hands-on training essential for becoming a nurse.
Online BSN degree programs offer flexibility and convenience but may not provide the same level of hands-on training as traditional programs. They may also be less comprehensive and may not prepare you for a successful career in nursing.
Accelerated BSN degree programs are designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in another field. These programs typically require 12-18 months of full-time study and offer a comprehensive education in nursing.
RN to BSN degree programs is designed for nurses who already have a registered nurse (RN) license. These programs typically require 12-24 months of full-time study and offer a comprehensive education in nursing.
Choosing a Specialization
Nursing students choose a specialization that influences the elective courses and where they conduct clinical rotations during their education.
Here are the top five industries for international assignment nurses:
Travel nurses can focus on particular groups of people (such as neonatal nursing, children’s care, or senior care) or types of treatment (such as ambulatory care, obstetrics nursing, or infection control). Even if certifications are not necessary, having the appropriate certification might assist with travel nurse assignments.
Travel Nurse Credentials
Travel nurses must be registered nurses (RNs) and have a license to practice in the state where they work. Individual states issue nursing credentials, whereas professional organizations provide certifications. Certifications are not always necessary, although they are frequently preferred. Some states do require certifications for licensing and specific specializations, although this is by no means universal.
Certifications
A certification is a credential given by a professional organization, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center. You might obtain certificates through passing an exam or having a certain level of expertise.
Certain skilled professions, such as critical care, pediatrics, or obstetrics nursing, may necessitate certifications.
Professionals obtain certification by obtaining continuing education or different experience. Education is frequently pre-approved for a set number of hours and measured by attending an event (such as a webinar or conference), finishing a course, or passing an exam.
Licensure
A nursing license is required for travel nurses. The majority of positions need an RN license. Because state licensing rules differ, travel nurses who want on multiple states should think about obtaining a compact nursing license to work across the country. A compact nursing license is a nursing certificate that allows nurses to practice in participating jurisdictions under certain conditions.
Nurses must apply for a nursing license through their state board of nursing. A degree from an accredited institution and passing the NCLEX exam is required for permits. They may request background checks in some states.
States generally demand continuing education to renew a license.
Working as a Travel Nurse
Although they must first complete their training, international nurses may start working as soon as they are licensed. However, some people prefer to gain local clinical experience and build a network and references first.
The travel nurse staffing firms provide accommodation. Because agencies are the gatekeepers for opportunities, travel nurses must pick their agency or agencies carefully when working with a travel nurse staffing company. International nursing work is an excellent example of this.
Trusted Health reports that the average gross (pre-tax, pre-expenses) weekly travel nurse salary is $1,790. On the other hand, wages vary considerably by specialty, function, and location. Tourist pay rates differ significantly depending on the local cost of living and demand for care in that region.
You may choose to have a travel nurse placement scheduled in advance (such as regions with seasonal population changes such as tourists or snowbirds, or replacing a nurse on disability leave), or you may arrange one when it is needed.
FAQs
How much does a traveling nurse make a month?
The median salary for a traveling nurse is $2600 – $3200 per month.
What does a travel nurse do?
A travel nurse is a nurse hired by a healthcare facility for a short period. They may work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. Travel nurses are often hired to fill in for nurses on vacation or leave. They may also be employed to work in areas with a nursing shortage.
Do travel nurses get paid more?
It depends on where they work. Travel nurses usually earn more than the average salary in places with a shortage of nurses, while they may earn less in areas with a surplus of people willing to fill their positions.
