Are you considering diving into the world of travel nursing? Well, you're in for an exciting, rewarding, and dynamic career. Let's take a closer look at what travel nursing entails and the requirements to become one.

Understanding Travel Nursing

A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who is hired by a nursing employment agency, rather than directly by a hospital or other healthcare facility. These nurses have the flexibility to work across various locations, be it local, national, or even international. On average, a travel nursing assignment lasts around 13 weeks, but this can vary.

What Do Travel RNs Do?

Travel nurses play a pivotal role in filling temporary staffing gaps in medical facilities across the nation. The responsibilities of a travel RN can be diverse. Depending on their specialty, experience, and the needs of the hiring facility, they might be working in a neonatal unit one day and an emergency department the next.

What are the requirements to become a Travel Nurse?

Education: All travel nurses must be registered nurses. This means you'd need to complete a nursing training program, pass the NCLEX-RN examination, and secure licensure. While both BSN and ADN degree holders can be travel nurses, those with a BSN often have a competitive edge, especially when applying to larger hospitals.

Experience: Most agencies prefer nurses who have a minimum of two years of clinical experience.

Adaptability: As travel nurses often transition between environments, they need to be adaptable. They should be quick learners and integrate seamlessly into new teams and systems.

Valid License: A travel nurse must possess a valid license in the state they wish to work. Obtaining a new license can be time-consuming, but many travel nurse agencies assist with the process.

Certifications: While Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) are standard, additional certifications like the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) or Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN) can be valuable assets.