A career as a travel nurse offers many opportunities and benefits. Medical institutions pay travel nurses well to incentivize them to join the talent pool and fulfill acute staffing needs. Within the travel nursing field, there are many agencies and specialties to choose. Caregiving organizations pay these professionals top rates to fill short-term staffing needs, and the positions sometimes lead to full-time employment. As patient workloads increase, the demand for travel nurses continues to rise.
Nurses who have a passion for adventure and learning new skills thrive in this field. It is an exciting and enlightening opportunity for the right candidates. Travel nurses, however, must have special traits and skills to work in the field.
Nurses who are wondering “what is a travel nurse and how do I become one?” can consider earning an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) degree to set them up for success.
Travel Nurse Responsibilities
Travel nurses typically complete temporary work assignments at various medical facilities. Since hospital workloads vary, medical institutions generally employ travel nurses, typically for three-month commitments, to meet these fluctuating needs. If the need persists, the institution may extend the commitment. If the need subsides, travel nurses are free to pursue other openings. Institutions typically hire travel nurses for high-demand units, such as the following.
- Intensive care
- Emergency rooms
- Operating rooms
- Progressive care
- Cardiac telemetry
- Neonatal and pediatric care
Some institutions hire travel nurses for full-time roles once they exhibit work proficiency, while other establishments hire them to bring experienced talent into their organizations. Medical institutions expect travel nurses to gain their bearings quickly, usually in one week or less. Society’s increasing medical needs are increasing demand in the field.
While the length of time travel nurses spend at a particular facility varies, they usually stay between one to 10 years, with some staying longer.
Steps to Becoming a Travel Nurse
Prospective nursing students and professionals who are exploring what a travel nurse is, may be wondering how to become one. The following steps can help individuals understand how to prepare for a job in the field.
Step #1: Earn a Degree and Licensure
Travel nurses must have the same education and licenses as full-time nurses. They should begin by completing the necessary coursework to earn a BSN degree. In a BSN program, they will learn important medical knowledge and develop essential nursing skills. Prospective travel nurses must also pass the NCLEX-RN exam and earn the necessary licensure. Licensed practice nurses (LPN) or registered nurses with an associate’s degree should consider pursuing an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) degree. Nurses must also keep their Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certifications current, in addition to any specialty certifications.
Step #2: Gain Experience
Most hiring agencies require travel nurses to have at least one year of work experience. Caregivers in these positions typically manage many patient care and other variables. Some states require a certain amount of job experience and others require continuing education credits.
Travel nurses must perform their job efficiently, and quickly adapt to new workplace settings and policies. Some caregivers who desire to enter the field prepare by working as a floating nurse at their current institution.
Life skills also play a role in travel nursing. Financial management skills are critical, as unforeseen needs can arise when moving to a new location. Prospective travel nurses should also keep detailed records of their immunizations, shots, and health screens available on demand.
Step #3: Find an Agency
One specific step in becoming a travel nurse is signing with an agency. Caregivers who are choosing a travel nursing agency should evaluate the organizations based on their performance. The National Association of Healthcare Organizations establishes standards and ethics among agencies, while the Joint Commission on Accreditation provides agency certification. It is wise to affiliate with an agency that demands high performance from its nurses.
Prospective travel nurses must also investigate an agency’s history. It is important to know whether the firm pays consistently and provides sufficient services to assist with relocation. Travel nurses should also make sure the agency provides workers’ compensation and liability insurance.
Travel Nurse Salaries and Other Benefits
Travel nursing can be an ideal career path for caregivers who want to regularly experience new environments and challenges. These professionals can choose to work at nearby institutions or travel the world. In the United States, there are over 400 travel nursing agencies. Alternatively, nurses can work as independent contractors and accept assignments directly from medical institutions. Most travel nurses have a genuine interest in how various institutions operate.
According to the compensation website PayScale, annual travel nurse salaries average $79,791 for professionals who hold a BSN degree. Salaries can range, based on a nurse’s experience, education level, agency, and other factors. Travel nurses may earn as much as $107,000. Some agencies also provide health insurance, housing stipends, 401(k) contributions, concierge service, or travel stipends, and cover airfare and relocation fees.
Provided housing can range from an extended stay hotel to a furnished apartment. Some travel nurses prefer to make their own living arrangements. Larger travel nursing agencies maintain housing developments to provide the best possible living conditions for their staff members. To attract talent, some agencies also pay utilities and other living expenses, and unless otherwise requested, each nurse receives private living quarters.
Learn More About Becoming a Travel Nurse
AdventHealth University Online started building its solid foundation for nursing education in 1908. Today, the university offers leading-edge education and experienced faculty who are dedicated to helping students pursue their futures, including earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) degree.
Learn more about what a travel nurse is, and how you can reach your career goals by exploring the RN-BSN program at AdventHealth University Online.
Recommended Readings
- Nursing Career Paths: What You Can Do with a BSN or MSN Degree
- Registered Nurse Responsibilities
- RN vs BSN: Understanding the Difference
Sources:
- American Traveler, “How to Become a Travel Nurse – New Graduate Nurse Jobs”
- American Traveler, “Travel Nursing Requirements”
- Highway Hypodermics, “Agency Profiles”
- PayScale, “Average Travel Nurse (RN) Salary”
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses
