If you’re looking for a career that will take you all over the world, then consider becoming a travel nurse. Travel nurses are registered nurses who are hired by hospitals or clinics to work in locations that are different from their home base. This can be a great opportunity to see new parts of the world while earning a good salary and benefits.
To pursue a career as a travel nurse, you’ll need to have a nursing degree from an accredited school and be licensed in the United States. You’ll also need to have at least one year of nursing experience. There are many agencies that hire travel nurses, so you’ll want to do some research to find the right one for you.
The best way to get started as a travel nurse is to find a job with an agency that specializes in travel nursing. These agencies will help you find jobs all over the world and will provide you with all the necessary training and support. They typically charge a fee, but this can be worth it if it means you get to travel for a living.
How to Become a Travel Nurse
Earn your ASN or BSN Degree
A travel nurse is someone who has earned an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing from a regionally accredited nursing school. Any nurse with an associate or bachelor’s degree from a reputable nursing school may pursue a career as a traveling nurse. There are several universities that have education options that can assist you acquire the qualifications you want and advance your profession, regardless of where you are in the nursing continuum.
Remember that you do not need a specific “travel nurse” degree to opt for this career. Travel nurses need the same level of education as traditional nurses who work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
Pass the NCLEX-RN
You will be qualified to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam for RNs (NCLEX-RN) after you graduate with an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing. This exam is necessary to become a RN in the United States.
After passing the NCLEX-RN and fulfilling board of nursing standards in Gulf Breeze, you may apply to be a nurse. It’s just a matter of obtaining enough experience in a nursing specialty before seeking work as a travel nurse from there.
Gain Enough Experience
Before signing on with a travel nursing agency, you’ll need to be certified in Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support. If you want to specialize, you’ll need further qualifications. Most institutions want at least two years of experience in the field, whether it’s surgical, neonatal, critical care, pediatrics, trauma, or clinical nurse work.
Hospitals typically look for experienced nurses with specific specializations and extra training.
Apply for a Compact Nursing License
You will be able to obtain a compact nursing license (NLC), which is valid in many states, after you have your nursing license. Keep in mind that NLC does not apply to all U.S. states. As a travel nurse, make sure you know whether Gulf Breeze has licensing requirements so you can work there.
Apply to a Travel Staffing Agency
After you’ve graduated and obtained the necessary certificates, you’ll need to work with a travel nursing staffing firm. There are various tools that might assist you in locating the appropriate firm, including:
- Joining a Professional Networking Site/Group: You may use your professional networks or social media groups to contact individuals working in the field. You could discover excellent firms and receive recommendations to them. LinkedIn is one of the greatest tools for building networks.
- Referrals: You may receive recommendations from your friends and coworkers if they have worked with any travel nursing staffing company. They might point you in the direction of people who work there at the agency.
- Online referrals: Many travel nurses have used and reviewed various online services, depending on their own experiences. Look through these evaluations to discover which agency is the best fit for you.
Different travel agencies provide various benefits based on their relationships with hospitals, their locations, and nursing specialties they engage in. This is why you should keep track of the current openings and compensation packages provided by businesses.
Current Job Market
In the United States and other countries, there is a large need for educated RNs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that there will be around 194,500 nursing jobs open in the country by the year 2020. This is due to an aging population and an increase in chronic non-communicable diseases.
Furthermore, because so many veterans are retiring, there will be more openings for new nurses. According to a study published by Simmons University, approximately 55 percent of today’s nursing workforce is 50 years old or older.
There will always be a demand for travelling nurses, since nursing staff must take time off for vacations, maternity/paternity leave, and paid time off.
Conclusion
Travel nursing can be a great way to see the world and make a good living. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a travel nurse, then start by doing some research on the best agencies to work with. With the right planning and preparation, you can be on your way to an exciting nursing career!