Nursing isn’t just about scrubs, stethoscopes, and hospital corridors. For the adventurous souls, it can also be about the thrill of new cities and the challenge of varying healthcare environments. Welcome to travel nursing, where your profession can take you to horizons you’ve only dreamt of.
What is a Travel Nurse?
In a nutshell, travel nurses take on temporary assignments in various locations. They typically fill short-term roles in areas with a staffing shortage or that require specific specialties. These stints can range from a couple of weeks to several months and can be in various locations across the US and abroad.
Why Choose Travel Nursing?
The benefits are endless, and here are a few:
- Flexible Scheduling: Choose your preferred shifts and days so you can balance work, leisure, and family.
- Free Private Housing: Housing is often provided by your healthcare staffing agency, or you can opt for a housing stipend instead.
- Great Pay: Due to the nature of work, travel nurses usually earn higher wages than permanent staff nurses.
- Health, Dental, and Life Insurance: Travel nurses benefit from comprehensive insurance packages.
- Travel and Adventure: Explore diverse cultures, sceneries, and opportunities with every new assignment.
- Professional Growth: Travel nursing forces you to constantly evolve due to the unique challenges and patient demographics in varying settings.
- Avoiding Workplace Conflicts: The short-term and ever-changing nature of your role means fewer long-term workplace politics and drama.
- Expand Marketable Skills: Travel nursing helps improve not just your nursing capabilities but also soft skills like adaptability and cultural sensitivity.
How to Become a Travel Nurse
1. Start with Education and Experience: Typically, you’ll need a degree in nursing (either an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree) and a valid RN or LPN license. A year or two of professional experience is a plus.
2. Select Your Specialty: Certain nursing specialties, like critical care or labor and delivery, are higher in demand. This offers you a chance to earn more as a travel nurse.
3. Connect with a Healthcare Staffing Agency: Find an agency that resonates with you. They’ll play a pivotal role throughout your travel nursing career, taking care of logistics, placements, and more. Ensuring that you find a job that fits all your preferences in PTO, rates, and scheduling.
4. Get the Necessary Licenses: Different states need various licenses and certifications. Common licensing requirements, such as:
- Completed application form with appropriate fees.
- Proof of graduation from an accredited nursing program.
- Passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN for
- Registered Nurses, NCLEX-PN for Practical Nurses).
- Criminal background checks.
- Verification of licenses from other states where the nurse has practiced.
- Continuing education requirements (specifics vary by state).
- Fingerprints in some states.
5. Work with your healthcare staffing agency to guide you through the things you need to know.
6. Maintain Professionalism and Flexibility: Travel nurses move frequently and are constantly integrating into various teams. Your adaptability and professionalism are crucial for your success.
Travel nursing, with the aid of a healthcare staffing partner, is a thrilling career that takes you on countless personal adventures with unique experiences. Imagine post-shift in Hawaii walking down Waikiki Beach, or experiencing the Northern Lights paint the night sky in mesmerizing hues, as you venture into dog sledding or ice fishing, you can spend your free days exploring the roots of country music in Nashville, Tennessee. Travel nursing is not just a career; it’s a ticket to countless adventures.
SnapCare offers a technology-driven platform, streamlining your search for the ideal job placement. Our straightforward onboarding and verification process ensures you begin your journey without delay. Plus, with an array of health plans for you and your loved ones, coupled with Life, Disability, and On-site Benefits, as well as a thorough Employee Assistance Program (EAP), you can feel secure and supported when partnering with us.
