Some new and seasoned nurses express desire to travel, in this article we will outline the ultimate guide to starting your career in travel nursing. Travel nursing is an exciting, adventurous, and rewarding career in the healthcare industry. A travel nurse works on assignment as a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse in health care facilities, hospitals, or private medical practices.
Travel nursing jobs are always in demand because of the country’s increasingly high number of nursing shortages. Whenever a temporary nursing position is available in a medical setting, a travel nurse fills the position for as long as needed.
Do you want to know how you can get started with a career in travel nursing? Below are the six critical steps for getting started.
1) Meet the Educational Requirements
The first ultimate guide to travel nursing is to obtain the required education to work as a professional nurse. The minimum education requirement is an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from an accredited college or university. This two-year degree is suitable for becoming a traveling licensed practical nurse who performs essential nursing duties. However, to become a registered nurse, you must obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from an accredited college or university. It is a four-year degree that can open more opportunities for you in the travel nursing field.
2) Pass the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination)
The NCLEX is an exam you must pass to become a licensed nurse after receiving your nursing degree. There are two variations of the exam: NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN. Those wishing to become registered nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN, while those pursuing a career as licensed practical nurses must pass the NCLEX-PN.
3) Apply for a State Nursing License
Obtaining a nursing degree and passing the NCLEX exam will make you eligible for a nursing license in your state. Apply for a nursing license with the Board of Nursing of your state. It should take about 2 to 4 weeks to process your application. Once they issue your nursing license, you will be eligible to work as a nurse in your state.
4) Obtain Nursing Experience
You will need at least 1 to 2 years of permanent nursing experience before qualifying to become a travel nurse. Try to obtain this nursing experience in a specialty area of healthcare, such as the emergency room, pediatrics, oncology, or telemetry. Most hospitals and healthcare facilities prefer hiring travel nurses with a few years of experience in a specialty area.
5) Apply for a Multistate Nursing License
A state nursing license only allows you to provide nursing services in the same state that issues the license. However, when you want to travel out of state to provide nursing services, you must obtain a multistate nursing license.
Apply for a multistate nursing license with your state’s Board of Nursing. Once approved, you can cross state lines and provide travel nursing services in other states.
6) Search for Jobs
Search for travel nursing jobs at a healthcare recruitment agency like ICAN Staffing Agency. The agency has numerous job listings for travel nurses in medical facilities throughout the United States. It is the fastest and easiest way to obtain a new job as a travel nurse.
