Updated November 21, 2024
You’ve likely heard of travel nursing, which allows nurses to take on short-term positions throughout the country. Due to the ongoing nursing shortages, which have resulted in many understaffed care teams in hospitals and clinics, more facilities are turning to travel nursing to supplement their workforce.
Travel nurses assist healthcare providers in maintaining a high level of patient care by filling employee gaps. Travel nurses themselves benefit greatly from the job, as they get to see new places while boosting their earning potential.
There are many excellent reasons to consider a travel nursing career, but does an interested nurse begin? Prolink offers insight into what it takes to become a travel nurse.
Travel nurses: What they do and where they work
Travel nurses are licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs) who take on short-term contracts in facilities throughout the country. Most contracts last about 13 weeks, though they can always ask to extend the contract.
Instead of being employed by the various facilities in which they work, travel nurses are employed by staffing agencies. These agencies help connect them with the right travel nurse positions while offering benefits like comprehensive healthcare insurance, retirement plans, and career guidance.
Often, travel nurses specialize in areas that appeal to potential employers. They can focus on ICU care, pediatrics, nursing home services, and many other fields. These specializations allow them to work in an array of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and community clinics.
Many nurses are drawn to the field of travel nursing thanks to the increased salary. According to ZipRecruiter, the average travel nurse’s salary is $101,132 across all 50 states. Pay can vary based on the state in which a travel nurse works. Stipends that cover travel, housing, and other expenses, often tax-free, can add to the overall compensation of a travel nurse.
Travel nursing skills and characteristics
To be a travel nurse, you have to be ready to adjust to new environments quickly. Every few months, you’ll be in a new city and facility, and you’ll be working with people you’ve probably never met before. Additionally, you’ll be doing all of this with only a day or two of on-site training. You need to be able to learn the ropes as rapidly as possible.
For the same reasons, you also need to be a quick study. For example, if one facility uses a completely different type of electronic health records program, you will need to learn how to operate that system. It’s also very likely that the protocols you had to follow in one facility are different for the next job.
You also need to have confidence in your nursing skills. Stepping into a new job and learning new protocols should not impact your dedication to your patients. You have to be able to focus on the essential functions of the job and provide quality care regardless of the circumstances.
The path to becoming a travel nurse
There are a few crucial steps you need to take to begin your travel nurse career.
Obtain a nursing degree
Before you can work as a travel nurse, you must first earn your nursing degree. You’ll need to complete either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Although there’s no federal standard as to which of these degrees you need to have, more employers are looking for people who have a BSN.
An ADN takes about two years to complete, while a BSN can take three or more. If you already have a bachelor’s in another field, you could go through an accelerated nursing program that helps you complete the BSN in 12 to 24 months.
Become a Registered Nurse
After getting your degree, you need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become an RN. Passing this exam is required throughout the United States.
The NCLEX assesses whether you meet the Board of Nursing standards in your state. It ensures that you have the necessary clinical skills and nursing knowledge. You can retake the test a number of times a year if you don’t pass it.
Before taking the exam, you’ll have to demonstrate that you have your degree and submit an application. Once the application is approved, you can register to take the test.
Get a compact license
Once you pass the NCLEX, you’ll be licensed to practice in your state. As a travel nurse, however, you’ll work in multiple states. Do you have to get a license in each state? Not necessarily. You can apply to get a compact license instead.
The Nursing Licensure Compact is an agreement among 42 jurisdictions across the country. With this license, you can work in those states without needing to apply for further licenses. However, if you live in a state that is not part of the compact, you’ll have to apply for licensure in every state where you wish to work.
Choose a staffing agency
Your staffing agency acts as your ally during your travel nurse career. They are your advocates, helping you with everything from your applications to the various positions to deciding on the best job opportunity to accept.
It’s important to take your time with the selection process. Make sure you’re aware of all the benefits the agency offers—not all of them may provide what you need.
Travel nurses who choose Prolink receive comprehensive support and benefits, including:
- A 24/7 clinical hotline
- Day-one health insurance and 401(k)
- Short- and long-term disability
- Dental and vision coverage
Remember that the staffing agency is your employer, so you should get from the company what you would require from a full-time employer. That means comprehensive healthcare coverage, saving toward retirement, and paid sick leave.
If you’re not sure what to look for when choosing an agency, focus on the following key attributes.
Expert recruiters
Crucially, the staffing agency will help you find the right jobs and work alongside you as you plan your career path. This means working with recruiters who have experience in the travel nurse field and who can guide you.
Avoid choosing a staffing agency with limited experience. A trustworthy staffing agency will have a substantial number of years in your field. Without this experience, a staffing agency will not have the contacts necessary to bring you the quality positions you seek. Even if they do have contacts, they may lack the knowledge to make your application stand out.
Certifications and licensure guidance
If you’ve never worked as a travel nurse before, you may not be familiar with the process of applying for a compact license. The right staffing agency will be ready to help you through all of the necessary steps.
When you work with Prolink, your recruiter can assist you with obtaining any new certifications you may be interested in. We’re invested in your growth, so you can reach your career goals even while embracing the travel nursing lifestyle.
Top job offerings
It’s important to choose an agency that works with leading healthcare facilities so that you can have access to the best jobs. Ask to see a list of the companies they work with to gain a sense of the staffing agency’s reach. This networking is particularly important for travel nursing because you need to make certain they can help you obtain jobs throughout the country.
Assistance with contracts
Each time you accept a position, you will need to sign a contract. Your staffing agency needs to be ready to help you negotiate for the best possible terms. They will want to ensure you have access to overtime, bonuses, and a variety of other important factors that you may be unfamiliar with.
Start your travel nursing adventure with Prolink
At Prolink, we’re just as excited as you are to start your journey as a travel nurse. Our team of recruiters can provide you with top jobs, trustworthy guidance, and the benefits you deserve.
We offer comprehensive medical insurance, vision and dental, as well as retirement plans and disability coverage. We provide retention and referral bonuses, too, along with the career advice you need.
With offices around the country and exciting new job opportunities coming in every day, Prolink can help you tackle the next step in your career journey. Click below to connect with a recruiter and start your adventure with us.
