Are you interested in starting your career as a travel nurse? At Prolink, we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions by travel nurses at the beginning of their careers.
What are the qualifications to become a travel nurse?
To become a travel nurse, you must first be a registered nurse (RN). That means completing a nurse training program, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and getting your license.
Most nurse staffing agencies also require a minimum amount of work experience, so you will likely have to spend a couple of years working as an RN in a healthcare facility.
Do you need a BSN to start a travel nursing career?
While an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is the minimum degree required to become a travel nurse, many employers prefer that you hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
What characteristics does a successful travel nurse have?
Travel nursing is best suited for people who can quickly adapt to new settings and situations. You must be a quick thinker since no two assignments will be the same, and you’ll need to keep up with healthcare’s fast pace.
It’s also important that you have the attitude of a lifelong learner. Each facility in which you work may have different ways of performing procedures or keeping records, and you need to learn and adjust. You must have excellent communication skills, too, and be a team player.
What medical facilities regularly need travel nurses?
Nursing shortages have affected medical facilities around the country, including hospitals, clinics, outpatient surgery centers, labs, oncology centers, and many more.
What do travel nursing employers look for on your resume?
Travel nursing employers look to ensure you have a valid license in the state in which you want to work and that you have a good amount of work experience. Depending on the agency or employer, they may also want to see that you have a BSN degree.
How do you obtain a license for an out-of-state assignment?
Before you can begin travel nursing, you need to obtain a registered nurse (RN) license valid in your state. After obtaining your license, you are ready to work with a staffing agency to find a job that fits your needs and wants in the state in which you’re licensed. If you want to work in another state, however, you will need further licensing.
One of your options is to get a compact license. A compact license is a multi-state license for states that have joined the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which helps travel nurses jump from state to state without applying for new licensure.
Currently, 41 states have joined the NLC, with more being added all the time. Your recruiter can point you in the right direction when applying for and obtaining a new license. In some cases, licenses can be expedited to allow you to start working quickly in the new contracted role.
Can you choose where to go as a travel nurse?
Yes. When you become a travel nurse, you get to pick the state, medical facility, and medical care setting in which you want to work.
What is the typical duration of a travel nurse assignment?
The typical duration for a travel nursing assignment is 13 weeks. You also may have the option of extending your contract in some cases.
What should you expect on your first day?
Your travel nursing agency recruiter will provide you with instructions regarding your first day on the job. They will tell you everything you need to know, like where to park, if there are costs associated with parking, if there is a dress code, and who to report to, among other important information.
Can you take time off between assignments?
Yes. That is one of the most crucial benefits of being a travel nurse since you don’t have to juggle work schedules when planning a vacation or family visits. You have total freedom over how often and how long you wish to work as a travel nurse. You are free to take weeks off to enjoy life between assignments. You can then come back when you are fully rested.
How many hours do travel nurses typically work per week?
Generally, travel nurses can expect to work around 40 hours a week. The exact setting can impact the kind of shifts you receive, with acute care settings often requiring three 12-hour shifts per week, for example.
What is the average salary of a travel nurse?
Your salary will depend greatly on the type of assignment and its location, but the average annual salary is $101,132. You can expect different benefits from what a registered nurse would receive. Some of the additional benefits include housing and travel stipends.
Keep in mind that not every state pays the same rates. You may work an identical number of hours and take home diverse amounts, so you need to take that into consideration when deciding on assignments.
Double-time and overtime may be available, but you have to negotiate for them in each contract.
Do travel nurses get benefits and retirement?
When you initially sign on with a travel nurse staffing agency, your recruiter will inform you of all the benefits you qualify for. At Prolink, we offer health, vision, and dental insurance, as well as retirement planning via a 401k.
Travel nurses are also reimbursed for travel expenses such as public transportation, meals, and lodging up to a certain maximum. Because every agency is different, make sure you get all the details in writing, including your bill rate and how your benefits affect your base pay.
Do you have to travel alone as a travel nurse?
Absolutely not! You can bring a companion, family members, or even your pet with you on assignment. You may have to pay for an extra bedroom and/or a pet deposit. But, it is common for travel nurses to visit a new locale on assignment with a spouse, children, a friend, or a pet.
How long does it take to find your first travel nurse job?
Many travel nursing agencies offer online applications. Once you complete your application, your recruiter will begin searching for assignments that match your experience, skills, and specialty and the locations where you want to travel.
When a job becomes available, your recruiter will reach out and present the job to you. The process can vary, but you’ll likely have a video or phone interview. If you pass the interview, you’ll receive a job offer. The process can take as little as a few weeks for you to start working on your very first travel nursing assignment.
Do travel nurse agencies offer continuing education?
Some agencies offer continuing education courses to travel nurses on assignment. Ask your agency recruiter for details.
What should be in your travel nurse contract?
Your contract needs to include all the details related to the job, including the hours you will work, the location, and any specifics about the setting in which you’ll work. It also needs to contain a clear breakdown of your compensation. The contract must tell you your hourly rate as well as overtime and clearly state the stipends you will receive.
The contract should address what you can expect from time-off requests and the medical benefits you will have. You should also have clear information on what happens if you miss a shift.
Do travel nurses pay for their own housing?
When you work with Prolink, you will receive a housing stipend to secure your accommodations. Keep in mind that you will need to have a permanent residence for tax purposes to avoid having to pay taxes on these stipends.
To establish a permanent residence for tax purposes, you need to show the IRS that you have a residence where you pay property taxes, a mortgage or rent, and other living expenses. You need to stay at your permanent residence for a minimum of 30 days every year.
Do travel nurses pay their travel expenses?
Many travel agencies offer travel reimbursements on your first assignment based on the miles you traveled. Subsequently, you can get reimbursements if you travel 50 miles beyond your permanent residence. This doesn’t mean you can’t take jobs close to home as a travel nurse. It just means you won’t be reimbursed for the travel.
You’ll need to know when the reimbursement will take place and whether there are any restrictions. Always save receipts related to your travel. Don’t just keep train tickets and airplane stubs, either, but also save receipts for meals as you travel.
Most, if not all, of these reimbursements should be tax-free, so you don’t have to worry about paying taxes on the money you get back. Always check your contract for information on what will be taxed so there are no surprises.
What should you do about mail when traveling to an assignment?
Travel nurses have options for how to handle mail while on assignment. You can forward your mail each time you travel to a new area, maintain a permanent address at a family member’s or friend’s house and have your mail forwarded there, or rent a private post office box.
How do you handle banking when traveling?
Most travel nursing agencies provide direct deposit, allowing you to use your current bank.
Are travel nurses in demand?
Yes. Nursing positions and travel nursing assignments are available nationwide.
Do you still have questions?
We can help you get the answers you need. Contact Prolink to learn more about what we offer and how you can get started as a travel nurse.
