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How to Become a Travel Nurse: The Complete 7-Step Roadmap

So you’re ready to take the plunge and become a travel nurse. There’s a lot to consider before taking off into this profession, so let’s review the 7 steps you should take before you get started.

According to:

Become a Travel Nurse: Herzing.edu
  • Is it right for you?
  • Earn your ASN/ADN or BSN
  • Pass the NCLEX
  • Apply for a compact nursing license
  • ind a travel nurse staffing agency
  • Your Cleared for Take-Off

To Become a Travel Nurse First Ask Yourself if Fits YOUR Desired Lifestyle

The first and most important step to become a travel nurse is to determine if this type of nursing is the right fit for you. The shortage of nurses makes it challenging for hospitals to maintain their staffing needs. Travel nurses can help with staffing issues, and fill in temporary gaps when nurses take a vacation, go on leave, or get hired by a different hospital.

Travel nurses sign a contract to fill a temporary position that can last several days, weeks, months, or longer. When contracts are up, they either extend their stay at the same location or move on to a new destination and opportunity.

Still Want to Become a Travel Nurse? Let's Get Your Degree

The second step is to earn your ASN/ADN or BSN degree from an accredited nursing program. Any nurse who has completed an associate‘s or bachelor’s degree is eligible to be a travel nurse.

The Next Step to Become a Travel Nurse is to pass the NYCLEX

Next, you will need to pass the NCLEX and become a registered nurse. After you pass your NCLEX exam and meet the board of nursing requirements in your state, you’ll be eligible to become an RN. From there, it’s a matter of gaining enough experience in your nursing specialty to pursue traveling nursing.

The Next Stop to Become a Travel Nurse is Some Certifications

Once you’ve become an RN, you need to become certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). If you choose to specialize in a field, you may need to get additional licensing. Most places require you to have at least 2 years of experience in your nursing specialty, whether it’s surgical, neonatal, critical care, pediatrics, trauma, etc.

To Become a Travel Nurse You Will Want a Compact License

The fifth step is to apply for a compact nursing license. To be an RN, you need to be licensed in the state where you work. Fortunately, the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement between states that allows RNs to hold a single nursing license valid in numerous states.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing keeps track of what states have enacted and implemented the NLC. If you live in a state that is part of the NLC, you can get this multistate license in your state of residency.

Your About to Officially Become a Travel Nurse - Let's Find the Right Staffing Agency

Once your education, nursing experience, and credentials are in place, you’ll need to find a travel nurse staffing agency to work with. Keep detailed notes about the available positions and benefits packages companies offer you.

So You've Become a Travel Nurse, Time to Sign a Contract & Find Housing

The final step is to get ready for your travel nurse career to take off. After you‘ve completed all the necessary paperwork, you can begin the process of interviewing. Once you’re matched with an organization, you must find housing. Some organizations will provide free housing, usually small one–bedroom apartments.

Hey Look Mom! I'm a Travel Nurse!

Now that you know the 7 steps to become a travel nurse, you can start your journey and begin taking the necessary steps for success. The first step is to determine if travel nursing is right for you and then it’s a case of getting your credentials in order. With enough research and determination, you’re sure to become a successful travel nurse!

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