By Subhasree Nag
How to become a travel nurse? – Well, to start with, you have to get similar schooling and certifications to those of other nursing careers. However, becoming a travel nurse is a bit more challenging. This is because nursing does not always mean facility, and the type of work changes depending on where you are.
In this article, you will learn about how to become a travel nurse. This article will consist of steps to become one. Apart from that, you will learn essential aspects like how long it takes, qualification requirements, experience, and more. Moreover, you will learn about the challenges of such a career and how to advance your career.
Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article.
How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?
In the USA, as a travel nurse, you can make an average of $101,132 every year. This amounts to approximately $48 per hour. Basically, the salary range is $700 to $3000 per week. Hence, it is more than travel nurses who earn an average of $42 per hour or $89,877 per year.
Moreover, the top-paying states for travel nurses are Alaska, California, New Hampshire, and New York.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Travel Nurse?
Generally, it takes three to five years to become a travel nurse in the USA. First, you have to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing to become a registered nurse (RN). However, you can also get an Associate Degree in Nursing. After that, to get your license as a nurse, you need to pass the NCLEX exam.
Then, you have to work for 1-2 years as a full-time nurse to gain your specialization. After that, you can work as a travel nurse. This is because most travel nursing agencies look for candidates with experience.
How to Become a Travel Nurse? – Follow These Steps
Generally, you have to meet the same basic requirements as with other nursing careers. Moreover, you have to gain some clinical experience and also develop your communication skills.
The following are the steps you must take to become a travel nurse:
1. Enroll in a Nursing Program
To start with, you have to earn an Associate Nursing Degree (ADN). However, you can also get a Bachelors Degree in Nursing (BSN). Make sure you get it from an accredited university. Generally, most employers of travel nurses prefer a Bachelors Degree.
2. Clear the NCLEX-RN Exam
Once you complete your nursing training program, pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Only then can you apply to get your license. Generally, you can get your RN license after an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). However, to work as a travel nurse, it is better to get a Bachelor’s Degree.
3. Get Clinical Experience
Your next job is to get clinical experience. In fact, most travel nursing agencies prefer candidates who have at least one year of clinical experience as a travel nurse. On the other hand, some contract jobs will require two years of experience or more.
4. Develop Your Communication Skills
As a travel nurse, you will face different types of situations in different locations. Hence, you will need strong communication skills. This will help you adapt quickly and integrate into work environments.
5. Get a Multistate RN License
First, you have to get an RN license in the state where your permanent residence is. Here, if your state is a part of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC), your license will work in every state that is part of eNLC.
However, it is better to get a multistate RN license from NLC. This way, you can practice in multiple states without any additional licensure.
6. Gain Experience in Your Specialty
Before you work as a travel nurse, you have to work as a full-time regular nurse. This will enable you to gain experience in your specialty. As a result, travel nursing agencies will prefer you. Moreover, consider getting some more certifications, like:
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN)
Basically, these certifications will increase your chances of securing a job as a travel nurse.
Building Experience
Once you get your state licensing and get the necessary certifications, you need to work as a full-time registered nurse. In fact, you first need to specialize in a field.
For instance, in most places, you have to show two years of experience in the nursing specialty. Some of the specialties include surgical, neonatal, pediatrics, critical care, trauma, and more.
Basically, the clinical background and specialty you have determines the opening you will qualify for. Travel nursing agencies are always looking for nurses with experience and advanced training.
Challenges of Travel Nursing
In recent years, there have been significant challenges in travel nursing. Generally, they come in the form of pay issues and taxation. Here are some challenges in travel nursing you need to be aware of:
- There are pay issues in the travel nursing industry, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. This is because of a lack of demand. Also, there have been proposals to cap wages in this industry.
- It is difficult to navigate the intricacies of tax regulations when you are working in a different state. This is because each state has its own laws.
- Generally, travel nurses work on short-term contracts. Hence, there is uncertainty for future assignments. Hence, there is a chance of stress and anxiety in your profession.
- Sometimes, it gets difficult to adapt to different work settings. Hence, you need to have exceptional networking and communication skills. Also, there are fewer opportunities for work-life balance.
- In some cases, you have to maintain active nursing licenses in multiple states. This requires you to have additional paperwork, continuing education, and fees.
Becoming a Travel Nurse: Way Forward
Now you know how to become a travel nurse as well as how to gain experience in the field. The key is to get the necessary licenses and experience as a registered nurse. Then, you will get enough opportunities to work as a travel nurse and live your dream. However, you must also be aware of the fair share of benefits and challenges.
Do you have more suggestions on how to become a travel nurse? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below.
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