Whenever we hear the word travelling, we always consider it to be something exciting and adventurous. Sure, it is all these things but a lot more too. It can be a tiring experience if you pursue it as a profession especially one like nursing. Sometimes, even after knowing you want to be a travel nurse, you might ask yourself how to become a travel nurse.
We see nurses wearing a monotone dress with a cap on top and a coat. Some of us even notice their sleepy eyes and tired smiles, the way they attend patients and are always in a hurry to attend the next. Not an easy job right? Even if they are in a single place, they never get to rest enough. Now imagine if you have to fulfil the same duties but instead travelling from one place to another, quite tiring but also an adventure nonetheless.
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How to Become a Travelling Nurse?
Even after knowing the hardships the profession might involve, if you are still willing to become a travelling nurse but not sure how then let me tell you how to become a travel nurse.
As with every other profession in the world, the most important step to becoming a professional is attaining a degree. Nursing is related to the medical profession, so you can very well imagine the amount of focus and dedication it requires.
Few key points you need to keep in mind for knowing the requirements of becoming a travel nurse.
Earning an ADN or BSN degree
As I mentioned earlier, a degree is very important to earn a license. They have to first earn an ADN which stands for associate degree in nursing. They can also attain the BSN, which stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing. ADN is a faster way to attain the license whereas the BSN takes four years to complete.
However, a BSN provides students with a higher level of training, with more clinical experience which is beneficial for employment opportunities. Most travel nurse agencies prefer a BSN over an ADN degree.
Passing the NCLEX Exam
Attaining the degree is not enough, so if you think you are done, it’s time to crack an exam! To get your RN (registered nurse) license, you have to pass the National Council Licensure Exam. It is a 6-hour computer-based exam.
Gain Experience through Internships
Before stepping into the profession, you need to gain some prior experience of working as a nurse. Various online platforms provide internships, but you can also visit Thailand, Costa Rica, India, Nepal and many other destinations for your internships. Get at least 1 year of experience as an RN, after which you will be able to grasp good-paying jobs.
Explore Good Travel Nursing Agencies
The demand for travel nurses has doubled since the last few years to fill the shortage of nurses. Many agencies have sprung up which provide specialization in the profession. Find a good agency according to your needs with an authentic and reputable background. Always shortlist the agencies and compare the benefits they offer.
Some parameters you can include are:
- Salary and benefits
- Location
- Assignments
- Housing arrangements
First Step into Professionalism
After you have applied for the agency, you have to be always ready to work in any environment, with a varied population. Work your way through the schedules and work hours. Along with the degree you need to make sure of the following requirements too.
Nursing License
It is your key to being a successful travel nurse without worrying about any repercussions. You need to make sure you are licensed in the state where you are practising your profession. The more important something is, the more demanding it is.
As a travel nurse you need to apply for a license in your permanent residence state. In some cases you need a separate license to complete your assignment outside your state. However, many countries are implementing the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows the travel nurses to practice in other states. Currently only 39 states have implemented the NLC.
In such a case, if you are travelling to a place that does not implement the NLC, you have to apply for the state-specific license before starting your job.
Also give a read: Kathryn Larouche Imler’s “Burning Rubber” Chronicles a Tale of Nursing, Adventure, and Chronic Pain
Colleges Providing the Best Travel Nurse Degree
When it comes to your profession, you would definitely not want to compromise with your studies right? Let me offer you some universities and colleges to get the best learning experience of becoming a travel nurse.
- Duke University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Yale University
- University of Michigan
- Emory University
Now you finally know about how to be a travel nurse and apart from that I have given you the insight regarding the top universities that will provide you the best degree worth every penny you spend.
Most- Demanding Travel Nurse Jobs
These are some professions under travel nursing jobs that might pay you a good package.
- ED- Erectile Dysfunction
- Labor and Delivery
- Case Management
- Dialysis
- Acute Care
Where are they needed the most?
You now have the degree and your license in your hands, you must be wondering about where you should apply to get the best travel nurse jobs.
They are in high demand nearly all over the world, but every profession is popular in some particular places. Travel Nurse is the most popular profession in California. It pays the highest amount to travel nurses with lots of opportunities for them to explore. Apart from California, the following are some states where they are paid good in 2022 according to NursingProcess.org.
- Hawaii
- District of Columbia
- Oregon
- Alaska
- Switzerland
- Nevada
According to the healthjob.org, travel nurses earn up to $2,058 per week but it differs according to the assignment you choose. You have full control over the salary you earn and the benefits you enjoy.
Final Note
Every profession has its own pros and cons. Travelling is experiencing new things and places but travelling as a nurse is quite a hectic schedule. It is one of the biggest humanitarian jobs but also a tough one. If you are planning to earn your degree from any of the universities to apply for any of their professions, then do research more on the mentioned above places. I hope you have got an idea for how to become a travel nurse.