How to become a travel nurse

Job market outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics a significant increase in job opportunities in the US for travel nurses from 2021 to 2031, with approximately 8.3 million additional jobs. The healthcare and social assistance sector is projected to experience the largest growth, adding around 2.6 million jobs over the span of 10 years. This growth is attributed to the aging population of Baby Boomers and a rise in the prevalence of chronic conditions. It's worth noting that the growth rate varies across different occupations within the healthcare field, ranging from as low as 2% to a substantial 46% increase in demand.

What is the job of a travel nurse

A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who works temporarily in various healthcare facilities, typically on short-term assignments. The job of a travel nurse combines the responsibilities of a registered nurse with the opportunity to explore different locations and work environments. Here are some key aspects of their job:

1. Temporary Assignments: Travel nurses are hired on a contract basis for a specific duration, typically ranging from a few weeks to several months. They are often employed by staffing agencies that connect them with healthcare facilities in need of additional nursing staff.
2. Flexibility and Mobility: Travel nurses have the flexibility to choose where and when they want to work. They can select assignments in different cities, states, or even countries, depending on their preferences and availability.
3. Providing Healthcare Services: Travel nurses perform the same duties as staff nurses in their respective specialties. They may work in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, or rehabilitation centers, and provide direct patient care, administer medications, monitor vital signs, assist with procedures, and collaborate with the healthcare team.
4. Adapting to New Environments: Travel nurses need to adapt quickly to different work environments, policies, and procedures. They must become familiar with the specific protocols of each facility and adjust to new equipment, electronic medical record systems, and patient populations.
5. Collaboration and Communication: Travel nurses must possess strong communication and teamwork skills. They work alongside different healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and support staff, and need to quickly establish effective working relationships to provide quality patient care.
6. Continuity of Care: Despite moving between assignments, travel nurses play a crucial role in ensuring continuity of care for patients. They work diligently to provide consistent, high-quality care by adapting to new patient populations and collaborating with the existing healthcare team.
7. Education and Licensure: Travel nurses must hold an active nursing license in their home state or country and often need to obtain additional licenses for the states or countries where they plan to work. They typically have previous nursing experience and may specialize in a particular area such as critical care, pediatrics, or emergency nursing.

Travel nurses are registered nurses who work on temporary assignments in different healthcare facilities, providing healthcare services, adapting to new environments, and ensuring continuity of care for patients while enjoying the opportunity to explore different locations.

Steps to become a travel nurse

Becoming a travel nurse requires a few key steps. Here is a general outline of the process;

1. Obtain a Nursing Degree: The first step is to complete an accredited nursing program and earn a nursing degree. You can choose between a diploma, an associate degree in nursing (ADN), or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. The BSN degree is becoming increasingly preferred by employers.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN: After graduating from a nursing program, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in your home state or country. The NCLEX-RN is a standardized exam that assesses the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level nursing practice.
3. Gain Nursing Experience: Most travel nursing positions require some experience as a registered nurse. It is common for travel nurses to have at least one to two years of clinical experience, although specific requirements may vary. Gain experience in your preferred specialty or in various healthcare settings to enhance your skill set.
4. Obtain the Necessary Licenses: To work as a travel nurse, you'll need a nursing license in your home state or country. Additionally, you may need to obtain additional licenses for the states or countries where you plan to work. Research the licensing requirements of the desired locations and ensure you meet the necessary criteria.
5. Develop Specialized Skills: Specializing in a particular area of nursing can increase your chances of securing travel nursing assignments. Acquiring certifications or additional training in high-demand specialties, such as critical care, emergency nursing, or labor and delivery, can be beneficial.
6. Research Travel Nursing Agencies: Travel nurses typically work through staffing agencies that connect them with healthcare facilities. Research and choose reputable travel nursing agencies that align with your career goals. Consider factors like their reputation, available assignments, benefits, and support services.
7. Apply and Interview: Once you've identified suitable travel nursing agencies, submit your application and provide the required documents, such as your resume, nursing license, certifications, and references. If selected, you will likely go through an interview process, which may be conducted over the phone or via video conferencing.
8. Complete Documentation: If you are offered a travel nursing assignment, you'll need to complete various paperwork and provide documentation. It may include a background check, drug screening, immunization records, and any additional requirements specified by the agency or healthcare facility.
9. Secure Housing and Transportation: As a travel nurse, you will need to arrange temporary housing near your assigned healthcare facility. Some travel nursing agencies assist in finding housing options. Additionally, you will need to plan for transportation to and from your assignments.
10. Begin Travel Nursing Assignments: Once all the necessary preparations are complete, you can start your travel nursing assignments. Embrace the opportunity to work in different locations, gain new experiences, and provide quality care to patients in various healthcare settings.

What is an average salary of a travel nurse

Hourly: The mean hourly wage for travel nurses is $56.49. However, newly licensed travel nurses typically start with a lower base pay of $37.71 per hour, while more experienced travel nurses earn an average of $82.06 per hour. It's worth noting that overtime opportunities and availability may vary from one assignment to another.

Monthly: On average, travel nurses earn a monthly salary of around $9,790. The actual amount can vary based on the number of hours worked and potential bonuses or incentives.

Annual: The average annual salary for travel nurses shows significant variation. On average, they earn about $117,490 per year, with starting salaries at around $78,430 and rising to approximately $170,680 with increased experience. Overtime and bonuses can also impact earnings. Additionally, the specific nature of the assignment plays a crucial role in salary differences. For instance, travel nurses working in trauma centers during long overnight shifts tend to earn more compared to those working shorter daytime shifts in doctors' offices.

What are the top 10 best states to work for travel nurses plus salary

Here is the list of the top 10 best states to work for travel nurses; 

1. California: Known for its high demand and competitive salaries, California often offers attractive compensation packages for travel nurses. The average annual salary for registered nurses in California is around $120,560, which can be higher for travel nurses due to increased demand and cost of living.
2. New York: New York provides numerous opportunities for travel nurses, particularly in major metropolitan areas like New York City. Salaries tend to be higher to accommodate the higher cost of living. The remuneration for a travel nurse in NY is $85,610. 
3. Texas: With a large population and diverse healthcare facilities, Texas has a high demand for travel nurses. The state offers competitive salaries which are around $75,110 and a lower cost of living compared to some other popular destinations.
4. Florida: Florida attracts many travel nurses due to its warm climate, numerous healthcare facilities, and competitive pay of $67,610. The state offers a variety of assignment options and a lower cost of living in many areas.
5. Washington: Washington State offers good job opportunities for travel nurses, particularly in cities like Seattle. The pay of a travel nurse working in Washington is around $84,660. 
6. Massachusetts: Massachusetts has a high concentration of prestigious hospitals and healthcare facilities, making it an attractive destination for travel nurses, and the salary is around $95,230.
7. Arizona: Arizona offers a pleasant climate and a strong demand for travel nurses. The state provides a range of job opportunities and remuneration of around $77,000.
8. North Carolina: North Carolina has a growing healthcare sector and offers $66,440 for a travel nurse and a relatively lower cost of living compared to other states on this list. 
9. Colorado: Colorado's beautiful landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities make it an appealing destination for travel nurses and the salary is about $77,200.
10. Oregon: Oregon is known for its scenic beauty and diverse healthcare system. Travel nurses can find good job opportunities and a desirable work-life balance. The annual salary of a travel nurse is $85,990.

What are the requirements essential to become a travel nurse

To become a travel nurse, you need to meet several requirements, which typically include the following;

1. Education: You must complete a nursing education program and earn a nursing degree. This can be a diploma, an associate degree in nursing (ADN), or a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN). The specific educational requirement may vary depending on the facility and assignment.
2. Licensure: You need to obtain a registered nurse (RN) license in the state(s) where you plan to work as a travel nurse. The licensure process involves passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) or an equivalent exam specific to the state. Each state has its own licensing requirements, so it's important to research and meet the criteria for the states you are interested in.
3. Experience: Most travel nursing agencies and healthcare facilities prefer candidates with some clinical experience as registered nurse. The required experience may vary, but many agencies look for at least one to two years of recent experience in a specific specialty or setting.
4. Certifications: While not always mandatory, obtaining certain certifications relevant to your specialty can enhance your qualifications and increase your chances of securing travel nursing assignments. These certifications can include Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), or specialty certifications such as Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
5. Documentation: Travel nursing agencies typically require certain documentation, including an up-to-date resume, copies of your nursing degree and RN license, immunization records, and professional references. You may also need to provide a background check and undergo a drug screening.
6. Flexibility: Being a travel nurse requires flexibility and adaptability. You must be willing to work in different locations, adjust to new work environments, and potentially accept varying shift schedules.
7. Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial as a travel nurse, as you will be working with different healthcare teams, patients, and families. Strong interpersonal and communication skills help you navigate new environments and establish rapport quickly.

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What are the top certifications necessary to become a travel nurse

While there are no specific certifications required to become a travel nurse, having certain certifications can enhance your qualifications and increase your opportunities for assignments. The certifications you may consider obtaining as a travel nurse depend on your specialty and the type of assignments you are interested in. Here are some of the top certifications that can be beneficial for travel nurses:

1. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification: BLS certification is typically required for all nurses and demonstrates your proficiency in basic life-saving techniques like CPR and AED usage.
2. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification: ACLS certification is often required for nurses working in critical care units or emergency departments. It indicates your competence in managing cardiac emergencies and advanced life support techniques.
3. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification: PALS certification is relevant for nurses who work with pediatric patients. It demonstrates your knowledge and skills in providing advanced life support in pediatric emergencies.
4. Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) Certification: The CCRN certification is specifically designed for nurses working in critical care settings. It validates your expertise in critical care nursing and can be advantageous when applying for assignments in intensive care units or critical care environments.
5. Specialty Certifications: Depending on your area of specialization, there may be specific certifications that are highly valued. Examples include the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) certification for emergency room nurses, Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) certification for medical-surgical nurses, and Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) certification for pediatric nurses. These certifications showcase your specialized knowledge and skills in specific areas of nursing.
6. Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) Certification: TNCC certification is beneficial for travel nurses working in trauma centers or emergency departments. It provides comprehensive training in the assessment and management of trauma patients.
7. Oncology Nursing Certification: Oncology certifications, such as the Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) or Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON), can be advantageous for travel nurses working in oncology units or with cancer patients.

What are the top universities that offer nursing courses in the USA

Several universities in the United States offer nursing programs or specialties that can prepare you for a career as a travel nurse. Here are some well-regarded universities known for their nursing programs;

1. Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, Maryland)
2. University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
3. University of California, San Francisco (San Francisco, California)
4. Duke University (Durham, North Carolina)
5. University of Washington (Seattle, Washington)
6. Columbia University (New York City, New York)
7. University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
8. University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
9. Yale University (New Haven, Connecticut)

These universities offer comprehensive nursing programs at various levels, including Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). While these universities may not have specific courses dedicated to travel nursing, their nursing programs provide a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that can be applied to the travel nursing profession. When considering universities for nursing education, it's essential to research the specific programs and their offerings, such as clinical experiences, specialty options, and opportunities for internships or externships. Additionally, consider factors like accreditation, faculty expertise, and resources available to nursing students.