In this article, we’ll go over how to become a travel nurse, and what steps you’ll need to take to get started. After all, no one is born an instant expert!
In addition to earning a degree in nursing, you’ll also need to become certified and work with a staffing agency. Finally, you’ll need to adjust to working under pressure.
Then, you can choose your ideal travel assignment. After finding out how to become a travel nurse you will want to continue your research to find out the benefits of this position. Read on to learn more!
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Work With A Staffing Agency
A travel nurse is a licensed professional who travels from one facility to another. These nurses perform duties that any licensed nurse would perform and fill temporary nursing vacancies in a hospital or clinical setting.
Specialties include emergency rooms, intensive care units, operating rooms, and telemetry units.
Travel nurses perform the same duties as staff nurses, and must demonstrate a working knowledge of nursing theory and principles and techniques.
A staffing agency will assign a recruiter to you. This person will connect you with prospective employers and help you navigate the onboarding process.
They also act as your liaison while you’re on the road. These recruiters will negotiate contracts and provide you with the necessary information to ensure a rewarding travel nursing career.
Since this recruiter is essential to the process, it’s important to maintain a positive working relationship with your travel nurse recruiter.
Earn A Bachelor’s Degree
If you’re looking for a flexible work schedule, a travel nurse’s job may be the perfect option. You can start a nursing career by working for an agency that matches qualified nurses with hospitals.
Once you’ve signed up for a contract, the agency will help you arrange interviews with hospital administration and help you find a place to live.
Travel nurse housing is usually fully furnished and close to the hospital. Some travel nurse housing options are family or pet-friendly, which is a big plus. Your contract may also include a meal allowance during your assignment, bonus pay, and even an option to extend your contract.
If you want to work as a travel nurse, you’ll need to have a BSN or an Associate of Science in Nursing degree. Earning a BSN will give you access to more job opportunities, especially in Magnet-designated healthcare systems and level one trauma centers. Click the link: https://www.usa.edu/blog/levels-of-nursing-explained/ for more information about the educational path to becoming a nurse.
Regardless of the degree you choose, be prepared to spend about two to four years in nursing school. The program will include coursework in nursing practice, communication skills, and patient education.
You May Also Check: How To Prevent Burnout As A Travel Nurse With These Simple Self-care Strategies
Obtain A Temporary Nursing License
You may want to become a travel nurse even if you don’t have your own permanent nursing license.
These licenses are available in several states, and some “walk-through” states will grant temporary licenses for a specified period of time.
Regardless of the license you get, you should be aware that this license is temporary and will only be valid for the time you are working in the state. Click here for more information about temporary licensing.
Most travel nurse positions require an RN license.
Each state has different requirements and regulations, so it is important to check with the individual agency you’re applying with to determine the specifics.
You will need a nursing license if you want to work in the state of the prospective employer. If your state is one of those that require a license, you’ll have to get a compact nursing license, which lets you work in several different states simultaneously.
Adapt To A Travel Assignment
As a travel nurse, adjusting to a new environment and clinical settings can be challenging. While working with new colleagues, recognizing common dynamics can help you settle in quickly.
Likewise, ask lots of questions and write down important information.
Moreover, nurses provide excellent support, so it is important to take advantage of their advice and help you adjust to a new setting.
Adaptability is one of the most essential qualities to become a successful travel nurse. It will make you more marketable to employers and can make you more flexible.
Cost Of Living
In terms of cost of living, Michigan is the third least expensive state for a travel nurse to live in.
With a median hourly wage of $32, Michigan has a good reputation for affordability. With Detroit making a comeback, Michigan is a great travel nurse destination.
Housing is a major expense. Most travel nurses find that paying one-quarter of their monthly income on housing is a good idea, which will leave more money for savings and expenses back home. This will ensure that you can live comfortably while working remotely.
Depending on your location, you may need to find roommates or live in shared accommodations. In a high-cost city, this may be a challenge, so some nurses choose to live with family or friends or reduce the household budget in other ways.
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