If you are interested in working as a travel nurse, there are several steps you need to take. To become a travel nurse, you must have a BSN. Once you have this degree, you can search for jobs with travel nurse agencies. Some of them will provide free housing (typically a small one- bedroom apartment) while others will require you to pay a small monthly fee. Before you start your search, you should decide what specialty you would like to practice.
After my injury — a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with damage to other supporting structures — I was unsure of my future. Not only did I not think I would be able to ever play sports again, but I seriously doubted I would ever play with my kids or walk without pain. As far as I knew, nurses didn’t travel. So what if you had the freedom to decide when and where to build your nursing career? What if you had a job that could take you to different parts of the country, even internationally? What if you could have a job where your experience and expertise is valued over time?
RNs must hold a BSN
RNs need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree to be eligible to become a travel nurse. While not required by law, a BSN is highly desirable because it demonstrates advanced education. Obtaining a BSN will increase your employability and will help you find new job opportunities. Some nursing jobs require advanced degrees, such as nursing education, nursing administration, and nursing education in clinical practice. A BSN will help you advance your career by preparing you for a higher level of responsibility.
The requirements for becoming a travel nurse depend on the hospital, employer, and position. While most travel nurse positions require an RN to hold a BSN, others require an Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN) degree. ADN is a two-year degree, but you can also complete a bridge program with an accredited college. You can complete an ADN by completing a high school diploma or GED, but many employers prefer an RN with a BSN.
Choosing a specialty in a high-demand area
Choosing a specialty in a high demand area to become a traveling nurse can be challenging, but rewarding. Nursing is a field with enormous growth potential, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that RN positions will increase 15% from 2016 to 2026. If you’re thinking about becoming a traveling nurse, there are a few key steps you can take to land your dream job.
One of the best ways to make money as a traveling nurse is by choosing a specialty in an area with a high demand for nurses. Depending on your specialty area, you can expect to be working in areas where nurse-to-patient ratios are lower than those in other regions. In addition to helping hospitals bridge the gap between nurses and patients, these nurses also bring a variety of unique perspectives to the table, which is beneficial for patients and for the nursing community as a whole.
Choosing a travel nursing agency
If you’ve decided to pursue a career in travel nursing, you may be wondering how to choose the right agency. After all, not all agencies are created equal. While some agencies may claim to have nationwide contracts, others may not be as interested in your needs. Also, consider how supportive the agency will be. For example, if you’re looking for an agency that can help you find a new job, you may want to go with a company that is passionate and willing to support you every step of the way.
When selecting a travel nursing agency, look for one that offers a dedicated recruiter. A recruiteris your lifeline in the travel nursing industry. They’re the first point of contact if you have questions. Having a 24-hour customer service representative is an added benefit. Ask about the agency’s policies and contact information. Also, check whether the travel nursing agency has a Joint Commission Certification, which shows that it’s an established professional organization.
This gold seal means that the agency has proven its quality and has a track record.
Cost of living for a traveling nurse
The cost of transportation can greatly affect the amount of money that you spend on bread. You might have to pay more than the national average for professional services, such as an optometrist’s visit, in Massachusetts, compared to Wisconsin. The highest wage is found in Massachusetts, and other professional services tend to be more expensive. You can research the cost of living in the area you plan to live before starting your travels.
While a travel nurse’s compensation will generally match their per diem, the cost of living in the location may be higher or lower than in another location. Some places may have higher costs of living, such as San Francisco, Boston, and New York. You will have to consider the costs of food, transportation, and other necessities to determine if the cost of living in the area you’re considering is affordable or not.
Offered as an alternative to hiring permanent full-time nurses, the traveling nurse is in high demand and can earn up to $80,000 for a year of service working for one facility. Typically, a travel nurse contract works out to about $33 per hour. Travel nursing offers nurses what they want: flexibility and short term assignments that facilitate the building of their resumes with exposure in different medical facilities across the country.
