Taking the travel nurse position is a great way to become a nurse if you want to have a healthcare career and be a traveler at the same time. This blog will guide you through the educational requirements for this exciting journey.
Understanding the Role of a Travel Nurse
Travel nurses are professionals in the category of RNs who work for a short period, for instance, within several months, in different places of the country, hospitals, and treating clinics, among others. These assignments take between 8 and 26 weeks or longer and may be within the United States or another country. First, being a travel nurse requires proper education, gained experience, and necessary certifications.
Educational Pathway to Becoming a Travel Nurse
Step 1:
Earn Your Nursing Degree First, a registered nurse (RN) must become a travel nurse. This involves completing one of the following educational programs:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): A two-year program offered at community colleges.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A four-year program offered at universities.
While an ADN can get you started, many employers prefer or require a BSN due to the comprehensive training it provides. Additionally, some travel nursing agencies and healthcare facilities may favor nurses with a BSN for specialized assignments.
Benefits of a BSN Degree:
BSN degree education offers a wider perspective, problem-solving, management, and interpersonal relations skills. It prepares you for more broad roles within the nursing profession and may lead to an advanced practice or graduate position.
Step 2:
Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam Before graduating with your nursing degree, you must take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses or NCLEX-RN. The course work in this exam is crucial in the certification as a Registered Nurse (RN) to practice in your state or country.
Preparing for the NCLEX-RN
Preparing to take the NCLEX-RN requires reviewing the nursing course and practice exam. It is easy to find NCLEX preparation courses since many nursing schools have them; additionally, several online materials and guides exist. Passing this test is essential because it proves you are ready to deliver satisfactory and secure nursing services.
Step 3:
Gain Clinical Experience Travel nursing is not for beginners; therefore, to become a travel nurse, one must work in a healthcare facility and acquire clinical experience. Many travel nursing agencies have certain standards to meet before one can qualify, including one year of experience in the specialty area. This experience ensures one has the skills and the knowledge to manage the day-to-day work activities of different healthcare institutions.
Choosing Specialty
Nursing specialties where travel nurses are most demanded are ER, ICU, L&D, and Pediatrics. Because the specialties that are in high demand are the ones that will help you get more travel and are appealing to employers, the more experienced one will be, the better in that particular specialty.
Additional Certifications and Specializations
While not mandatory, additional certifications can make you a competitive candidate and open up more opportunities. Some of the most sought-after certifications for travel nurses include:
- Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN): For those specializing in emergency care.
- Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN): For nurses working in intensive care units.
- Pediatric Nursing Certification (CPN): For those focusing on pediatric care.
Pursuing Advanced Certifications
Advanced certifications demonstrate your expertise in specific areas of nursing, making you an attractive candidate for specialized assignments. Organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) offer these certifications.
The Importance of Continuing Education
Healthcare is constantly evolving, and staff and practitioners must continue to train and develop themselves to adapt to the industry’s constant changes. Most states demand that RNs undertake CEUs to renew their licenses. This is crucial in ensuring the travel nurse is updated on the needs and specifications to secure and perform well in travel assignments.
Sources of Continuing Education
This can be achieved through distance learning, seminars, conferences, and in-service education. Several professional nursing associations make CEUs available with material pertinent to travel nurses, keeping them skilled and marketable.
Licensure Requirements for Travel Nurses
Travel nurses need to be registered in the state for which they are contracted to work. The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) consists of agreeing states that enable a nurse to have one license and be legally authorized to practice in more than one state. Currently, 34 states are members of the NLC, with more member states on the way.
Securing State Licensure
If you seek employment in the non-compact states, you must obtain a license for each state. This process can also take different amounts of time and some levels of complexity, so planning is a key factor. Almost all travel nursing agencies help acquire the license to ensure the traveler is prepared for an assignment before joining one.
International Travel Nursing Licensure
If you plan on working internationally, you must study the licensure requirements of that particular country. This can take time and often includes getting a visa or other certification and possibly mastering the host country’s language. Overseas assignments present fascinating opportunities and difficulties for an internationally fulfilling nursing experience.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a travel nurse is a rewarding career that allows you to explore new places while significantly impacting patient care. By following the educational pathway outlined above and gaining the necessary experience and certifications, you can confidently embark on this exciting career journey.
