Table of Contents
1. Education
There is no specific “travel nurse” degree or certification, but travel nurses must obtain the same level of education and certifications as any nursing position requires. In the United States, passing a state-approved program and a competency exam is required for any nursing position. Types of nursing education include:
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Registered Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
Registered Nurses
Commonly referred to as an RN, a registered nurse holds a two- or four-year nursing degree from an accredited school. RNs often go on to earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree. While people holding a two-year associate’s degree qualify to become an RN, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports a bachelor’s degree should be considered the bare minimum.
While registered nurses are only required to hold an associate degree in nursing, or ADN, many agencies will require a Bachelor’s degree. Registered nurses perform a variety of duties from providing physical and emotional support to patients to conducting diagnostic tests and working up courses of treatment.
Licensed Practical Nurses
While being a licensed practical nurse, or LPN does not require a college degree, and LPN must complete a state-approved nursing program and pass the same National Council Licensing Exam that is required for registered nurses. Because of the lower education requirements, licensed practical nurses typically have less responsibilities than RNs and are not as in demand as nurses who hold college degrees. These duties include administering first aid, medications and assisting patients with routine tasks.
Nurse Practitioner
A nurse practitioner, or NP, has obtained at least a Master of Science in Nursing education and holds advanced certifications in one or more specialties. Due to their advanced education and training, nurse practitioners have the most authority and responsibility of all the nursing positions and possess the same authorities as doctors in some states, being able to order diagnostic tests and prescribe medications.
2. Licensing Requirements
After the minimum educational requirements have been completed, all nursing positions require passing the National Council Licensing Exam, or N-CLEX. Once they have passed the state exam, registered nurses may begin working on a specialty of their choice in anything from prenatal care to cancer treatment. Once training in a specialty has been completed, RNs can enroll in a masters program to become a nurse practitioner.
It is important to bear in mind that traveling nurses must be licensed in both their home state as well as the state they will be working in. However, if both your home state and the state you will be working in both belong to the Nurse Licensure Compact, this process is typically very simple.
3. Additional Certifications
In addition to the state nursing license, certification in Basic Life Support, and Advanced Cardiac Life Support are required for working for travel nursing companies. While not necessary, additional certifications in such areas as critical and postpartum care as well as midwifing, will make you more in demand and earn you a higher salary. It is important to note that travel nurses are most often required to obtain their certifications at their own expense.
4. Experience
There may be opportunities with some travel nurse agencies for inexperienced nurses in some areas where demand is exceptionally high. However, most companies will require at least a year of basic hands-on experience and some will require a minimum of two years of on-the-job training.
5. Locating Travel Nurse Agency
As with all things, not all travel nurse agencies are created equal. Begin by researching companies online to see what each one has to offer. Most reputable agencies will have an online application to begin the process. There are also travel nurse clearing houses that will connect applicants with a variety of travel nurse agencies. Note that there should not be a fee for working through an agency and any company that tries to charge you should be avoided.
Once your application has passed review, you will be contacted by a recruiter who will help you navigate the hiring process. Be sure you develop a list of questions to ask the recruiter and add to the list as you think of new ones. Be sure you feel comfortable with the recruiter and be open to input while always keeping your long-term professional goals in mind.
In Conclusion
Nurses with a few years experience, especially in an acute-care setting, will find their skills in high demand for travel nurse jobs. Bear in mind there are a couple of options when getting started in the traveling nursing field. Some choose to obtain an LPN or associates nursing degree and gain some practical on-the-job experience while pursuing their bachelor’s degree. However, because the RN degree is more respected than an LPN, and easier to obtain than a nurse practitioner, many choose this as the place to begin their career.
