For nurses considering diverse career paths, travel nursing presents an exciting and rewarding opportunity. But What Is A Travel Registered Nurse and how does one embark on this journey? Travel Registered Nurses (RNs) are in-demand healthcare professionals who take on short-term assignments at hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities, often in locations with staffing shortages. They bring their expertise to patients across different communities and healthcare environments. If you’re a registered nurse looking for adventure, professional growth, and competitive compensation, understanding the steps to become a travel nurse is your first step.
Becoming a travel registered nurse is a structured process that builds upon your foundational nursing qualifications and experience. Here’s a detailed roadmap:
Earn a Nursing Degree: The Foundation of Your Travel Nursing Career
The journey to becoming a travel nurse begins with a solid nursing education. Accredited nursing programs are essential to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary for patient care and to meet licensing requirements. Aspiring travel nurses typically hold one of the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree: A BSN is increasingly preferred in the healthcare industry and offers a comprehensive nursing education, covering critical thinking, leadership, and research, alongside patient care.
- Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree for entry-level RNs: An ASN degree provides a strong foundation in nursing practice and qualifies graduates to become Registered Nurses. It can be a quicker path to starting your nursing career, with the option to later pursue a BSN.
- LPN to BSN bridge program for licensed practical or vocational nurses or licensed paramedics: These bridge programs allow Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or paramedics to leverage their existing healthcare experience and education to efficiently earn a BSN.
- LPN to ASN degree for licensed practical nurses: Similar to the BSN bridge, LPN to ASN programs offer a pathway for LPNs to become Registered Nurses with an Associate’s degree.
Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam and Obtain RN Licensure
After completing your nursing degree, the next crucial step to define what is a travel registered nurse in practice is passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This standardized exam ensures that nurses possess the competency required to practice safely and effectively.
Successful completion of the NCLEX-RN, along with meeting any other state board of nursing stipulations, makes you eligible for licensure as a Registered Nurse. This RN license is your professional passport, enabling you to practice nursing and opening doors to travel nursing opportunities. Gaining practical experience in a chosen nursing specialty is the next vital stage in your travel nursing preparation.
Gain Specialized Nursing Experience
While the idea of travel nursing is exciting, practical experience in a nursing specialty is indispensable. Healthcare facilities hiring travel nurses seek experienced professionals who can quickly integrate into their teams and provide high-quality care, often with minimal orientation.
For nurses aspiring to travel, it’s advisable to proactively gain experience in the specialties that interest them while in permanent positions. For instance, if you aim to work in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) as a travel nurse, gaining experience in a NICU setting in your current role is crucial. The same principle applies across all nursing specialties; hands-on experience in your desired area significantly enhances your competitiveness for travel nurse positions.
Attain Nursing Licensure and Understand the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
To practice as a Registered Nurse, licensure in the state where you are employed is mandatory. The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) simplifies this process for many travel nurses. The NLC allows RNs to hold one multi-state license that is valid in participating states.
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) provides up-to-date information on NLC participating states. If your home state is part of the NLC, you may not need to obtain additional licenses to practice in other NLC states. However, if you plan to work in states outside the NLC, you will need to apply for licensure by endorsement in those specific states. Understanding licensure requirements and the NLC is key to navigating the administrative aspects of travel nursing.
Partner with a Travel Nursing Agency
The final step in realizing your ambition to become a travel registered nurse involves partnering with a reputable travel nursing agency. These agencies act as intermediaries, connecting travel nurses with healthcare facilities in need of temporary staffing.
The benefits and services offered by travel nursing agencies can vary. Factors to consider when choosing an agency include the agency’s relationships with hospitals and healthcare networks, their geographical reach, specialization in certain nursing areas, and the compensation and benefits packages they offer. Selecting the right agency is a critical decision that can significantly impact your travel nursing experience.
In conclusion, understanding what is a travel registered nurse extends beyond a job description; it’s about embracing a career path filled with opportunity and impact. By focusing on education, licensure, gaining specific experience, and choosing the right agency, you can successfully transition into travel nursing and enjoy a fulfilling and adventurous career while making a difference in patient care across diverse locations.
