Education
To become a travel nurse, you first must become aregistered nurse. The first step is to enroll in anaccredited program by the National League for Nursing Commission, Inc (NLNAC).
Two main options for education:
- 2-3 year Associates of Science Nursing Degree (ADN)
- 4 year Bachelor of Science Nursing Degree (BSN)
PASS THE NCLEX
This is the National Council Licensure Examinationfor Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Regardlessof the type of degree you obtain, you will berequired to take the NCLEX. Once you pass,you will be given the designation Registered
Nurse (RN).
Get Experience
It’s best to get at least two to three years clinical experience in your speciality before you start searching for a travel nurse position. This has become a standard requirement for many travel companies, and will make you a more valuable and desired nurse. Some in demand specialities include: Operating Room, Emergency Room, Pediatrics, Oncology and Labor & Delivery.
Find a Company
Once you have enough experience, you can find a recruiting company that specializes in travel nursing opportunities. From there, a recruiterwill help you seek out and secure the assignments you want. The typical travel assignment is 13 weeks in duration.
Get Your Travel On!
Time to pack! Many companies provide benefitslike travel stipends, paid housing and health insurance.Your recruiter will be in contact with you periodicallythrough your assignment making sure everythingis going smoothly and setting you up for yournext adventure!
Good Skills To Have
Adaptability. Travel nursing is all about newexperience and flexibility
Confidence. Travel nurses need to be poisedand assertive, without being pushy or condescending
Organization. A travel nurse’s career is filled withpaperwork, staying organized which avoids future headaches
Friendliness. Just the nature of the job. Moving tonew assignments and meeting new people requiresexcellent interpersonal skills
Eagerness. Being an enthusiastic learner whoenjoys learning new skills and nursingprinciples will be important
Questions? Visit www.medicalsolutions.com or call 1-866-633-3548