How To Become A Travel Nurse: Your Step-by-Step Guide to an Exciting Nursing Career
Are you a nurse looking for adventure, flexibility, and a chance to explore new places while advancing your career? Becoming a travel nurse might be the perfect path for you. Travel nursing offers unique opportunities to work in different healthcare settings across the country—sometimes even internationally—while earning competitive pay and gaining valuable experience.
If you’re wondering how to become a travel nurse, what qualifications you need, and what the job really entails, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything from start to finish.
What Is a Travel Nurse?
A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who takes short-term assignments—usually 8 to 26 weeks—in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities that need temporary staffing support. Travel nurses fill in for staff shortages, seasonal spikes, or special projects and can work virtually anywhere in the U.S. or abroad.
The key perks of travel nursing include:
- Competitive pay rates, often with bonuses and housing stipends
- Flexibility to choose assignments and locations
- Exposure to diverse healthcare environments and specialties
- Opportunities for professional growth and networking
- Adventure and travel experiences beyond the typical 9-to-5 job
Step 1: Meet Basic Nursing Qualifications
Before you can become a travel nurse, you need to have:
- A valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in your home state
- A minimum of 1-2 years of clinical experience (most agencies require this)
- Strong skills in your nursing specialty, such as medical-surgical, ICU, ER, or labor and delivery
Most travel nursing agencies prefer nurses who have solid hands-on experience and proven adaptability in their field.
Step 2: Get Your Nursing License in Multiple States (Optional but Recommended)
Since travel nurses often work in different states, you’ll want to consider:
- Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC): If your state participates in the NLC, you can practice in other compact states with one multistate license.
- If your target states are not in the compact, you may need to apply for additional licenses through each state’s Board of Nursing.
Being licensed in multiple states expands your assignment options and makes you more competitive.
Step 3: Choose a Nursing Specialty
Travel nursing opportunities exist in many specialties, but some are more in-demand than others:
- Medical-Surgical
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
- Emergency Room (ER)
- Labor and Delivery
- Pediatrics
- Operating Room (OR)
- Psychiatric Nursing
Selecting a specialty where you have experience or certification can open doors to higher-paying assignments.
Step 4: Find a Reputable Travel Nursing Agency
Most travel nurses find jobs through staffing agencies specializing in travel nurse placements. When choosing an agency, consider:
- Reputation and reviews from other nurses
- Range of job opportunities and locations
- Salary and benefits packages, including housing, travel reimbursement, and bonuses
- Support services such as licensing assistance, housing help, and 24/7 recruiter availability
Some well-known agencies include Travel Nurse Across America, Aya Healthcare, and RNnetwork, but it’s smart to research and apply to multiple agencies.
Step 5: Apply and Interview for Assignments
Once you’ve chosen your agency, you’ll:
- Submit your resume, nursing license, certifications, and references
- Complete an application and background check
- Participate in interviews or phone screenings for specific assignments
Be prepared to discuss your experience, flexibility, and preferences regarding location and shift types.
Step 6: Complete Necessary Paperwork and Onboarding
After accepting an assignment, you’ll handle:
- Licensing verification and any state-specific requirements
- Background checks and drug screenings
- Completing onboarding paperwork for the healthcare facility
- Arranging your travel and housing, either through the agency or independently
Many agencies assist with these steps to make your transition as smooth as possible.
Step 7: Start Your Assignment and Adapt Quickly
When you arrive at your assignment, you’ll need to:
- Familiarize yourself with the facility’s policies and electronic health records system
- Build rapport with new colleagues and supervisors
- Stay flexible and open to different procedures or patient populations
- Maintain your clinical skills and documentation meticulously
Travel nursing requires adaptability and strong communication skills.
Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse
- Higher pay: Travel nurses often earn more than staff nurses due to the temporary nature of assignments.
- Housing and travel allowances: Many agencies provide free housing or stipends, as well as reimbursement for travel expenses.
- Experience: Work in various clinical settings and broaden your skills.
- Networking: Meet healthcare professionals across the country, opening doors for future opportunities.
- Adventure: Explore new cities, states, and cultures during your assignments.
Challenges of Travel Nursing
- Being away from family and friends for extended periods
- Adjusting quickly to new work environments and teams
- Managing licensure and credentialing in multiple states
- The temporary nature of assignments can sometimes cause uncertainty
Tips for Success as a Travel Nurse
- Stay organized: Keep track of licenses, certifications, and deadlines.
- Build relationships: Networking can lead to referrals and repeat contracts.
- Be proactive: Communicate openly with your agency and facility about your needs.
- Take care of yourself: Traveling and working can be stressful, so prioritize rest and self-care.
- Keep learning: Pursue additional certifications or specialties to increase your value.
Becoming a travel nurse can be an exciting and rewarding career move that combines your passion for nursing with your love for travel. With the right preparation, licensing, and mindset, you can enjoy a flexible lifestyle while making a meaningful difference in healthcare facilities across the country.