Becoming a travel nurse can be an exciting career choice for many registered nurses. The high pay and flexibility are two of the biggest benefits and reasons why many nurses choose a career in the travel world. Here are some tips on how to prepare yourself to make the transition into the world of travel!
Gain Clinical Experience
Before considering travel nursing, gaining solid clinical experience is essential. Most facilities require 2 years of recent experience in an acute care setting to start traveling, so our first and most important piece of advice is to get those two years under your belt! The sooner you do, the sooner you can start seeing the country one assignment at a time.
Obtain Licensure
Understanding the licensing rules for different states is important. All travel nursing positions require a current RN license in the state of the assignment. You can also apply for your Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows you to work in any state that is part of the NLC, as long as your home state is also part of the NLC. Interested in obtaining a Hawaii licensure? Check out our “How To Get Your Hawaii Nursing License” blog!
Prepare Your Documents and Keep Them Organized
Gather all necessary documents and certifications, including your resume, nursing license, certifications (e.g., ACLS, PALS), immunization records, and professional references. Keep these documents organized and up-to-date, as you'll need to submit them to travel nursing agencies and potential employers. Staying organized also helps you keep track of expiration dates so nothing delays your onboarding.
Be Flexible
It is important to be flexible as a traveler. Flexibility is a huge part of the travel nursing world — diverse locations, patients, shifts, and coworkers. When you are flexible, more opportunities will come your way and allow you to enjoy your time as a traveler more.
Network with Other Travel Nurses
There are many great ways to connect with travel nurses. Online forums and social media groups are a great way to connect with travelers who can provide insight, advice, and support. Becoming a traveler may be a nerve-wracking jump for some, but ultimately, it is a very rewarding one!
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