5 answers
5
Asked 730 views

What type of training do I have to do to become a travel nurse?

Do I have to be a nurse for awhile before I become a travel nurse?

nursing medicine nurse
Answer This

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you
5

5 answers

1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Tamia’s Answer

Hi Kathy! To become a travel nurse, it's best to have at least 1-2 years of nursing experience. The exact time depends on the specialty you choose. For instance, I work in the NICU and had 2.5 years of experience before becoming a travel nurse. I waited until I felt confident in my NICU skills. Most hospitals hiring travel nurses expect you to have experience and know the basic skills for your specialty. So, take your time, choose a specialty you enjoy, and learn as much as you can before starting travel nursing. I hope this helps, and feel free to ask if you have more questions!
1
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Carmen’s Answer

I started my first travel assignment after three years in the ICU. Agencies have different experience requirements, sometimes as little as 9 months for certain spots. However, it's important to be skilled and confident in your current role before you start traveling. This might take a year or more, but you'll know when you're ready. Travel nursing offers great opportunities! If you're interested, focus on gaining solid experience and sharpening your skills, then take the leap.

According to the American Nurses Association, website: ""Expect to spend at least two years working as an RN before you start applying for travel nursing positions. Personally, you'll need to be even more flexible than a standard RN – you'll be changing environments frequently. It's crucial to be able to adapt quickly."
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Susana’s Answer

To become a travel nurse, you must first become a registered nurse (RN) and gain some clinical experience before taking on travel nursing assignments. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the necessary training and requirements:

1. Earn a Nursing Degree
You need to complete one of the following nursing programs:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) (takes about 2 years)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) (takes about 4 years)
Many hospitals and healthcare agencies prefer BSN-prepared nurses, especially for travel nursing roles.

2. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
Once you graduate, you must pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) to obtain your RN license.

3. Gain Nursing Experience (1-2 Years)
Most travel nursing agencies require at least 1-2 years of experience in a specialized area such as:

Medical-Surgical (Med-Surg)
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Emergency Room (ER)
Labor & Delivery (L&D)
Pediatrics, etc.
Gaining experience in high-demand specialties increases your job opportunities and salary as a travel nurse.

4. Obtain Certifications (Optional but Recommended)
While not always required, certain certifications can boost your credentials and marketability. Some common ones include:

Basic Life Support (BLS)
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) (for ICU, ER, or Cardiac nurses)
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) (for pediatric nurses)
Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) (for ER nurses)
5. Get Licensed in Multiple States (Compact License)
If you live in a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, your RN license allows you to work in multiple states without applying for individual licenses. Otherwise, you may need to get additional licenses for states where you plan to work.

6. Apply with a Travel Nursing Agency
Once you have experience, you can start applying to travel nursing agencies that will match you with assignments. Some top agencies include:

Aya Healthcare
Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA)
AMN Healthcare
Flex Care Medical Staffing
7. Start Your Travel Nurse Assignments!
Once you secure a contract, the agency will handle housing, travel arrangements, and licensing requirements so you can focus on your job.

Do You Have to Be a Nurse for a While Before Becoming a Travel Nurse?
Yes. Most travel nursing agencies require at least 1-2 years of RN experience before they consider you for assignments. This is because travel nurses must adapt quickly to new hospital settings with little training.

If you want to travel sooner, consider starting as a per diem nurse (short-term contracts) or look for new grad residency programs that prepare nurses for travel roles.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

James’s Answer

I have worked with many travel nurses during my career. All of them worked in one hospital for at least a year or two before becoming a travel nurse. Although much of nursing practice is fairly standardized across our country, there are local differences, so feeling solid in your knowledge and skills while retaining flexibility and the desire to learn from new experiences is ideal.
I also suggest looking into international nursing. I have friends in the UCSF Global Nursing program, and they get much joy from doing that work.
Best of luck to you.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

sanjay’s Answer

Hello Kathy in job of travel nurse you must have atleast 2years of experience and basic knowledge of CPR and first aid is required. U must have the knowledge of intra fussion therapy required. Always follow the rules of service to animals.U must know the symptoms and behaviour of animals, when you have all the qualities you join the team
0