4 answers
Della-Rae
Student
Vancouver, Washington
1
Question
Updated
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My name is Della-Rae and I have always had an interest in both adventure and travel, along with the general look upon being somewhere in the medical field. With this, my dream is to become an International Traveling Registered Nurse. My problem is I have no idea where to even start. I know I unfortunately have a late start, due to the fact that I have not applied to any colleges what so ever yet, let alone have any idea what programs I need to complete in order to start my career... But i'm willing to start here and now, and seek the advice I need literally anywhere that I can get it! If you have any advice that can help me, please reach out to me via this website or even through email, Thank you so much! #InternationalNursing #RN #Travel #NursingPrograms #WhereToStartInNursing
Hello,
Looking on where to start in my career. My desire is become and International Traveling Registered Nurse. I don't even know where to start with schooling, like what programs to start with, who to talk to, etc. If you are someone who is currently in, associated with, or familiar with someone who is in the career path of an International Traveling Registered Nurse, any of your advice would be extremely helpful and appreciated! Thank you so much, - Della-Rae
#InternationalNursing #RN #Travel #NursingPrograms #WhereToStartInNursing
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1348
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Della-Rae there is more than one path you can take to become a licensed, registered nurse (RN). The different options of schooling for registered nurses can take from 2-4 years, but it can be worthwhile since the RN field is estimated to grow much faster than the national average in the near future. RNs entering the field can hold a nursing diploma, associate's, or bachelor's degree. If you want to earn a bachelor's degree, you will typically need to complete 120 credits, whereas an associate's degree is usually around 60 credits. The level of education determines the answer to 'how long does it take to become a nurse?'. Diploma programs may be offered through hospitals or medical facilities and may take 1 to 3 years to complete, depending on the program. Associate's degree programs in nursing may take 18 months to 2 years to complete, while BSN programs typically take 4 years to complete. All of this education helps prepare aspiring RNs to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) in order to obtain their state license.
NURSING EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN NURSING
Many registered nurses enter the profession by earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). ADN programs are available at community and vocational colleges and typically last 2-3 years. They combine classroom instruction with hands-on training in hospitals, clinics or other healthcare settings.
• BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Aspiring registered nurses may choose to gain more comprehensive training by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs who hold diplomas or associate degrees tend to pursue bachelor's degrees later in their careers. BSN programs focus on more advanced nursing methodology and clinical training, compared to lower-level degree programs.
• LICENSING
Following successful completion of any of the above degrees, you’ll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in order to apply for a nursing license in the U.S. After that, you’ll also need to secure any additional credentials that your travel country requires if you’re planning to pursue travel nursing positions abroad. This could mean simply taking a test, gaining certification, or completing an entirely new program. You might also need to take a test proving you can speak in the primary language of that country. Keep in mind that this also applies to English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Even if English is your native language, you’ll need to take the English language tests required of all international work visa applications.
TRAVEL NURSE ABROAD REQUIREMENTS
As with travel nursing in the U.S., international nursing jobs are typically found through agencies within their home countries. You must first be licensed to work as a nurse in the U.S. Then you must meet any requirements in the country or countries in which you’d like to work. Each country will have its own guidelines, so it will be up to you to do the research Della-Rae. While travel nursing assignments in the U.S. typically last between 8-26 weeks, nursing jobs abroad are often longer. You’ll likely work for at least a year in destinations like Australia and Europe, while it’s common to commit to at least 2-years while working in the Middle East.
Hope this was helpful Della-Rae
You’ll then need to make sure you have a passport, a visa, a work permit, and any sponsorship that’s necessary. Each country will also have their own list of other documentation you need to present, such as your birth certificate, immunization records, and professional references. Plus, some countries will ask to see your transcripts to verify your education against their standards.
NURSING EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN NURSING
Many registered nurses enter the profession by earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). ADN programs are available at community and vocational colleges and typically last 2-3 years. They combine classroom instruction with hands-on training in hospitals, clinics or other healthcare settings.
• BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Aspiring registered nurses may choose to gain more comprehensive training by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs who hold diplomas or associate degrees tend to pursue bachelor's degrees later in their careers. BSN programs focus on more advanced nursing methodology and clinical training, compared to lower-level degree programs.
• LICENSING
Following successful completion of any of the above degrees, you’ll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in order to apply for a nursing license in the U.S. After that, you’ll also need to secure any additional credentials that your travel country requires if you’re planning to pursue travel nursing positions abroad. This could mean simply taking a test, gaining certification, or completing an entirely new program. You might also need to take a test proving you can speak in the primary language of that country. Keep in mind that this also applies to English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Even if English is your native language, you’ll need to take the English language tests required of all international work visa applications.
TRAVEL NURSE ABROAD REQUIREMENTS
As with travel nursing in the U.S., international nursing jobs are typically found through agencies within their home countries. You must first be licensed to work as a nurse in the U.S. Then you must meet any requirements in the country or countries in which you’d like to work. Each country will have its own guidelines, so it will be up to you to do the research Della-Rae. While travel nursing assignments in the U.S. typically last between 8-26 weeks, nursing jobs abroad are often longer. You’ll likely work for at least a year in destinations like Australia and Europe, while it’s common to commit to at least 2-years while working in the Middle East.
Hope this was helpful Della-Rae
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Sanober Charania
Registered Nurse (RN)
73
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Sanober’s Answer
Hi Della-Rae!
International travel nursing sounds like a great area for you to pursue! In order to achieve that goal, you must first attend and graduate from a nursing program, become a licensed RN, and have a couple of years of experience as a nurse. Once you have that, you can apply to be a travel nurse through agencies: Aya healthcare, Emerald Health Services, Fusion, Cross Country Nursing are the popular agencies that staff travel nurses. Once you apply to a position in a state of your choice on one of their websites, a recruiter will reach out to you to verify your credentials and walk you through the next steps.
I hope this helps :)
Sanober
International travel nursing sounds like a great area for you to pursue! In order to achieve that goal, you must first attend and graduate from a nursing program, become a licensed RN, and have a couple of years of experience as a nurse. Once you have that, you can apply to be a travel nurse through agencies: Aya healthcare, Emerald Health Services, Fusion, Cross Country Nursing are the popular agencies that staff travel nurses. Once you apply to a position in a state of your choice on one of their websites, a recruiter will reach out to you to verify your credentials and walk you through the next steps.
I hope this helps :)
Sanober
Virginia Fleischman MSHA BSN RN ASN CCM CMCN
2
Answers
Updated
Virginia’s Answer
Hello again Dell-RA. I see you are in WA state and the nursing compact situation in your state is pending NLC legislation. Even Guam enacted this and so if you want to go there as a fully licensed RN with the compact license you can. See the link here for all the details. https://rnnetwork.com/blog/nurse-licensure-compact-update/ BTW the RN network is a cool place to look at all sorts of nursing subjects and ideas. Take care. Virginia Fleischman MSHA BSN RN ASN CCM CMCN
Virginia Fleischman MSHA BSN RN ASN CCM CMCN
2
Answers
Updated
Virginia’s Answer
Hello. I see that you have received several good answers. I might add it is never too late to start. I went to nursing right out of high school but dropped out , had children and moved around. I returned later and graduated with an ASN at 27 yo and then got my BSN at 35 yo. Got my MSHA in 2018 and currently working on MSN to be a psych NP. I will be 68 in September.
A good frugal way to go as I did is the 2 year associate degree program. Check out graduation rate and board pass rates with all schools. Many have articulation agreements with the 4 year school to accept all credits. I lucked out with BSN school and got one that had a weekend program. I also did with my MSN as found a totally all online program. Also many employers will assist with school expenses in exchange for working for them for a prescribed program. Also to school decide which one want to apply to. As to the community college or any one if you are definitely set on it and there is a waiting list find out what the non-nursing courses like the sciences are and take them while waiting as will be less pressure when go to nursing school.
Nurses are in great demand especially in the era of COVID-19. As to travel nursing, I would suggest that if you want to do that you would be advised to post graduation do medical surgical nursing. Actually all nurses should do this for a period of time post graduation as it qualifies one to deal with all sorts of ailments.
I found an excellent article from Herzing University on becoming a travel nurse https://www.herzing.edu/become/travel-nurse The seven steps covered included:
1. Considering if a travel nurse is right for you. Look at that and get some ideas. It describes the usual things travel nurses do. As it says if you desire new experiences , to meet new people, visit new areas, and gain understanding of healthcare in other communities this could be the right move.
2. Earn you’re ASN/AND or BSN degree-this article describes all that.
3. Pass the NCLEX and become a RN. These are the nursing boards and you are a Graduate nurse till you pass and then you are a RN.
4. Gain experience in your specialization. The average RN has to have a BLS as a rule. It is advisable as I have learned to have several years of medical surgical experience when you graduate as a foundation for your career. After that can decide what specialty area you want to be in. Many have certification exam. I am a case manager but worked in Med-Surg, rehab, geri psych, LTC, pediatrics, HH, corrections and now Managed care. I work at home doing telephonic case management.
5. Apply for a compact license. Most states but not all are in the compact. If yours is, you can work in the other compact states and your state’s license will be accepted. It is great for travel nursing and the only issue would be getting a license through a non-compact state if needed.
6. Find a travel nurse staffing agency and apply. This is once you are educated, got your license, have nursing experience and credentials and all are in place. There are resources to find the right one-rating services, lead generator, referrals, and can join a professional nursing site. Linkedin is a good networking site also. I would say to contact those travel agencies now yourself pre RN and find out what you need to do so you will be ready once graduated.
7. Get ready for your travel nurse career to take off!
The rest of the articles talks about salaries and the like.
Good luck and hope you reach your dream. Take care. Virginia Fleischman MSHA BSN RN ASN CCM CMCN
A good frugal way to go as I did is the 2 year associate degree program. Check out graduation rate and board pass rates with all schools. Many have articulation agreements with the 4 year school to accept all credits. I lucked out with BSN school and got one that had a weekend program. I also did with my MSN as found a totally all online program. Also many employers will assist with school expenses in exchange for working for them for a prescribed program. Also to school decide which one want to apply to. As to the community college or any one if you are definitely set on it and there is a waiting list find out what the non-nursing courses like the sciences are and take them while waiting as will be less pressure when go to nursing school.
Nurses are in great demand especially in the era of COVID-19. As to travel nursing, I would suggest that if you want to do that you would be advised to post graduation do medical surgical nursing. Actually all nurses should do this for a period of time post graduation as it qualifies one to deal with all sorts of ailments.
I found an excellent article from Herzing University on becoming a travel nurse https://www.herzing.edu/become/travel-nurse The seven steps covered included:
1. Considering if a travel nurse is right for you. Look at that and get some ideas. It describes the usual things travel nurses do. As it says if you desire new experiences , to meet new people, visit new areas, and gain understanding of healthcare in other communities this could be the right move.
2. Earn you’re ASN/AND or BSN degree-this article describes all that.
3. Pass the NCLEX and become a RN. These are the nursing boards and you are a Graduate nurse till you pass and then you are a RN.
4. Gain experience in your specialization. The average RN has to have a BLS as a rule. It is advisable as I have learned to have several years of medical surgical experience when you graduate as a foundation for your career. After that can decide what specialty area you want to be in. Many have certification exam. I am a case manager but worked in Med-Surg, rehab, geri psych, LTC, pediatrics, HH, corrections and now Managed care. I work at home doing telephonic case management.
5. Apply for a compact license. Most states but not all are in the compact. If yours is, you can work in the other compact states and your state’s license will be accepted. It is great for travel nursing and the only issue would be getting a license through a non-compact state if needed.
6. Find a travel nurse staffing agency and apply. This is once you are educated, got your license, have nursing experience and credentials and all are in place. There are resources to find the right one-rating services, lead generator, referrals, and can join a professional nursing site. Linkedin is a good networking site also. I would say to contact those travel agencies now yourself pre RN and find out what you need to do so you will be ready once graduated.
7. Get ready for your travel nurse career to take off!
The rest of the articles talks about salaries and the like.
Good luck and hope you reach your dream. Take care. Virginia Fleischman MSHA BSN RN ASN CCM CMCN