There are many benefits to travel nursing, but the first assignment can be daunting. The schedule for travel nurses is usually unpredictable, so if you’re looking to spend some time with your family or significant other, it’s best to choose an assignment close to home. The assignment will often allow you to bring your pet or significant other with you, but the housing and living arrangements are subject to change. Travel nurses must consider the following factors before committing to a travel nursing assignment.
Nursing credentials vary depending on the position and employer. While a BSN is a common prerequisite for many travel nursing jobs, some require an Associate of Nursing Degree, or ADN. ADN programs are typically two years long and require at least a high school diploma or GED. They will also teach you the basics of nursing, including patient education, basic evidence-based practice, communication skills, and clinical hours. Most travel nurse positions will also require additional certifications, including advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), and neonatal care.
A travel nursing assignment will give you the opportunity to switch specialty. While some assignments are geared toward nurses who are looking for a change, some travel nursing contracts are geared towards float nurses. These nurses will move from department to department, unit to unit, based on staffing requirements. This gives them exposure to different areas and can help them decide on a specialty later on. Regardless of your specialty, you can still enjoy a variety of work experiences and the variety of environments.
Working in a different state is another benefit of travel nursing. Many hospitals and healthcare organizations are struggling to staff their departments and often find themselves in need of an RN. A travel nurse can be the perfect solution to fill a short-term gap, while some may find permanent employment at a hospital in another state. Some travel nurses even work at local hospitals, filling an unfilled position. The opportunities are numerous, and many are flexible, offering flexible hours and competitive pay.
Although travel nurses are not required to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), many hospitals are starting to require BSNs for permanent positions. However, this trend has not yet transferred to travel nursing. However, if the focus on quality continues, a BSN will no doubt be a prerequisite for a permanent position. That is an unavoidable trend. The demand for advanced education in nursing will only continue to grow. The future is bright for nurses.
A travel nurse needs to have a nursing license. RN licenses are required for most positions. A compact nursing license is also useful for many positions as it allows nurses to work in different states. You must earn your degree from an accredited school and pass the NCLEX examination to be licensed. In addition, many positions will require background checks. Regardless of the license, you’ll need to be aware of your state’s requirements for recertification.
