For the most part, the requirements for becoming a travel nurse and a typical registered nurse tend to overlap. However, a few key differences make it one of the more complex career paths for nurses. You may need to apply for a license in your destination or attain or renew certifications as a healthcare practitioner. Plus, standard certifications are still required, such as ACLS or BLS certifications. If being a travel nurse sounds like the career path for you, here’s everything you need to know.
What Is a Travel Nurse?
A travel nurse works for a nurse staffing agency instead of working directly for a hospital, health care facility, or doctor’s office. As the name suggests, travel nurses are sent where they’re needed most. You might work locally, nationally, or internationally, depending on your preferences and the available jobs. You can be a generalist or a specialist. You might be working a neonatal job just long enough to learn the routine and then need to help out in an emergency department. As a result, these changes can make it harder to progress in your career.
Education Requirements
To work as a traveling nurse, you will need to have a degree, much like a typical nurse. You can have either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), though many travel nurse agencies prefer four-year degrees. Agencies also usually want nurses with work experience, so expect to have at least two years under your belt before applying to be a travel nurse.
Where Do You Need to Be Licensed?
Some licenses and certifications, such as the certification for completing an ACLS course, are accepted everywhere. Your actual license, however, may or may not carry over to your destination. First, you will need a license in the state where you have your permanent residence. The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) means that in 39 states, that is all you need. Unfortunately, not all states are members of the NLC, and you may need a state-specific license before you can start your new job. Some states offer fast-track temporary licenses that can help streamline the process for travel nurses.
Keep Up with Your Certifications
You will need to maintain all your normal certifications, just like a typical RN. For example, you will need to take a BLS class and a separate ACLS class every two years. Beyond these requirements, you won’t need any specific travel nurse certifications. To be competitive in the field, you may want nationally recognized certifications, such as Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN) or Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) certifications. These can help you qualify for more jobs.
Career Prospects
Because you will be working in a variety of nursing positions, the salary for travel nurses spans a wide range. In general, you will make more than the average RN, though this may not actually reflect your take-home pay or total compensation. You can also expect extra expenses, such as temporary housing at your destination. You may only get benefits from your agency, such as health insurance, while on assignment. If you take time off between jobs, that means you may need to pay for your own insurance. However, nurses are always in demand. Agencies often send travel nurses where there are nursing shortages, such as areas that have experienced a natural disaster. If you’re confident about your ability to work in these conditions, you can always find work.
About Cascade Training Solutions
Cascade Training Solutions teaches more than 100,000 students to save lives each year. As an authorized provider of various healthcare and workplace safety curricula, they offer over 25 nationally validated certification courses at their seven training centers. From advanced life-saving techniques to basic workplace safety, they provide healthcare organizations, public safety agencies, individuals, and corporate entities with the essential resuscitation, compliance, and safety training they need to operate smoothly. Plus, their courses are an excellent strategy for advancing your healthcare career. Whether you are a multi-state organization looking for a complete education and compliance program or an individual who needs specific certifications, Cascade Training Solutions offers cost-effective, patient care-focused solutions you can trust.
Earn or renew your ACLS and other certifications to advance your nursing career at https://www.cascadetraining.com/
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