While the nurses we encounter in clinics or hospitals are undoubtedly exceptional caregivers, what about those living in different cities? This is where the unique role of a travel nurse comes into play. Have you considered the thrill of being a travel nurse? It’s the same job, but with a twist-new experiences and the opportunity to support communities in need. If you’re a nurse seeking a new adventure, better pay, and the excitement of aiding communities in need, travel nursing is the perfect fit for you. This blog will guide you through the travel nurse career option, detailing how to kickstart your career in the healthcare industry.
What Is a Travel Nurse?
Before we discuss a career, let’s start with the basics and understand what a travel nurse is. A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who takes temporary assignments in different locations—locally, regionally, or even nationwide. These nurses fill staffing shortages in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
The demand can be due to:
- Seasonal surges (like flu season)
- Nurse shortages
- Staff on leave or maternity
- Emergencies or natural disasters
Why Travel Nursing Is More Than Just a Job?
Embrace the Adventure - As a travel nurse, you are not tied to one hospital or location; instead, you will be immersed in the diverse cultures and landscapes of multiple cities, depending on the need. This variety and unpredictability are what make travel nursing an exciting and adventurous career choice. The thrill of exploring new places and meeting new people is a significant part of the travel nursing experience, promising a journey filled with excitement and new experiences.
Continuous Learning - Travel nurses are constantly adapting, handling diverse medical conditions, and thriving in high-pressure environments. This constant learning and growth make them highly valuable and deeply experienced professionals, always ready for the next challenge. The opportunity for continuous learning and personal development is a significant aspect of the travel nursing profession, promising a career path filled with new knowledge and experiences.
Empowerment through Flexibility - As a travel nurse, you have the independence to choose where and when to work. This freedom and flexibility empower you to design a career that fits your lifestyle and personal preferences. The flexibility and control over your career path are significant advantages of the travel nursing profession, allowing you to shape your career according to your needs and preferences.
Service with Purpose - Most travel nurses are required to work in underprivileged or high-need communities. While this might seem challenging, it’s important to note that your skills become the epitome of their requirements. You’ll not only be providing much-needed Care, but you’ll also be making a significant difference in these communities.
Step-by-Step: How to Start Your Career as a Travel Nurse
So, are you passionate about becoming a Travel nurse? Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve your dream job.
Get Your Nursing Credentials
To qualify for travel nursing positions, you must be:
- A Registered Nurse (RN) with an active license.
- In most cases, have at least one year of clinical experience in your speciality (ER, ICU, Med-Surg, etc.).
- Up-to-date on BLS, ACLS, and other required certifications.
Tip: While you can be a travel nurse as an LPN or CNA in specific settings, RNs are in the highest demand and enjoy the most opportunities.
Decide Your Speciality
Travel nursing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Pick a speciality you love and want to grow in. The most in-demand areas include:
- Emergency Room (ER)
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
- Medical-Surgical (Med-Surg)
- Labor & Delivery
- Telemetry
- Pediatrics
Specializing enhances your job prospects and increases your potential earnings.
Find a Trusted Travel Nurse Agency
Now that you have attained your speciality degree as well, it is time to hit the road, but for you to do this, you must get hold of an employment agency, which can help you find the best opportunity and also help you prepare you for the job and interview as well.
Get Your Paperwork in Order
Before you hit the road, make sure your professional documents are ready:
- Active RN license (apply for a multi-state license if you’re part of the NLC – Nurse Licensure Compact)
- Updated resume
- Skills checklist
- Immunization records
- Background check
- Certification cards
Choose Your Assignment
When choosing an assignment, consider factors such as location, facility type, shift schedule, and compensation package to find the best opportunity for you. Also, negotiate aspects such as housing or accommodation, safety, and commuting arrangements, among others, to ensure you have a comfortable and safe working environment.
How can EmpowerCare help you?
If you’re ready to take the next step in your travel nursing journey, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you in your career as a travel nurse. Here’s why competent travel nurses choose EmpowerCare as their job partner:
Job Match Guarantee – We align your goals with open positions
Dedicated Recruiters – Real humans helping you every step
Competitive Pay Packages – Base pay, stipends, and bonuses
Credentialing Support – We handle the paperwork headaches
Flexible Contracts – Choose short-term, long-term, or per diem
Focus on Community Health – We prioritise impactful placements
Final Thought
Being a nurse inspires you, but you’ve been thinking about flexibility, not being fixated on being associated with one hospital, and you want to give more to the community. Then, a Travel Nurse is the job for you. This guide will help you prepare and select the right courses for the job by connecting with a reputable agency, such as EmpowerCare, which can assist you in preparing for the interview and securing the best possible next opportunity. By becoming a travel nurse, you have the independence to choose your location and where you want to work. However, remember that you need at least one year of experience as a nurse to secure your first travel nursing job. With EmpowerCare, you’re never navigating this path alone. From your first application to your final shift—and every mile in between—we’re here to empower your purpose.