How to Become a Travel Nurse

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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing jobs are in high demand, with an expected 15 percent increase by the year 2026. This rapid growth reflects a nursing shortage that exists across the country. For individuals who want to do their part to fill this gap while simultaneously seeing the world, a position in travel nursing might be a perfect fit.

What is a travel nurse?

Travel nurses are licensed nurses who fill short-term needs of a specific health care facility for a certain length of time. Common employers include hospitals, private practices and clinics. Their work periods can range from a few months to more than a year. Because their profession is in such high demand, travel nurses often have the freedom to choose from a number of work environments and job locations.

What are the responsibilities of a travel nurse?

Those who work in travel nursing often specialize in certain nursing areas, something which provides them with increased competitiveness in the marketplace. These areas can include intensive care nursing, emergency room nursing, labor and delivery, operating room nursing and telemetry nursing.

Beyond this, the responsibilities of a travel nurse are similar to any other nursing professional. Travel nurses coordinate patient care, provide health interventions, run tests, work with families, administer treatments and a range of other duties. They must possess excellent organizational and communication skills, as well as physical stamina and emotional stability.

How do I become a travel nurse?

While nursing positions are abundant, many current nursing professionals are unsure of the steps they need to take to enter this unique role in health care. Becoming a travel nurse means doing the following:

  • Earn your BSN. Today’s health care industry increasingly demands that nursing professionals take the next step in their education by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Earning an RN–BSN degree helps you expand your health care knowledge and enhance your skills in the workplace.
  • Gain work experience. You generally need a minimum of one year in a position to become a travel nurse.
  • Earn a certification in a specialty. Specialty nurses are often in higher demand, and their expertise can open more career opportunities.
  • Make sure you are ready. Travel nursing is exciting, but it is a challenge not everyone wants. Truly consider if you are ready to live a consistent life of travel.
  • Find a recruiter. If you decide you are ready, get started! Health care recruiters connect nursing professionals to job opportunities and place them in their desired roles. Seek one to help you find your first job and begin an exciting new career.

Earn your RN to BSN Online

If you love helping others, seeing the world and want the opportunity to constantly grow in your career, travel nursing may be the career change you need. An online RN–BSN degree provides an ideal foundation to begin your journey.

Designed for working nurses who want to finish their bachelor’s degree, this program offered at Notre Dame College Online enables graduates to compete in the job market and gain skills they need for greater career success. Because the program is offered in a fully digital format, it easily fits the scheduling needs of working adults.