How to Begin a Career in Travel Nursing as a Registered Nurse (RN)

Travel nursing offers an exciting opportunity for registered nurses (RNs) to expand their career horizons and gain valuable experience outside traditional hospital settings. For those with 1-3 years of inpatient clinical experience, traveling nursing can be a fulfilling and lucrative career choice. This article will guide you through the process of becoming a travel nurse and highlight key considerations.

Getting Started

To begin your career in travel nursing, it is essential to have a minimum of 1-3 years of experience as a registered nurse in a clinical setting. This experience serves as a solid foundation to handle the diverse patient loads and challenging environments that travel nursing often entails.

Finding the Right Company

Once you have the required experience, you can start looking for travel nursing companies. These companies can be numerous and very persistent in finding qualified nurses. Many nurses start their journey by visiting websites such as NurseFinders, NursingCareers, and Some popular travel nursing companies include NurseFinders, NursingSpecialists, and

Contacting Recruiters

The next step is to contact a recruiter at one of these companies. They will assist you in sending your updated resume and discussing the available positions. You should be prepared to provide:

Your educational background and licensing status Your years of experience and specialties A detailed description of your skills and strengths Your preferred locations and lengths of contracts

Recruiters will get in touch with you to discuss specific job opportunities and guide you through the application process.

Career Highlights and Challenges

Travel nursing offers several perks, including:

High pay due to the heavier workload and difficult patients Flexible working conditions and the potential to work with different healthcare facilities The chance to expand your professional network and gain diverse clinical experience

However, there are also challenges to consider:

Heavier patient loads that require quick adaptation to new environments Minimal orientation and fewer preceptors, leading to a more independent role Varying living conditions, from shared housing to single accommodations Potential isolation as a traveling nurse, especially when you are not familiar with the local community

Interviewing Tips and Advice

Before applying for travel nursing positions, it is important to:

Review the company's mission and values Research the hospital or clinic where you will be working Ensure you have the necessary licenses and certifications for the role Be prepared to discuss your clinical experience and how it aligns with the job requirements Prepare a list of questions to ask the recruiter and potential employers

Additionally, be ready to adapt quickly to new environments and working conditions. Some travel nurses find it helpful to bring essential resources like a portable workstation, personal toiletries, and a smartphone with communication tools.

Conclusion

While the road to travel nursing can be challenging, it offers exciting opportunities for growth and professional fulfillment. With the right preparation, you can navigate the demands of travel nursing and build a successful career.