Have you ever wondered what it would be like to explore the world while doing the job you love? If you’re a nurse looking to combine adventure with your healthcare career, becoming a traveling nurse could be the answer. With flexible schedules, the chance to experience different healthcare settings, and opportunities to work in various states and cities, travel nursing offers an exciting and rewarding career path. In this blog post, our Junxion Med Staffing team will walk you through the essential steps to become a travel nurse and answer some of the most common questions on how to become a traveling nurse. We’ll cover everything from the qualifications to be a travel nurse to the time it takes to get started.
1. Understand the Basics of How to Become a Traveling Nurse
The first step to becoming a travel nurse is understanding the role itself. A travel nurse is a healthcare professional who works for staffing agencies and fills temporary assignments at hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. These assignments can last anywhere from 8 to 26 weeks, depending on the facility’s needs.
The beauty of how to become a traveling nurse is the freedom it offers. You can choose the locations where you want to work from travel nursing in Hawaii to nurse traveling Colorado options, and the specialties you want to explore. Whether it’s working in an ICU, maternity ward, or emergency department, every assignment presents new challenges and experiences.
What Do I Need to Start Travel Nursing?
To get started in travel nursing, you must first meet the basic travel nurse qualifications. This includes being a licensed RN with at least one to two years of experience in your chosen specialty. If you already meet these qualifications, you’re ready to move on to the next step!
Check out our License Guide here!
2. How to Become a Traveling Nurse: Meet the Qualifications
Now that you know the basics, it’s time to tackle how to become a traveling nurse. While the requirements to become a traveling nurse are similar to those of a regular nurse, there are a few additional steps involved.
Travel Nurse Education: What You Need to Become a Traveling Nurse
One of the primary requirements to become a traveling nurse is completing an accredited nursing program. You’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and become a registered nurse. Some nurses choose to pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which typically takes two years to complete, while others opt for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which takes about four years.
Here are the two main educational paths for aspiring travel nurses:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Takes approximately 2 years to complete and allows you to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Takes approximately 4 years to complete and offers more advanced education, making you a more competitive candidate for specialized roles and travel nurse assignments.
Both paths lead to the same RN license, but choosing a BSN may increase your chances of landing specialized assignments and can open up more career opportunities as you grow in your nursing career.
How Many Years of School to Be a Travel Nurse?
The time it takes to become a travel nurse depends on which educational path you choose. If you opt for an ADN, you can complete your nursing education in as little as 2 years. However, if you decide to pursue a BSN, expect to spend about 4 years in school. Either way, becoming a travel nurse is an investment in your future, as it offers greater flexibility and opportunities for career advancement.
What Training Is Required to Be a Travel Nurse?
In addition to your RN license and experience, you’ll need to maintain up-to-date certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS). Some specialties may require additional certifications, such as Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) or Critical Care Nurse (CCRN), which can make you more competitive for certain assignments.
Here’s a list of common certifications that may be required or preferred for travel nurses depending on your specialty:
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) for neonatal nurses
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) for pediatric nurses
- Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) for emergency department nurses
- Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN) for ICU nurses
- Advanced Trauma Care for Nurses (ATCN) for trauma nurses
- Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) for surgical nurses
By obtaining these relevant certifications, you not only become more marketable but also ensure you’re ready to face the challenges of different assignments.
Contact us today if you have remaining questions regarding training or experience.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Key Qualities for Travel Nurses
As a travel nurse, you will need more than just technical skills; you must be highly adaptable and flexible. Because you’ll be moving from facility to facility, you’ll encounter different work cultures, hospital policies, and patient populations. Your ability to quickly adapt to new environments is crucial for success in travel nursing.
3. Gain the Necessary Experience and Certification
You might be asking, how long does it take to become a travel nurse? The answer varies, but on average, it can take anywhere from 3 to 6 years. This timeline includes completing your nursing education, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and gaining the experience required to work as a travel nurse. While education is essential, experience is key to thriving in the fast-paced, ever-changing world of travel nursing.
How Much Experience Do You Need?
Most healthcare facilities require travel nurses to have at least 1 to 2 years of experience working in their specialty before they are eligible for an assignment. This is important because travel nurses are expected to step into a new facility and start providing care with minimal orientation, often in a short period. The more experience you have, the more confident you’ll be in adapting to new environments and handling the variety of challenges that come with different medical settings.
4. Apply to a Travel Nurse Agency
Once you’ve met the requirements to become a travel nurse, it’s time to apply to a travel nursing agency. A travel nurse agency is a staffing organization that connects travel nurses with healthcare facilities in need of temporary staffing. Here at Junxion Med Staffing, we specialize in matching qualified nurses with hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers that are looking for short-term assistance. We understand that each nurse has unique goals, and our team works closely with you to find assignments that align with your preferences, whether it’s location, specialty, or contract length.
Steps to Become a Travel Nurse: Finding the Right Agency
When you sign up with us, our dedicated recruiters will help you navigate the application process and explain how to become a traveling nurse. We’ll support you throughout your journey, ensuring you feel confident about each assignment.
After you’ve completed your application and provided us with your resume, certifications, and any relevant documentation, we’ll work with hospitals and healthcare facilities to secure an assignment that’s a perfect fit for you. From there, we’ll walk you through any additional paperwork, credentialing requirements, and orientation that may be required for each facility.
Travel Nurse Agencies
Once you’re registered with Junxion Med Staffing, we’ll handle the hard work of matching you with the right opportunity. This may involve submitting your resume to hospitals, completing interviews, and preparing you for interviews or further testing, depending on the assignment. After you’re hired, you’ll typically sign a contract for 13 weeks, though assignments can sometimes be extended based on the needs of the healthcare facility.
5. Start Your Travel Nurse Career
Once you’ve completed all the previous steps and have learnt how to become a traveling nurse, you’re ready to embark on your journey as a travel nurse! The excitement of being a travel nurse is unparalleled.
You’ll have the opportunity to explore new cities, work in various healthcare settings, and continue growing in your field—all while enjoying a competitive salary, housing stipends, and the flexibility that comes with being a travel nurse.
FAQs About How to Become a Traveling Nurse
What are the requirements for travel nursing?
To become a travel nurse, you need a valid RN license, at least 1-2 years of experience, and certifications like BLS and ACLS. A flexible mindset is also key for adapting to new environments.
How long does it take to become a travel nurse?
It typically takes 3 to 6 years, including nursing school, passing the NCLEX-RN, and gaining 1-2 years of clinical experience.
How do you become a travel nurse?
You’ll need to complete nursing school, pass the NCLEX-RN, gain experience, and then apply to a travel nursing agency like Junxion Med Staffing to secure your first assignment.
What training is required to be a travel nurse?
You must complete nursing school and pass the NCLEX-RN, along with maintaining certifications like BLS and ACLS. Additional certifications such as PALS, CEN, or CCRN can increase your competitiveness.
What are the benefits of working with Junxion Med Staffing?
We offer personalized support, competitive pay, housing stipends, and assist with every step of the process—from credentialing to securing your assignment.
Can I work with multiple travel nursing agencies?
Yes, but working with Junxion Med Staffing allows us to understand your preferences and provide more personalized support to secure the right opportunities.
Do I need a compact nursing license to work as a travel nurse?
A compact license is helpful, but not required. If your assignment is outside the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), we’ll assist you with obtaining the necessary state license.
Can I travel with my family or pets?
Yes! We can help find housing options that accommodate your family or pets while on assignment.
How do I find housing for my assignment?
We offer housing stipends and can help you find accommodations such as furnished apartments, corporate housing, or extended stay hotels. You can also opt for roommate arrangements to reduce costs.
Check out our Employee Resources for more information on housing stipends & other benefits.
How do travel nurse assignments work?
Assignments generally last 13 weeks but can be extended. You can choose locations and specialties, and agencies like Junxion Med Staffing will match you with the best opportunities based on your preferences.
Do I need experience in my specialty before becoming a travel nurse?
Yes, most agencies require at least 1-2 years of clinical experience in your specialty before you start applying for travel nursing positions.
Can I get contract extensions during my travel nurse assignments?
Yes, many travel nurses extend their contracts based on job satisfaction and facility needs. Communicate with your recruiter about your preferences.
Becoming a Travel Nurse: Your Adventure Awaits!
Becoming a traveling nurse is an exciting and rewarding journey that combines the best of both worlds—nursing and adventure. With the right education, experience, and certifications, you can unlock opportunities to explore new locations, work in diverse healthcare settings, and enjoy the flexibility that comes with the travel nursing lifestyle.
Here at Junxion Med Staffing, we’re committed to helping you every step of the way. Whether it’s learning how to become a traveling nurse, finding the right assignment, securing housing, or navigating licensure requirements, we’re here to ensure your success. If you’re ready to take your nursing career on the road, don’t wait— apply for a position of interest today!
Have remaining questions about how to become a traveling nurse? Check out our FAQs page!
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