Thinking about taking your nursing career on the road? Whether you’ve been in the field for years or you’re still figuring out how to start travel nursing, this guide’s got you covered. From qualifications and licensing to finding the right recruiter and taking off on your first assignment, we’re walking you through it all—step by step.
Wondering what life’s really like out there? Our healthcare traveler blogs share experiences from real nurses who’ve been in your shoes, from NICUs to med-surg floors in every corner of the country.
Step 1: Understand How to Start Travel Nursing
Let’s kick things off with the basics. To really know how to start travel nursing, you need to understand how the whole system works.
Unlike staff nurses tied to a single facility, travel nurses work short-term contracts—usually 8 to 26 weeks—at hospitals and clinics that need temporary support. These assignments can happen for all kinds of reasons: seasonal influx, staffing shortages, or specialized coverage. That means you’re walking into high-demand situations where your skills are urgently needed.
So, how does a traveling nurse work exactly? Travel nurses sign with an agency (like us) that helps match them with jobs across the country. The agency handles contracts, logistics, and often benefits like health insurance and housing stipends. That’s the beauty of being a travel nurse—flexibility, support, and the chance to see new places while doing meaningful work.
Step 2: Meet the Qualifications to Be a Travel Nurse
Before we can get you out there, there are a few key boxes you’ll need to check. The core qualifications to be a travel nurse aren’t too different from what it takes to be a traditional RN. You’ll need:
- An active RN license
- At least 1–2 years of clinical experience in your specialty
- Certifications like BLS, ACLS, or others depending on your unit
You don’t necessarily need a BSN, but it might help when applying to competitive hospitals or Magnet-status facilities. If you’re just graduating and wondering if you’re eligible, we’ve got a post on whether new grads can become travel nurses that breaks it down for you.
Step 3: Get Licensed Where You Want to Work
One of the trickiest parts of how to start travel nursing is the licensing side—especially if you’re crossing state lines.
If you live in a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, you’re in luck. That one license lets you work in any of the participating states. But if your target job is in a non-compact state, you’ll need to apply for a temporary or full license in that state. Agencies can often help fast-track this process and reimburse your fees.
Step 4: Gain Experience in Your Specialty
Before becoming a traveling nurse, make sure you’ve got the experience to hit the ground running. Most agencies require at least one year of bedside experience, though some hospitals may want two or more—especially for high-acuity units.
If you’re eyeing roles in L&D, ICU, NICU, or the ER, that hands-on knowledge is critical. What does it take to be a travel nurse? Confidence, adaptability, and enough clinical experience to walk into a new hospital and plug right into their system. No time for hand-holding here. Knowing how to start travel nursing the right way means building trust in your ability to adapt and deliver.
Understanding how being a traveling nurse works starts here—because walking into a new facility every few months requires clinical independence and thick skin. Gaining experience in your specialty is step one in learning how to start travel nursing with confidence.
Step 5: Choose a Travel Nurse Agency That Works for You
This part matters more than most people think. Your recruiter isn’t just some middleman—they’re your lifeline. They advocate for you, help you negotiate, guide you through licensing, and keep an eye out for your next gig. So finding an agency that supports you personally and professionally is key to launching your traveling nurse career the right way.
We’re proud to be listed as a top perm and travel healthcare staffing agency, and we back our nurses every step of the way—from helping you figure out how to start travel nursing to your successfully completed fifteenth assignment & after. How to start travel nursing isn’t just about landing a job—it’s about who you trust to get you there.
Step 6: Line Up Your First Assignment
Now comes the fun part. With your license and experience in hand, and a recruiter at your side, it’s time to start exploring available jobs. We’ve got a nationwide network of travel healthcare positions ready for nurses who want more flexibility, higher pay, and the chance to make a difference.
Whether you’re learning how to start travel nursing in a bustling trauma center or a quiet rural clinic, your assignments can take you places you never expected. And if you’re curious about compensation, our blog on travel nurse salary vs regular nurse breaks down the perks, stipends, and overall earning potential.
What to Expect When Becoming a Traveling Nurse
Becoming a traveling nurse doesn’t just change where you work—it transforms how you work. Every hospital has different charting systems, patient ratios, policies, and team dynamics. You’ll need to be quick on your feet, both clinically and socially.
Not every assignment will be glamorous. You might float between units or work less desirable shifts. But the upside? You get to try new specialties, work under different leaders, and build a crazy-strong resume in a short amount of time.
And when you’re off the clock, you’re free to explore. Whether you’re hiking in Oregon or beachside in Florida, the lifestyle that comes with learning how to start travel nursing is what draws so many into the field in the first place.
Travel Nurse Safety and Support
Being out on assignment means you’ve got to look out for yourself—especially during your first few contracts. Before signing anything, know your housing situation, review your benefits, and clarify your schedule.
Your recruiter should also go over traveler safety protocols, workplace protections, and how to escalate issues if something doesn’t feel right. At Junxion, we make this part easy—because if you’re not set up to thrive, we haven’t done our job.
How to Start Travel Nursing: Is Travel Nursing Right for You?
If you’ve been wondering how to start travel nursing, chances are it’s already calling to you. The flexibility, the pay, the adventure—it’s not your average 9 to 5. But it also isn’t for everyone.
You need to be okay with change, capable of working independently, and open to making new friends every few months. That said, for those who want to grow professionally and personally, this path can be wildly rewarding.
Still weighing your options? Here’s a blog on how to become a traveling nurse that goes even deeper into what to expect.
How to Be a Traveling Nurse With Long-Term Growth in Mind
Travel nursing isn’t just a pit stop—it can be a long-term career. Plenty of travelers end up specializing in high-demand areas like the ICU, L&D, or NICU, and grow their pay and responsibilities year after year. Want proof? Nursing salary trends show travel RNs can earn significantly more than many staff counterparts—especially with tax-free stipends.
You can even move into education, management, or advanced practice down the road. How to be a traveling nurse today might mean prepping for nurse practitioner school next year.
What Being a Travel Nurse Really Feels Like
Being a travel nurse means packing up every few months, saying a lot of hellos (and goodbyes), and growing in ways that no staff job could ever offer. You’ll see different parts of the country, meet amazing teams, and learn how healthcare runs in a wide range of settings.
And yeah, it’s hard sometimes. But you’ll come out stronger, savvier, and more resilient—both as a nurse and as a person.
and then