Travel Nurse Education and Career Pathway

This post provides detailed information on the travel nurse education and career pathway, including the requirements you need to satisfy to become a travel nurse and how to be successful in your career.

Why Choose Travel Nurse Career?

There are many reasons you should choose to become a travel nurse, including:

1. Flexible

The first reason is because of the flexibility of the job. You can work any number of days per week, from one day to multiple weeks at a time.

2. High Paying Job

Another great thing about the travel nurse career is that it pays very well. The average salary for a travel nurse is $65,000 annually.

3. Work Anywhere

You don’t have to be tied down by where your job is located. If you want to move around, then this is an excellent opportunity for you.

4. Great Benefits

You get paid weekly and receive benefits, such as health insurance, 401K plan, dental insurance, life insurance, etc.

5. Variety

This is another great reason to consider becoming a travel nurse. There are so many different types of assignments available.

For example, you could be working in a hospital, rehab center, skilled nursing facility, home care, hospice, long term care, outpatient surgery centers, etc.

Travel Nurse Education Requirements

To become a travel nurse, you must meet certain education requirements. These include:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (RN)
• Current licensure as a Registered Nurse
• Registered Nurse experience of at least 1 year.

Travel Nurse Continuing Education

Continuing education is required to maintain your license to practice as a travel nurse. In addition, there are continuing education courses offered online through various providers.

Some examples of these courses include:

• Healthcare Management
• Leadership Development
• Ethics & Professionalism.

 Travel Nurse Certification/License

When you complete all of the above requirements, you will need to apply for certification with the National Board of Certified Nurses (NBCN).

Once you pass the exam, you will be certified as a travel nurse.

Travel Nurse Career Opportunities

Travel nurses have various career opportunities they can explore. These include:

1. Hospital Staffing

If you have previous experience in the field of medicine, then you may want to consider applying for a position as a staff nurse.

The duties of a staff nurse include providing direct patient care. However, they may also be expected to perform administrative tasks.

2. Home Health Care

If you enjoy being able to help people, then you may want to consider applying for a position in the field of home health care.

Your responsibilities will vary depending on the type of agency you work for. You might provide physical therapy services, wound care, personal care, etc.

3. Long Term Care

If you would like to specialize in the field of long term care, then you may want look into the following positions:

• Personal Care Attendant
• Activities Director
• Social Worker
• Physical Therapist Assistant
• Occupational Therapy Assistant.

4. Outpatient Surgery Centers

There are many opportunities out there for those who wish to work in the field of outpatient surgical centers.

Your main responsibility will be to assist patients during their recovery process.

5. Hospice

Hospices are places where patients can go when they are nearing the end of their lives.

The goal of hospice is to make sure that patients are comfortable until they die. This includes everything from pain management to emotional support.

Others include:

• Rehabilitation Facilities
• Skilled Nursing Facility
• Psychiatric Unit
• Acute Care.

How to Advance your Travel Nurse Career

As a travel nurse, you should expect to advance within your company. If you are looking to move up within your company, here are some tips to apply:

1. Be proactive

You never know what kind of opportunity might come across your desk. It could be something as simple as an opening for a new job or it could be more complex such as a request for a promotion.

2. Network

Networking is one of the most important skills you can develop as a travel nurse. When you network, you are building relationships with other employees.

These relationships can lead to future career advancement opportunities.

3. Ask questions

It is always good practice to ask questions whenever you feel uncertain about something.

By asking questions, you are demonstrating interest in learning more about the company and its operations.

4. Take initiative

Taking initiative means doing things yourself instead of waiting around for someone else to do them for you.

For example, if you notice that there is a task that needs to be completed but no one has assigned it to you, then take it upon yourself to finish it.

5. Show enthusiasm

When you show enthusiasm, it shows others that you are excited about the job. It makes them want to work harder so that they can please you.

How to find a Good Travel Nurse School

Finding a good school is essential. There are many factors to consider when choosing a school to begin your travel nurse career. Here are some ideas you can use in finding a good one:

1. Location

Location plays a major role in determining which schools are best suited for you.

Some schools are located close to hospitals while others are far away. You can decide to choose the one close to  you if that suits you.

2. Tuition

Tuition costs play a big part in deciding which school is right for you. Make sure that you choose a school that offers you competitive tuition rates.

3. Accreditation

Accreditation is another factor to consider. You need to find a school that is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Both accreditations ensure that the nursing programs at the school meet certain standards.

4. Program length

Program length also plays a large role in determining which school is best for you. Many students prefer shorter program lengths because they have busy schedules.

Others prefer longer program lengths because they enjoy spending time outside of class working on projects.

5. Staffing ratio

Staffing ratios are another consideration. A higher staffing ratio indicates that there are more faculty members than students.

This may not be ideal for everyone. However, if you like having lots of individual attention from professors, then this may be perfect for you.

How to be Successful in your Travel Nurse Career

Being successful in your travel nurse career requires dedication, hard work, and persistence.

Here are some tips to help you succeed in your travel nurse career:

1. Be dedicated

Dedication is key. If you truly care about your patients, then you will put forth all of your efforts into making their stay comfortable and healing.

2. Work hard

Working hard is also key. Hard work does not mean being unkind or rude to your coworkers. On the contrary, it means treating your coworkers with respect and kindness.

3. Persevere

Persistence is also important. When you encounter difficulties, don’t give up! Continue till you accomplish your objective.

4. Stay positive

Stay positive. Don’t allow negative thinking affect your accomplishment. Instead, focus on what you can control, such as your attitude and behavior.

5. Take advantage of opportunities

Take advantage of any chance that presents itself to you. Opportunities come in many forms.

They could include new experiences, promotions, and learning opportunities.

What Does a Travel Nurse Do?

A travel nurse is responsible for providing patient care services within a hospital setting.

The job duties vary depending upon the type of facility where the travel nurse provides services.

For example, a travel nurse might provide direct patient care services at a medical center, whereas a travel nurse might provide administrative support at a community health clinic.

Qualities of a Good Travel Nurse

To be successful a travel nurse should have the following qualities:

1. Dedication

Dedication helps a travel nurse maintain high-quality patient care. It also helps a travel nurse develop skills that will enable him/her to continue providing quality patient care when he/she returns home.

2. Communication skills

Communication skills are essential for a travel nurse. He/she must communicate well with his/her colleagues, supervisors, and other staff members.

3. Professionalism

Professionalism is an important characteristic of a good travel nurse.

A professional travel nurse demonstrates professionalism by maintaining appropriate dress code, conducting oneself in a manner that reflects positively on the profession, and demonstrating courtesy toward others.

4. Teamwork

Teamwork is another important characteristic of a good traveling nurse. A team player works cooperatively with other people, including physicians, nurses, technicians, and administrators.

Travel Nurse Salary

According to Comparably, travel nurse wages in the United States range from $16,353 to $433,639, with a typical income of $78,361.

Travel Nurse Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted that the employment of registered nurses will grow from 2020 to 2030 at 9%, which is almost the same as the national average for all occupations.  

Travel nurses had a big role in the rising demand. 

Conclusion

This post is helpful to individuals seeking to become a travel nurse. It has provided exhaustive information on the educational requirements they are expected to complete to get into the career.

Remember that there are many different types of travel nursing jobs out there. You may want to consider working in a specific area of medicine, such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, or emergency room.