Nurses have been journeying across continents to areas of greatest need since the times of Florence Nightingale. The modern-day concept of travel nursing emerged in the United States when nurses were in high demand in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the late 1970s.
Nurses nationwide were contacted to assist with an overwhelming need to address injuries during Mardi Gras celebrations. Travel and per diem nursing has been maintained throughout the decades, with an explosive need occurring with the COVID-19 pandemic. As the nursing profession rose to the healthcare needs of the pandemic, the aging population and shortage of nurses have allowed travel and per diem nursing to sustain as an exciting career option.
Travel nursing offers nursing professionals the chance to work in various areas across the country, filling open job positions where needed. This role requires both short- and long-term contracts, providing an opportunity to explore different areas of the country and build nursing skills and experience. The dynamic nature of travel or per diem nursing demands flexibility and adaptability, making it an exciting and challenging career option. Let’s delve into travel nurse requirements for those interested in this limitless job market.
Travel Nurse Requirements: Education
First, you must complete an accredited nursing education program to become a travel or per diem nurse. Although some nurses with associate degrees in nursing (ADN) still work as travel or per diem nurses, the standard has moved to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This four-year BSN degree offers more clinical and academic opportunities, constructing a well-rounded foundation to build a nursing profession.
Travel Nurse Requirements: Licensure
To enter the field of travel nursing, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) exam after graduating with a nursing degree. This is a national certification exam, but each state has specific requirements from its board of nursing, which nurses must meet to obtain state licensure. Once licensed in your home state, you can apply for the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), offering accessibility to work as a nurse in many other states without licensure from all 50 states.
Unfortunately, not all states participate in the NLC. If you choose to work in a state that is not in the NLC, you must apply for licensure in that state.
Travel Nurse Requirements: Certifications
Travel nurse requirements also extend to certifications. These practitioners are expected to have basic certifications such as basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), or pediatric advanced life support (PALS), depending on the area of expertise. Be familiar with the required certifications in the area or specialty in which you want to work.
Here are some helpful certifications for specialty areas of nursing:
- Emergency Room Nurse: BLS, ACLS, PALS, Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP), Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC), Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN), Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)
- ICU: BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP, TNCC, Critical Care RN (CCRN), Chronic Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) certification
- Labor & Delivery Nurse: BLS, ACLS, NRP, Inpatient Obstetric Nursing Certification (RNC-OB), Electronic Fetal Heart Monitoring Certification (C-EFM)
- Medical Surgical Nurse: BLS, ACLS, PALS, Medical Surgical Nurse – Board Certified (Medsurg – BC), Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN)
- Pediatric Nurse: BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP, Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)
Travel Nurse Requirements: Experience
Having at least one to two years of bedside nursing experience is not just necessary, it is essential. There is limited orientation for travel or per diem nurses, making it necessary to hit the ground running. Travel nurses are a short-term solution to an immediate staffing need and cannot take time for extensive onboarding. If you want to work in a specialty area, the specific contract may require more experience than this. For example, a labor and delivery contract may require five years of OB experience.
Travel Nurse Agency
Working with a travel nurse agency can provide you with a sense of security and support. These agencies have clear benefits over finding contacts alone. They work with multiple healthcare systems, resulting in more placement opportunities. They can also match the job to your license, credentials, and experience. These agencies can also negotiate higher pay and growth opportunities. They take on the administrative burden and legwork in finding open positions, allowing you to focus on your nursing duties.
Housing may also be a benefit that the agency sets up for you. If the agency does not assist with housing, you will have a housing stipend to fund your housing needs. Short-term housing options include an apartment, condo, house, extended-stay hotel, or even an RV or camper. The cost of these options will vary depending on your location and if you choose to have roommates. Don’t forget that if you choose to use a housing stipend, you are responsible for all the extras, like deposits and fees.
The Bottom Line
History has proven that nurses will travel to where they are needed. Travel nursing can be a rewarding opportunity, but it requires a nursing degree, preferably a BSN. You can consider travel or per diem nursing after passing the NCLEX-RN and gaining at least two years of valuable nursing experience.
Basic certifications like BLS and ACLS are vital, but additional specialty certifications will demonstrate your commitment to evidence-based care. Working with a trusted travel nurse agency can fully support you with contracts, housing, and administrative tasks.
Check out the Luminous job board today if you are ready to take flight as a travel nurse.
