Traveling Nurse Career – How to Become a Traveling Nurse

Career Overview

For many registered nurses who have completed their degree programs, the idea of becoming a travel nurse is an appealing one. As a distinct career path in the healthcare field, travel nurses enjoy a unique set of benefits, perks, and travel opportunities in their line of work.

Travel nurses take on short-term assignments in the cities of their choice throughout the United States. These assignments can last anywhere from eight to 26 weeks. The employment agencies that help travel nurses land these jobs do more than just connect them with work; they also often provide free housing, relocation costs, sign-on and renewal bonuses, medical benefits, a 401k plan, and more. Many agencies will also assist in licensure reimbursement. If you enjoy traveling, new experiences, and an overall sense of professional autonomy, becoming a travel nurse may be the career path that’s right for you.

Responsibilities

Outside of the difference in work environments, the responsibilities of a travel nurse do not greatly differ from that of a non-traveling nurse. They are responsible for administering medicine to patients, documenting medical information, receiving and discharging patients, and coordinating patient care with other hospital departments such as physical therapy, speech therapy, and more.

Educational Requirements

Just as nurses in non-traveling career paths need an education to further their career, traveling nurses must complete a registered nursing program at a nursing school. Many agencies also require that RNs have worked a certain amount of time and gained experience before they are able to accept a travel assignment.

Pros and Cons of Becoming a Travel Nurse

Travel nurses enjoy their career path as it allows them to visit different parts of the country on a regular basis and gain different kinds of work experience in a constantly changing set of environments. The fact that agencies pay for housing, relocation, utilities, vacation, and bonuses is also a unique perk that is not found in other registered nursing jobs.

One disadvantage of becoming a traveling nurse is that you will be dealing with different employers through both the agency and the selected assignment facility. These intertwined relationships may sometimes conflict with one another, and create contractual snafus, on a case-by-case basis.

Traveling Nurse Salary Ranges

Travel nurses enjoy a fairly lucrative salary (SALARY LINK) that, according to PayScale.com, typically ranges anywhere from $30 to $40 an hour. They also receive a good amount of benefits, including having their relocation costs covered by their employer.

While being a travel nurse may not necessarily be a perfect career fit for everyone in the field of nursing, it is an excellent path to move towards for registered nurses who love to travel and experience new environments and challenges.

Get Started with your Registered Nurse Degree

Today it’s easier than ever for you to further your education and increase your salary with an online RN degree. Learn more about other career opportunities for registered nurses, and find the online school and degree program that’s right for you today!

Traveling Nurse Resources

There are a lot of things to consider as you move forward with your education and begin plotting the course of your career, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get the information you need by exploring our Career Resources below.

Registered Nurse Careers
Become aware of the many career options that are available to professional registered nurses in the health care industry.

Registered Nurse Schools
Before you make a decision in choosing the right registered nursing school, find out more about the important factors to consider and get on track to launching your career.

Registered Nurse Programs
As you ready yourself for an education that will lead you to becoming a registered nurse, learn more about the different RN programs that are available for students.

The Demand for Registered Nurses
The demand for registered nurses in the health care industry is at an all-time high. Find out why, and how a degree can help you land your dream job.

Registered Nurse Salaries
Get the scoop on the salary trends affecting registered nurses today and find out how earning a degree can help you to increase your salary.

NCLEX Exam
All registered nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) before starting their careers. Learn more about the NCLEX.

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