Travel Nurse Requirements: What to Know Before Hitting the Road

Are you ready to embark on a rewarding and adventurous career as a travel nurse? Travel nursing allows you to combine your passion for care with a love of adventure, offering freedom, competitive pay, and the opportunity to grow your skills in diverse healthcare settings nationwide. But before you pack your bags, knowing the requirements to qualify as a travel nurse is essential. Here’s everything you need to know about becoming a travel nurse, from qualifications to the skills you’ll need to succeed.

What Qualifications Do You Need to be a Travel Nurse?

In order to become a travel nurse, there are some professional and personal criteria you need to meet first. While specifics may vary depending on the facility or state, there are standard travel nurse requirements you need to complete:

Education

You must have graduated from an accredited nursing program, earning an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). While an ADN is perfect for many positions, a BSN is sometimes preferred for specific specialty roles or assignments.

Active Nursing License

Travel nurses must hold an active RN license in the state where they plan to work. The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) can help simplify this process, allowing nurses in compact states to practice in other compact states without needing additional licensing. Some travel nurse agencies, like Medical Solutions, will even reimburse you for licenses obtained for assignments.

Clinical Experience

Travel nursing agencies and facilities typically prefer at least 1-2 years of experience before you begin a travel nurse career. This ensures you’re well-equipped to handle the unique challenges of short-term contracts.

Certifications

Depending on your specialty and assignment, additional certifications may be required, such as:

  • Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
  • Specialty-specific certifications like PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) or CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse).

What Documents Do You Need?

When applying for a travel assignment, having your paperwork ready speeds up the hiring and onboarding process. Commonly required documents include:

  1. Resume: An organized resume highlighting your nursing experience and skills.
  2. Licenses and Certifications: Copies of your nursing license, certifications, and any other credentials.
  3. Medical Records: Proof of immunizations, TB test results, and a physical exam clearance may be necessary.
  4. Background Check and Drug Screen: Many agencies or facilities will conduct these as part of the hiring process.

What Skills Are Needed to Succeed as a Travel Nurse?

On top of having the right clinical skills, travel nurses need a certain unique set of qualities that will help them excel in their career:

  • Adaptability: You’ll work in various settings with different protocols and teams, so being flexible is essential.
  • Strong Communication: Clear and effective communication with patients, families, and teammates is key to providing quality care.
  • Problem-Solving: As a travel nurse, you’ll often jump into situations with little onboarding, requiring excellent critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Ready to Get Started?

Becoming a travel nurse is an amazing opportunity to grow your career, explore the country, and make a difference in patients’ lives. By meeting the requirements and partnering with a trusted travel nursing agency, you’ll be well on your way to a fulfilling and adventurous career. If you’re ready to start your travel nursing journey, apply today and let our expert recruiters find you the perfect job.