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).