The role of a traveling nurse is one of the most rewarding and flexible careers in healthcare today. Whether you’re looking to explore new places, gain diverse clinical experience, or increase your earning potential, traveling nursing offers an exciting way to do so. In this guide, we’ll cover how to become a traveling nurse, the best agencies to work with, and the benefits of this dynamic career path in 2024.
What is a Traveling Nurse?
A traveling nurse is a healthcare professional who takes short-term assignments in different locations to help fill staffing shortages in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. These assignments typically last from a few weeks to several months and can be across various regions, both within your home country or internationally.
Why Become a Traveling Nurse?
Travel nursing offers unique benefits and opportunities that standard nursing jobs may not provide. Here are some compelling reasons to pursue this career path:
- Flexibility and Freedom: You can choose where and when you work, giving you the freedom to travel and explore different locations.
- Higher Pay: Traveling nurses often earn more than their full-time counterparts due to the temporary nature of the job and the specialized skills required.
- Diverse Experience: Traveling nurses work in different healthcare environments, which allows them to build a diverse set of skills and gain valuable experience.
- Career Growth: The variety of work environments and patient populations helps traveling nurses expand their clinical expertise.
- Housing and Travel Benefits: Most agencies offer housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and health benefits.
Steps to Become a Traveling Nurse
- Get Your Nursing Degree and License
Before you can start your journey as a traveling nurse, you need to be a licensed registered nurse (RN). Here’s what you’ll need:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Most agencies prefer RNs with a BSN, although ADN holders can also pursue traveling nurse positions.
- Registered Nurse License: You must be licensed in the state or country where you plan to work. Some agencies may help you obtain licenses in multiple states or countries.
- Certifications: Depending on your specialty, certifications such as ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support), PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support), and BLS (Basic Life Support) may be required.
- Gain Experience
Agencies typically require at least one to two years of experience in your nursing specialty before you can become a traveling nurse. Experience in areas like intensive care, emergency care, or surgical nursing is often in high demand.
- Choose a Specialization
While traveling nurses can work in various fields, some specialties are in higher demand than others. Here are a few common specialties that often have traveling nurse opportunities:
- Critical Care Nurse
- Operating Room (OR) Nurse
- Labor and Delivery Nurse
- Emergency Room (ER) Nurse
- Med-Surg Nurse
- Pediatric Nurse
- Apply to Agencies
Once you have the required qualifications and experience, the next step is to apply to a travel nursing agency. Many agencies specialize in placing nurses in temporary assignments across the country and internationally.
Best Travel Nursing Agencies in 2024
Choosing the right agency is crucial to ensuring a smooth and fulfilling travel nursing experience. Here are some of the best travel nursing agencies in 2024:
- Aya Healthcare
Aya Healthcare is one of the largest and most reputable travel nursing agencies. It offers a wide range of assignments across the U.S., competitive pay, and a strong support system. Aya Healthcare provides housing, travel, and malpractice insurance, as well as 24/7 support.
- Cross Country Nurses
Cross Country Nurses has been in the industry for over 30 years and has a proven track record of placing nurses in top hospitals nationwide. The agency offers generous benefits, including travel stipends, free housing, and bonuses.
- NurseFly
NurseFly is a travel nurse platform that connects nurses with the top agencies offering assignments in high-demand areas. It aggregates job postings and allows nurses to compare salary, benefits, and locations, making it easy to find the best fit.
- FlexCare Medical Staffing
FlexCare Medical Staffing is known for its excellent customer service and the ease with which nurses can find assignments. With a reputation for paying some of the highest wages in the industry, FlexCare offers both short and long-term assignments across the U.S.
- MedPro Healthcare Staffing
MedPro Healthcare Staffing provides travel nursing positions in hospitals and healthcare facilities across the U.S. and internationally. The agency offers attractive benefits, including free housing, health insurance, and sign-on bonuses.
- Trustaff
Trustaff offers travel nursing assignments across a wide range of specialties, including high-demand areas like ICU, ER, and OR nursing. The agency also provides competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and a user-friendly mobile app for tracking assignments.
Benefits of Being a Traveling Nurse
- Competitive Pay
One of the top reasons nurses become traveling nurses is the higher pay. Traveling nurses can earn more than staff nurses due to the short-term nature of the job and the demand for specialized skills. Pay can vary depending on location, specialty, and the urgency of the job, but many travel nurses earn 20-30% more than permanent staff nurses.
- Housing and Travel Stipends
Traveling nurses often receive stipends to cover housing and travel expenses. Some agencies provide fully furnished apartments, while others offer housing allowances. In addition, most travel nurses receive travel reimbursements for flights, car rentals, and other expenses.
- Flexibility
Travel nursing provides a unique level of flexibility. Nurses can choose their assignments, decide how long they want to stay at each location, and even take breaks between assignments. This flexibility allows nurses to create a work-life balance that suits their lifestyle.
- Professional Development
By working in various healthcare settings, traveling nurses gain exposure to different patient populations, medical technologies, and healthcare systems. This exposure helps them develop a diverse skill set, making them more marketable in the long run.
- Health Insurance and Retirement Plans
Many travel nursing agencies offer health insurance plans, including dental and vision coverage, as well as 401(k) retirement plans. These benefits help ensure that traveling nurses are financially protected.
- Adventure and Exploration
For those who love to travel, becoming a traveling nurse opens doors to exploring new cities, states, and even countries. Many nurses take assignments in desirable locations, including popular tourist destinations, allowing them to experience the culture and lifestyle of various places.
Challenges of Being a Traveling Nurse
While travel nursing offers many rewards, it’s important to understand the challenges:
- Job Stability: Since assignments are temporary, you may face periods between contracts where work isn’t guaranteed.
- Being Away from Home: For nurses who travel long distances, being away from family and friends can be tough.
- Adapting to New Environments: Each new assignment comes with a learning curve, as you must quickly adjust to new hospital systems, team dynamics, and patient populations.
How to Get Started as a Traveling Nurse
- Research Agencies: Take the time to research and compare travel nursing agencies to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
- Get Licensed in Multiple States: If you plan to work in the U.S., getting compact state licenses can increase your job opportunities.
- Update Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your nursing experience, certifications, and willingness to work in new environments.
- Prepare for the Interview: Be ready to discuss your flexibility, adaptability, and interest in short-term assignments. Agencies want to know you’re ready for the demands of travel nursing.
CONCLUSION
Travel nursing is an excellent career option for those looking to earn competitive pay, gain diverse experience, and travel the world. With the right agency, certifications, and skills, you can embark on a rewarding journey that allows you to make a significant impact in healthcare while enjoying the benefits of a flexible lifestyle.
If you’re ready to take the leap into travel nursing in 2024, now is the perfect time to explore your options and connect with top agencies. A fulfilling and adventurous career awaits!
