Travel nurses do not work directly for a hospital or facility. Instead, they work through a nurse staffing agency. If you are considering becoming a Travel Nurse, Metasense, Inc Recruiter will discuss your career path, answer any questions you may have, and assist you in finding the perfect assignment. We will guide you along the way.
What is a Travel Nurse?
Travel nurses frequently accept short-term assignments in healthcare organization when they have nursing shortages due to turnover, retirements, vacations, etc. New assignments are usually thirteen (13) weeks and can be extended depending on the needs of the organization. And yes, there is a nursing shortage. According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statics, there is anurse shortage and with an aging population, the need for nurses will increase every year.
Am I qualified?
If you have earned your Bachelor’s Degree (BSN), passed the NCLEX-RN exam, obtained state nursing licensure which may be transferrable from state-state (Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC), has experience working as a bedside Nurse, and are dedicated to helping patients you can become a Travel Nurse. Outlined below are the specifics of each requirement.
- Nursing Degree Requirements:
The minimum education requirement to become a travel nurse is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). However, most facilities will require to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). - Licensing Requirements: To work as a traveling nurse you will need the proper licenses.
- NLC Compact License: The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is a multi-state license that allows a Nurse to work within their home state and other participating NLC states outside of their home state if they meet the licensure requirements. Visit NLC for more information and to apply.
- State-specific License: To work in states that are not participating in the NLC Compact License Program, a Traveling Nurse will need to apply for licensure to be eligible to work in the state. Click here to check if your home state and the state you would like to work in are NLC Compact participants.
- Walk through License: Non-participating NLC states may grant a temporary nursing license. To request a temporary license a nurse must hold a current state license of the same type being sought. Each state has different requirements which must be adhered to. A Walkthrough License is a great way for Non-NLCstates to provide a pathway to quick licensure.
- Certification Requirements: Travel nurses are required to have a Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification. Each position will identify the certifications required. Becoming certified in additional areas will increase job availability and earning opportunities. Below is Metasence’s short list of Certifications to have…
Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN), Basic Life Support (BLS), Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), AIDS Certified Registered Nurse (ACRN), Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) Certification.
Click here for a complete list of Common Certifications.
- Nursing Experience Requirements: Most travel agencies require a Nurse to have two years of bedside experience before they start their first position. This may vary from agency – agency. Some will accept a travel nurse with less than one year of experience depending upon the need. Talk to a Metasense Recruiter and find out if there are assignments available at your experience level.
Travel Nurse Perks
As stated above, there is a real need for travel nurses in facilities across the country. Now that we have outlined the requirements of being a Travel Nurse, it’s important to know the many benefits of choosing travel nursing as a career option. Below we’ve listed 8top benefits of becoming a travel nurse.
- You get to help people who really need assistance.
- Travel opportunities – see, do, and explore new places.
- Ability to choose the position length, location, and setting.
- Flexibility in work schedules.
- You will build a professional network.
- You learn new skills beyond nursing.
- You will meet fascinating people.
- You will advance your career.
If you have weighed the advantages of becoming a Travel Nurse and feel it is the right path for you, Metasense can help you find your first or next assignment. If you need more information, your dedicated Recruiter will be available to answer any questions you have.
Hurry up! And drop a message athttps://www.metasenseinc.com/contact-us/
MetaSense Inc.
(856) 873-9950
support@metasenseinc.com
