The nation’s Travel Nurse shortage shows no signs of abating. The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. Through 2030, the United States will continue to face a shortage of registered nurses (RNs). Despite plans to increase funding by 2035, at least 10 states still won’t have enough nurses to meet demand.
This shortage shows how many nurses are needed. The U.S. Agency of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that jobs for registered nurses will grow faster than the middling for all occupations between 2022 and 2032. According to the BLS, nursing jobs will increase by 45% over the same period.
Travel nurses fill many of these gaps. Employers often offer attractive incentives to entice nurses to come to their facility.
What Is a Travel Nurse?
Travel nurses are registered nurses working on short-term contracts nationally and internationally in healthcare settings. They go to areas with a shortage of nurses and help fill the gaps. Travel nurses often perform the same duties as nurse practitioners.
Travel nurses are typically hired by nursing agencies rather than hospitals or clinics. They may travel to another country or work in local hospitals that need temporary nurses.
“Nurse travel is beautiful, especially for young nurses who don’t have families yet and are on the move,” Grissom said.
Some of the additional benefits of being a travel nurse include:
- You select an object: You may work in a rural area, a teaching hospital, or somewhere between.
- You choose your place of work: Big cities, resorts, and small towns are available as a travel nurse.
- You choose when to work: You set your start date and add vacation time to your contract if you wish, allowing flexibility around family work and other commitments.
“The benefits are endless,” says Grissom. “If you’re attractive, this can be an exciting lifestyle.”
How Do You Become a Travel Nurse?
If you are a registered nurse with additional experience and certification, you can quickly pursue a career as a travel nurse. However, you should follow these steps if you are starting.
Earn a Degree From an Accredited Program
To qualify for an R.N. license, you must have either an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). According to the American Nurses Association, although filling out an ADN takes less time, large nurse travel agencies prefer to hire R.N.s with a BSN degree.
Earn R.N. Licensure
To become licensed as an R.N., you must permit the National Council Licensure Examination for R.N.s (NCLEX-RN). The Nurse Licensing Compact (NLC) allows nurses to hold one license to practice in multiple states. According to NCBSN, as of 2024, more than 40 jurisdictions are members of the NLC.
Earn and Maintain Certifications
According to the American Travel Nurses Association (ATHNA), travel nurses in the United States are not required to have additional certifications or credentials beyond the general ones already required for their position or specialty. These general qualifications usually include:
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) – Required by nurses working in intensive care units or the elderly.
Essential Life Support (BLS) – Required of all registered nurses.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) – Required by nurses working with pediatric patients.
Although there is no Board Certification for travel nurses in the United States, some nurses apply for international exchanges to demonstrate their professional development. According to ATHNA, these include the ISTM Certificate of Competency or the ASTMH Certificate of Competency in Clinical Tropical Medicine and Travel Health.
Gain Nursing Experience
According to the ANA, a travel nurse position typically requires at least 2 years of nursing experience, although some agencies consider applicants with at least 1 year of experience.
Be sure to think about what you enjoy doing as a travel nurse. Some jobs may require specialized medical experience. If you’re in the profession, you should also check with the travel nursing agency you’d like to work with to see if additional work experience is required.
Apply With a Travel Nursing Agency
A reputable agency may be the best way to get into travel nursing. The organization connects with various hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities worldwide.
Here’s how to find a nursing travel agency:
- Ask other travel nurses for recommendations.
- Compare salary and housing options.
- Do some research into the agency’s reputation.
- Find out about benefits and available positions
- Know what you want so you can prepare.