How to Become a Travel Nurse: A Step-by-Step Guide to an Exciting Career

Becoming a travel nurse is a lucrative and adventurous career path for registered nurses (RNs) who crave flexibility, high salaries, and new experiences. Whether you’re looking to explore different cities, gain diverse clinical experience, or take advantage of high-demand travel nursing jobs, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to start your career.

Why Become a Travel Nurse?

• Higher pay rates than staff nurses
• Flexible work schedules with short-term contracts
• Opportunities to explore new locations
• Valuable clinical experience across different healthcare settings
• Potential for tax-free stipends and benefits

Steps to Become a Travel Nurse

1. Obtain the Necessary Education and Licensure

To qualify as a travel nurse, you need to become a registered nurse (RN) by earning either:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) (2 years)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) (4 years)

After completing your nursing program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain your nursing license. A BSN degree is often preferred by employers and can open doors to higher-paying travel nurse jobs.

2. Gain Clinical Experience in High-Demand Specialties

Most travel nursing agencies require 1–2 years of experience in a hospital setting before accepting applications.
Specializing in high-demand nursing fields can increase your job opportunities and salary potential. Consider gaining experience in:

• Emergency Room (ER) Nursing
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nursing
• Operating Room (OR) Nursing
• Labor and Delivery (L&D) Nursing
• Telemetry and Cardiac Care

3. Obtain Additional Certifications

In addition to your RN license, certain certifications are often required for travel nurses:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) – Required for most travel nurse jobs
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) – Needed for critical care positions
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) – Ideal for pediatric nurses
• Specialty Certifications (CCRN, TNCC, CEN, etc.) – Boosts credibility in specialized fields

If you’re interested in operating room positions, additional certifications may be required for OR nurse travel jobs. Specializing in surgical nursing can lead to higher salaries and more assignment options in top healthcare facilities.

4. Research and Choose a Reputable Travel Nursing Agency

A travel nurse agency acts as the bridge between you and top healthcare facilities nationwide. The right agency will help with:

• Job placement at leading hospitals
• Housing assistance (stipends or arranged accommodations)
• State licensing guidance
• Healthcare benefits and travel reimbursements

Popular travel nurse agencies include:

• AMN Healthcare
• Aya Healthcare
• Travel Nurse Across America
• Cross Country Nurses

5. Obtain Multi-State Licenses for Flexibility

If you plan to work in multiple states, securing a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) license can simplify the process. The NLC allows nurses to practice in 39 states without needing additional licensing.

If your home state is not part of the compact, you may need to apply for individual state licenses before starting a job.

6. Apply for Your First Travel Nursing Assignment

Once you’ve met all requirements, work with your recruiter to find your first travel nursing job. Consider factors such as:

• Location preferences
• Salary and stipend offerings
• Hospital reputation
• Contract length (usually 8–13 weeks)

Final Thoughts: Is Travel Nursing Right for You?

Travel nursing is an excellent career for those who want adventure, financial growth, and professional development. By obtaining the right education, experience, certifications, and choosing a reputable travel nursing agency, you can embark on a rewarding career that offers flexibility and exciting opportunities.