02 May How to Become a Travel Nurse: A Guide
Travel nursing is a dynamic and rewarding career path that allows registered nurses (RNs) to explore different parts of the country (and sometimes even the world) while gaining valuable professional experience. Travel nurses are in high demand across various specialties and settings, often filling short-term staffing gaps in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Whether you’re a seasoned RN or a newly licensed nurse considering your future options, this guide explains how to become a travel nurse and what to expect along the journey.
Step 1: Earn Your Nursing Degree
The first step to becoming a travel nurse is to become a registered nurse. This requires completing an accredited nursing program, such as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). While both degrees allow you to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), a BSN is often preferred by employers and can open doors to more opportunities, including international travel nursing and management roles.
Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
After earning your nursing degree, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain your license to practice as a registered nurse. This standardized test measures the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for safe and effective nursing practice.
Step 3: Gain Clinical Experience
Most travel nursing agencies and employers require at least one to two years of hands-on clinical experience before you can start traveling. This is because travel nurses are expected to be highly adaptable and able to hit the ground running with minimal orientation. Depending on your specialty, gaining experience in high-demand areas like ICU, ER, or med surg (medical-surgical nursing) can significantly boost your chances of landing assignments. For instance, becoming a med surg travel nurse is a common and versatile path due to the broad skill set and patient population involved.
Step 4: Obtain Licensure in Other States
To work as a travel nurse in different states, you’ll need the appropriate licensure. If you hold a nursing license in a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, you can practice in other compact states without obtaining additional licenses. For non-compact states, you’ll need to apply for licensure by endorsement. Planning ahead and understanding each state’s licensing process can help avoid delays in starting new assignments.
Step 5: Partner with a Travel Nurse Agency
Once you’re ready to start your travel nursing career, the next step is to sign up with a reputable travel nurse agency. These agencies act as intermediaries between nurses and healthcare facilities, helping match you with assignments that fit your skills, preferences, and goals. They also handle logistics such as housing, travel reimbursements, benefits, and licensing support. Do your research to find agencies with good reputations, positive reviews, and transparent contracts.
Step 6: Choose Assignments and Prepare to Travel
After joining an agency, you’ll be offered assignments across different locations, usually lasting 8 to 13 weeks. You can choose assignments based on location, pay, facility type, and shift preferences. Once you accept an assignment, prepare to relocate by organizing housing (often provided by the agency), packing essentials, and familiarizing yourself with the new facility and area.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a travel nurse offers an exciting blend of professional growth, financial rewards, and personal adventure. While it requires a solid foundation of education and experience, the benefits — including flexibility, variety, and the chance to make a difference in diverse settings — make it a compelling career option for many RNs. Whether you’re drawn to the fast-paced life of a med surg travel nurse or aspire to specialize in critical care or pediatrics, travel nursing can provide an enriching and fulfilling path forward.
More information:
- American Nurses Association
https://www.nursingworld.org/content-hub/resources/nursing-resources/how-to-become-travel-nurse/ -
TravelNursing.org
https://www.nursingworld.org/content-hub/resources/nursing-resources/how-to-become-travel-nurse/
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Last Updated on May 2, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD
