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Travel Nurse

What is a travel nurse, how to become a travel nurse, travel nurse faqs, what does a domestic or international travel nurse do, travel nurse salary and employment, helpful organizations, societies, & agencies.

Travel nurses are RNs from various clinical backgrounds who work for independent staffing agencies. They are assigned to different care areas on a temporary basis to fill in short-term employment gaps.

Travel nursing is a specialty that took root when the field of nursing faced a nationwide shortage. Hospitals, clinics, and other care areas had unfilled positions, yet had patients needing care. To try and attract nurses to the open positions, employers offered higher pay, housing, and covered the cost of relocating.

Due to these shortages, health care facilities have vacancies that need to be filled—and travel nurses are often the ones to fill open positions. Not only do travel nurses work in health care in any state in the country, but they also work outside of the United States as international travel nurses. The adventure and excitement of new opportunities, along with higher-than-average pay, are facets of travel nursing that many RNs find attractive.

Why Are Travel Nurses Important?

Travel nurses are an important part of the health care team because they help bridge the gap between supply and demand in the field of nursing. Mandatory nurse-patient ratios have led to increased patient safety and lower patient mortality . While this is a positive finding, and more and more states are passing legislation to implement staffing ratios, there are not enough nurses to fill the openings. Travel nurses assigned those open positions help to increase patient safety and improve patient outcomes.

Additionally, nurses from different educational backgrounds, care areas, and geographic locations bring a great deal to the practice of nursing. Sharing ideas and practices not only benefits patients, but also other nurses.

A travel nurse should have the following characteristics to excel in the role:

• Enjoys experiencing new cities, towns, and organizations
• Enjoys freedom. Travel nurses choose when and where they work, and choose their duration of employment
• Enjoys flexibility. Travel nurses create their schedules, benefits packages, and income based on which agency they choose to work
• Thrives on challenges. Moving to different states or overseas and being “the new nurse” repeatedly is challenging. Learning new organizational systems and workflows is particularly challenging
• Loves learning new things. Each assignment takes travel nurses to new health care facilities, some with higher levels of technology or different standards of practice. Each experience helps nurses build upon their knowledge base

Additionally, travel nurses should have supportive families and friends. It's difficult to either pack up and move an entire family or leave your family and friends behind. The flip side to this is that new relationships are formed in each new location.

What Are the Educational Requirements for Travel Nurses?

Those interested in the specialty of travel nursing should first pursue a nursing degree through a two or four-year university. Obtaining an associate's degree ( ADN ) or bachelor's degree ( BSN ) in nursing is required. A BSN is not required to be a travel nurse, but some health care facilities only hire BSN-prepared nurses. The staffing agency in which the nurse is employed should match the nurse appropriately based on educational requirements.

After completion of an accredited nursing program, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN is required for licensure.

Most travel nurse agencies require a minimum of one year of hands-on experience in the chosen specialty of nursing. Additionally, some agencies will only hire BSN-prepared RNs. International travel nurses should speak the language of the country they are to practice in, as communication is an important part of effective healthcare delivery. Nurses are encouraged to research agencies when considering travel nursing.

Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

No additional exams are required for travel nursing. Based on the specialty, certification(s) may be required. Examples include:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) may be required
• Stroke care certification
• Telemetry certification
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Critical care nursing (adults, pediatric, neonatal)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) may be required
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
• Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) certification

Additional specific requirements may be necessary for international travel nurses. These include:

• Acquiring a passport and work visa (usually handled by the agency)
• Additional immunizations
• Learning a new language
• Learning about diseases unique to the area

How Can a Travel Nurse Receive a Tax-Free Housing Stipend?

Housing is one of the most significant concerns for a travel nurse. There are a few options available, and it depends on the travel nurse agency/company regarding how accommodations are set up. Some companies provide housing (i.e., apartment, duplex, etc.). Some companies offer a housing stipend, or a fixed amount of money each month to apply towards housing.

First, nurses need to be aware of where their “tax home” is, as stipends are tax-free if working away from the tax home. Having a tax home is necessary to receive tax-free housing. A "tax home" is defined as the general vicinity of an individual's primary place of work (regardless of where the primary residence is). Generally, the IRS considers someone traveling away from home (i.e., their "tax home") if it exceeds one workday.

Different travel nurse agencies offer different stipends - it’s important to research what the living expenses are in a specific area to ensure housing is adequately covered. The General Services Administration (GSA) lists the maximum daily amount for lodging, meals, and incidentals with regards to travel expenses . The key word is MAXIMUM. It's not required that a company pay employees the listed stipend. In fact, some travel nurse agencies offer higher hourly wages instead of housing stipends. Additionally, the GSA rates are based on short-term travel - usually less than a month. Travel nurse contracts can last three months or more.

Are Nursing Licenses Valid When Traveling and Working in Other States?

Those interested in travel nursing may have questions about licensing; specifically, how are licenses recognized if practicing in another state.

Depending on the state, new licensure is not necessary. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) developed the Nurse Licensure Compact which is an agreement between specific states to recognize nursing licenses without having to apply separately for licensure in another state. In other words, a nurse living in a "compact state" (one which is part of this agreement) can practice in another compact state without having to obtain additional licenses. There are now uniform licensure requirements that must be met when seeking a multistate license under the compact agreement. States that participate in the compact agreement can be found on the NCSBN website .

If not part of the compact agreement, some states allow nurses to obtain temporary licenses by endorsement. These are valid for specific lengths of time, so nurses must visit each state’s Board of Nursing website to determine specific temporary license requirements. If extending the assignment past the temporary license time frame, nurses must apply for a permanent license. Permanent licenses are also required for states that don't grant licensure by endorsement and don't participate in the NLC.

Travel nurses have a broad range of responsibilities and duties, and specific tasks depend on the specialty in which the nurse is trained. General nursing responsibilities and duties include:

• Using the nursing process of assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing, and evaluating to care for patients in a variety of healthcare settings
• Administering medications, and fluids, assisting with activities of daily living and patient mobility
• Reviewing and interpreting diagnostic tests such as lab work and imaging
• Provide monitoring and oversight in all aspects of patient care
• Collaborating with physicians in developing a plan of care
• Assessing the psychosocial needs of patients and families
• Recognizing and intervening in clinically unstable patients
• Providing resources for patients and referring as necessary
• Educating patients and families in all areas of healthcare maintenance and prevention
• Working in assignments anywhere from eight to thirteen weeks (on average) in the U.S., one to two years if outside the U.S.
• Learning various patient care systems/documentation
• Providing immediate medical care and aid for large populations during times of war or disaster

Domestic and international travel nurses also have different characteristics specific to their roles.

Domestic Travel Nurses

• Work within the U.S.
• Typically work assignments that range from eight to thirteen weeks
• Can respond to areas of the U.S that experience natural disasters or disease outbreaks

International Travel Nurses

International travel nurses should have excellent communication skills, should be open to new experiences and challenges, and should have a strong desire to learn. These nurses are responsible for performing a wide array of duties. As stated previously, the tasks an international nurse will have to perform depend entirely upon their medical specialty. Some of the more general or everyday tasks that international travel nurses will perform include administering medication, wound care, and providing emergency medical services and care. Since there are often nursing shortages in many of the regions that international nurses travel to, another general role of these nurses is to educate family members and caretakers about the appropriate patient and medical care. In summary, international travel nurses:

• Work outside the U.S.
• Typically work assignments that range from one to two years
• Respond to areas that experience natural disasters or disease outbreaks, such as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa
• Provide medical care and aid to underserved, rural , and remote populations
• Usually, must wait for document processing before traveling

Travel Nurse Working Conditions

As with any career, there are positive and negative aspects to working as a travel nurse. Nurses can suffer from stress as they may carry a heavy patient load and have many critical decisions to make. Additionally, travel nurses may suffer from feelings of isolation since they tend to relocate often. Having a strong sense of independence and a support system available, even remotely, can help.

Additionally, nurses may work in high-risk areas that may expose them to workplace violence, blood-borne pathogens, and chemicals. Travel nurses must always familiarize themselves with and adhere to safety standards set by the organization.

International travel nurses can face different challenges. Travel nurses must be familiar with the country's laws, and geographic-specific diseases, and always keep their overall safety as a priority.

Despite these considerations, travel nursing can be immensely rewarding. Many organizations and staff nurses appreciate the help travel nurses offer. Travel nurses help relieve staff nurses from burnout, as can happen when working short-staffed.

International travel nurses are also highly appreciated. They provide medical care and assistance to many patients in remote settings who otherwise would have no access to healthcare. They help with relief efforts in war zones or after disaster events, which can be both rewarding and enriching.

According to the American Nurses Association, as of 2015 fourteen states had mandatory nurse-patient ratios . Nurses are pushing for federal legislation supporting safe staffing and because of this, if more states pass safe-staffing laws, nurses will be in even more demand. Travel nurses will help mend the current and projected nursing shortage. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16% overall growth for nurses until 2024, which is much faster-than-average growth for all occupations.

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Travel nursing has many incentives for nurses regarding pay and benefits including:

• Travel reimbursement
• Free housing
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement plans
• Assistance in obtaining passports/work visas
• Choice of location
• Selection of hours/shifts worked
• Competitive pay
• Higher-than-average pay for RNs

According to Indeed, the average yearly salary for a travel nurse is $75,109. However, since pay is competitive in travel nursing, some companies are offering salaries of around $100,00 annually for domestic travel nurses.

International travel nurses tend to have lower salaries than domestic, except for assignments in some middle eastern countries. This is because, for the most part, nurses tend to make less outside of the U.S.

Salary is dependent on the agency, and nurses should research each company to find the right salary and benefits that best fit their needs.

• International Council of Nurses
• Professional Association of Nurse Travelers
• National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations
• American Travel Health Nurses Association

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What Is A Travel Nurse? [+ How To Become One]

• Amanda Marten, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
• Last Updated: July 28, 2023

Healthcare facilties all across the country experience critical staffing shortages.

Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem: travel nurses. Better yet, the industry is currently booming. There are dozens of top-rated travel nursing agencies to choose from, and each one helps provide essential healthcare support.

But how does travel nursing work? How and why should you become a travel nurse?

If you’re not sure, don’t worry! We’ll cover all this and more to help you decide if travel nursing might be a good career choice for you!

Table of Contents

What is a travel nurse, what do travel nurses do, why is travel nursing important, 1. higher pay and great benefits, 2. travel to new places, 3. build your resume, 4. have a more flexible schedule, who can become a travel nurse, what are travel nursing contracts, why is travel nursing paying so much, what taxes do travel nurses pay, do travel nurses get benefits, where can travel nurses work, agency-placed housing, housing stipend, can you travel with family, can you travel with pets, can you go with other travel nurses, 1. get your nursing degree, 2. pass the nclex, 3. gain rn experience, 4. pursue an advanced degree and certifications (optional), 4. obtain additional licenses, 5. connect with a travel nursing agency, how long does it take to become a travel nurse, is travel nursing worth it.

Travel nurses are RNs who work in temporary nursing roles. Rather than being hired by a single healthcare facility directly, these nurses typically work with staffing agencies to fill in-demand positions.

Since travel nurses work on a non-permanent basis, they often move from one facility to another at the end of their contract. This gives nurses the opportunity to work in a variety of settings and locations over a relatively short period of time.

Travel nursing is a great option for those looking to:

• Earn more money
• Explore different areas in the country
• Gain experience in multiple healthcare settings
• Work on their own schedule

We’ll discuss all of these benefits in more detail below .

Travel nurses can perform all the same duties as a permanent RN. The only difference between them is that travel nurses are brought in to fill staffing gaps on a temporary basis.

So, like other registered nurses, travel nurses do everything from administering medication to monitoring conditions to educating patients. 

It’s also worth noting that speciality travel nurses are even more in demand, allowing healthcare facilities to fill advanced roles. For example, travel nurses can fill speciality roles in areas like:

• Medical Surgery

Travel nursing is important because it helps healthcare facilities fill critical staffing shortages. There are a several reasons for these shortages, including but not limited to:

• Unexpected leaves of absence
• Seasonal patient population fluctuations
• Maternity leave

Since the demand to fill these roles is crucial, your travel nurse salary will be higher than that of permanent RNs.

Finally, travel nurses can sometimes reduce costs for hospitals. For example, travel nursing lessens the need for overtime pay and reduces turnover costs.

Why Should You Become A Travel Nurse?

As we mentioned earlier, there’s quite a few benefits travel nurses can take advantage of .

Let’s take a closer look at the top four reasons to choose travel nursing.

As with any career, earnings and benefits are always a key factor in which path you take. If salary is your main priority , you should definitely consider travel nursing.

We’ll discuss the hard numbers further on in this article , but for now you should know that travel nurses make a lot more money than their staff nurse counterparts.

Additionally, travel nurses typically have access to a wide array of benefits, including:

• Housing stipends and agency-placed housing
• Medical insurance
• Travel and meal reimbursement

While salary is often a key reason why RNs choose travel nursing, it’s certainly not the only reason. 

Another great aspect of travel nursing is that you get to live in and explore new places. Travel nursing opportunities are available in just about every location you can imagine in the United States.

For example, you could complete one contract in a rural location in the Midwest for a few months, and then spend your next couple of months working in a big city in the Northeast.

The travel opportunities are truly endless, and the freedom to choose where you live is one of the greatest things about becoming a travel nurse.

Just as you’ll have the opportunity to live in different areas, you’ll also have the option to explore different healthcare settings and learn from all kinds of medical professionals.

It’s likely that you’ll eventually want to settle down with a full-time, permanent RN position. To become the strongest candidate possible, travel nursing allows you to gain a multitude of hands-on experiences.

The ability to work these contract positions displays to employers that you can thrive under any conditions. 

Finally, if you want to work in a specific specialty at a hospital close to your permanent residence but there are no openings available, travel nursing allows you to keep working in your specialty while you wait for a new position to open up at home.

One more of the most important reasons to consider becoming a travel nurse is that you’ll have more control over your schedule.

You’ll probably have to work a 40-hour work week regardless of whether you’re in a permanent or temporary position, but travel nursing allows you the freedom to work for a few months and then take some off.

While you may have the opportunity to extend your contract depending on the needs of the facility you work at, most contracts end after a designated period of time (usually anywhere from 8 to 26 weeks).

Of course, you don’t have to take time off between assignments if you don’t want to. However, if you’re feeling burnt out and need a break, travel nursing allows you to take the time you need to recharge.

As long as you have your registered nurse license, you can work as a travel nurse. However, it is worth noting that most staffing agencies require that you already have one year of experience working as an RN.

Also, while you can work as a travel nurse with only your Associate’s degree, you’ll have access to more opportunities if you have your Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree or an advanced nursing degree.

We’ll walk you through all the steps to becoming a travel nurse further down in the post .

How Does Travel Nursing Work?

Travel nursing works by staffing agencies connecting nurses with positions at healthcare facilities. This means you don’t work directly for hospitals. 

Instead, you fulfill contracts with the travel nursing agency.

Travel nursing contracts lay out the details of your work assignments and specify things like:

• Length of assignment
• Hours of work per week
• Schedule (for example, day shift vs. night shift)

Once you sign a contract, it becomes a legally-binding document. This means you shouldn’t sign a contract until you fully understand it.

Remember, ending your contract early is rarely allowed and could have negative consequences. So, before committing to an assignment, make sure you’re ready to see it through until at least the specified end date.

Once the contract expires, you’ll be free to leave your temporary position and take on a role at a different healthcare facility.

How Long Do Travel Nursing Contracts Last?

The average travel nursing contract lasts about 13 weeks. However, some agencies offer both short-term and long-term contracts.

Typically, the shortest contract you can take on lasts about eight weeks. Meanwhile, the longest assignment you can complete will usually last no longer than 26 weeks.

Additionally, if your contract ends but a healthcare facility still needs your services, you may have the option to extend your contract longer than the original time period.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which contracts to take on based on what you want to do. After all, one of the best things about travel nursing is this flexibility.

How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

As we mentioned earlier, travel nurses make more money than permanent registered nurses for a number of factors, most notably the critical demand to fill staff shortages.

According to a report by Sumner College , travel nurses made on average $1,673 per week before the pandemic. Now that number has risen to as high as $4,000 per week in some cases. 

Additionally, travel nurses now make an average hourly rate of $120 according to the 2021 NSI National Health Care Retention & RN Staffing Report .

Staff nurses, on the other hand, make an average of $37.31 per hour according to BLS . If salary is your main priority, travel nursing is clearly the way to go.

Travel nursing is paying so much because the demand for filling staffing shortages in healthcare facilities is so high.

These shortages are caused by several factors, but one of them is high RN turnover rate . Hospitals in the Southeast had the highest turnover rate at 24.9%, up 7.2% since 2019.

It’s also worth noting that, according to the 2021 NSI National Health Care Retention & RN Staffing Report , the RN vacancy rate in 2021 was 9.9%, a full percentage point higher than it was the year before.

According to Vivian Health , the demand for travel nurses was 68% higher in September of 2021 than it was September of 2021. Additionally, they found that the average pay for these travel nurses rose 39.4% over the same time period.

As with any job, you will have to pay taxes on the base rate of your pay package.

However, assuming you have a tax home, you won’t be taxed for additional stipends covering meals, housing, and work-related expenses. This is because these stipends are considered expense reimbursements, not income.

Keep in mind, however, that you will be taxed on those additional stipends if you don’t have a tax home.

Taxes can be confusing regardless of the career you choose. So, be sure to talk with representatives from your travel nursing agency to ensure you understand how your money will be taxed.

Travel nurses get access to a multitude of benefits that staff nurses don’t.

For example, most travel nursing agencies will provide you housing or give you a housing stipend for the duration of your assignment. We’ll discuss housing in more detail later on.

Additionally, you’ll likely be eligible for reimbursements for your traveling costs, as well as meals.

You’ll receive a host of insurance options from the travel nursing agency you work with, including:

While some agencies provide “Day One” benefits, other agencies’ benefits only kick in once you’ve been working for a specified period of time. If having insurance as soon as possible is a priority for you, you’ll definitely want to look for an agency that provides Day One benefits.

Finally, you may be eligible for even more benefits, like:

• Referral bonuses
• Licensure reimbursements
• Free online CEUs
• 24/7 support

Travel nurses can work at healthcare facilities just about anywhere in the United States. This includes workplaces like:

• Physicians’ offices
• Home healthcare
• Correctional facilities
• Ambulatory care centers
• Skilled nursing homes and residential care facilities

The one thing you’ll need to keep in mind is that the healthcare facility you are contracted to work at must be far enough away from your permanent residence that you cannot reasonably commute there.

So, while you can’t work as a travel nurse too close to your home, you can technically take on contracts at facilities in your home state.

Where Do Travel Nurses Stay?

When it comes to travel nurse housing, you can opt to stay in agency-placed housing or find your own accomodation and receive a stipend. Which works best for you will depend on your own needs and preferences.

Learn more about each option below.

The first option you have for housing is to let the travel nursing agency you’re working with coordinate your accommodation. 

This option is best for first-time travel nurses, because it’s the simpler of the two. By letting the agency take care of housing, you can focus on the other challenges you’ll face as a new travel nurse.

However, it’s worth noting that agencies will typically place you in a housing situation that’s most convenient for them . This means they’ll want to put you somewhere that’s readily available and for the lowest cost.

So, once you have a little experience under your belt and know what to expect, you may want to consider the second housing option.

You also have the option to coordinate your own housing situation and receive a stipend from your travel nursing agency. The dollar amount of the stipend will depend on several factors, like the location you’re traveling to. 

Your contract will spell out the details of how much you’ll receive. In most cases, you’ll be quoted a monthly rate, and the stipend will be included in your weekly paycheck.

The main drawback of the stipend is that it can be difficult to find a place within the allotted budget. Since travel nursing assignments typically last no longer than 26 weeks, it’s often a challenge to find an affordable, short-term lease.

If having control over your housing options is a priority for you but you can’t find a place within the stipend budget, you can always take the full stipend and use some of your own money to pay for the total cost.

Again, the option that works best for you depends on your own preferences.

Who Can Nurses Travel With?

Just because you’re a travel nurse doesn’t mean you have to go by yourself. Having others there to support you can help you maintain your mental health as you complete your assignments.

In fact, you may be able to travel with family members, pets, and other travel nurses.

You can absolutely bring family members with you to stay at your accommodation during your assignments.

While family members may not be eligible for travel reimbursements, there’s no reason they can’t keep you company on your journeys.

You should be able to bring pets with you as well. The only catch here is that some housing situations may not permit pets.

If you opt for agency-placed housing, be sure to confirm with your travel nursing agency that pets are allowed.

Of course, if bringing your pet with you is a must and your agency housing doesn’t permit pets, you may want to find your own accommodation and receive the housing stipend. This way, you can be sure you’re able to find an apartment that permits animals to live with you.

Believe it or not, it’s actually pretty common for travel nurses to plan and complete assignments with one another. Depending on the needs of healthcare facilities in the location you plan to travel to, you may even be able to work at the same place.

If you’re looking to save money on housing, you can also share an apartment with fellow travel nurse friends. 

Finally, going with another travel nurse can provide you with a support system during your assignments, as you’ll have someone there who understands the stresses that come along with the job.

How To Become A Travel Nurse

Becoming a travel nurse may seem like a long and arduous process, but it’s really not as daunting as it may seem.

Below, we’ll walk you through the entire process of going from a non-nurse to a travel nurse.

The first step to becoming a travel nurse, or any type of registered nurse for that matter, is to get your nursing education .

Now, you have several options when it comes to getting your degree.

The first pathway is to get your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). This is the quickest way to become a nurse, but it’s likely not the best. Many healthcare facilities are only hiring nurses who have at least an undergraduate-level nursing degree.

So, we recommend you go straight for your Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree . This not only provides you with additional knowledge and skills required to be a great nurse, but it also opens up more opportunities for employment.

Of course, there are plenty of different ways to get your BSN:

• Pre-licensure BSN : For non-nurses with no prior degree
• RN-to-BSN : For licensed RNs who already hold an ADN or Nursing Diploma
• Accelerated BSN : For those with a non-nursing undergraduate degree
• Concurrent Enrollment BSN : For those enrolled in an ADN program who want to work toward their BSN simultaneously 

While getting your degree can be costly and time-consuming, there are plenty of quick and affordable options. In fact, you can even complete your degree online and on your schedule.

To find one suited to your needs, check out our top-rated online BSN programs .

Once you get either your ADN or BSN, you’ll be prepared to sit for the NCLEX. This is the exam that all registered nurses must pass before they become licensed.

While it may feel frustrating to have to pass one more exam after completing all your educational requirements, the NCLEX plays an important role: it determines whether or not you’re ready to begin working as an entry-level nurse.

The average first-time pass rate for the NCLEX in 2021 for test-takers educated in the United States was 82.48%. It’s also worth noting that the average pass rate jumped to 86.06% for BSN-educated students, while ADN-educated students had a pass rate of 78.78%.

If you fail the test, don’t worry! You’re allowed to take it again 45 days after your initial test date. 

Just be sure to review your results from your failed test. This allows you to see your problem areas so you can work on them. That way, you’ll be prepared to pass the next time you take the exam.

Once you pass the NCLEX, you’ll officially be a licensed registered nurse! This means you can begin working in entry-level nursing positions.

Unfortunately, most travel nursing agencies will require you to have at least one year of RN experience before you can begin your journey as a travel nurse. However, this is for a good reason.

Travel nursing comes with the additional stress of entering a new, fast-paced environment, so having some staff nursing experience will be key to your success as a travel nurse.

Gaining experience as a staff nurse also allows you to see how nurses operate in healthcare facilities, which will prepare you to jump into short-term contracts further down the road.

As you gain experience as an RN, you may learn that you prefer certain nursing roles and specialities to others. If you find that you really want to practice in a specific area, you may consider pursuing an advanced degree or certifications.

For example, you may want to go for your Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) in areas like:

• Informatics
• Nursing education
• Public health

You may also choose to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) . To do this, you’ll need to enroll in a Master’s-level, NP-focused degree program. You can choose to specialize in several areas, including but not limited to:

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable and flexible ways to get your graduate nursing degree. To find a program suited to your needs, check out our top-rated MSN programs .

Additionally, depending on your interests, you may choose to go for a nursing certification like:

• Cardiac-vascular nursing
• Critical care nursing
• Emergency nursing

There are tons of certifications you can decide to pursue, but keep in mind that most of them require quite a bit of RN experience in addition to passing a certification exam.

However, one thing is certain: getting an advanced degree or certification can open up new employment opportunities for potential travel nurses. Additionally, because these roles require advanced skills and knowledge, you should also be able to earn a better salary.

As we mentioned, you’ll need to already have your RN license and gain working experience before you can become a travel nurse. However, since you’ll likely be working in a state outside of the one in which you received your RN license, you’ll need an additional license as well.

In fact, you’ll need one of the following three types of licenses depending on the state you hope work in:

• eNLC License
• Walkthrough License
• State-specific License

The Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) allows travel nurses to practice in other states that accept the license .

While most states in the United States either accept the eNLC or are awaiting its implementation, others require a different license.

For example, you may need to obtain a Walkthrough License, which allows you to start working quickly as you begin the process of gaining permanent licensure within a given state.

Finally, some locations don’t accommodate either of the preceding options, meaning you’ll need to wait to obtain a state-specific license. For example, California is a non-eNLC state and doesn’t provide Walkthrough Licenses. This means it could take months before you’re licensed and able to work in the state.

If all the talk of licenses seems intimidating, don’t worry! Skip ahead to the next step, as most travel nursing agencies you work with should be able to guide you through the licensing process. However, it’s important that you’re aware of these requirements.

Once you’ve got your degree, licenses, and at least one year of experience, you’re finally ready to start working as a travel nurse! To do so, you’ll need to find a travel nursing agency to work with.

While this may seem like an overwhelming process (there are dozens of different agencies), it doesn’t have to be! You can check out our top-rated travel nursing agencies to get you started.

Every agency has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to do a little research to figure out which agency can best help you achieve your goals.

To make things even simpler, just click here and we’ll help you find a travel nursing placement.

How long it takes to become a travel nurse is entirely dependent on where you’re at in the process we discussed above.

For example, if you’re a registered nurse with at least one year of experience, you could start applying for travel nurse positions right now!

Alternatively, if you just started your first RN job last week, you could begin travel nursing in about a year.

Finally, if you’re a non-nurse, you’ll need to complete your degree program and gain RN experience, which could take anywhere from three years (two years for your ADN in addition to one year of RN experience) to five years (four years for your BSN in addition to one year of RN experience).

Overall, it’s safe to say that travel nursing is definitely worth it. From higher earnings to the opportunity to explore new places, there’s lots to love about this career pathway.

Additionally, you’ll provide support to healthcare facilities that really need your services, which can be rewarding in and of itself.

If you’re ready to start your journey as a travel nurse, then click here to start traveling today!

Amanda Marten MSN, APRN, FNP-C is a freelance nurse writer and a certified family nurse practitioner. With ten years of nursing experience, she has worked in a variety of specialties including urgent care, travel nursing, post-surgical, and intensive care. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, outdoor activities, and spending time with her friends and family.

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How to Start Travel Nursing: The Ultimate Guide

Table of Contents

A comprehensive guide on how to start travel nursing.

Are you interested in starting a career in travel nursing? Whether you’re a seasoned nurse looking for a new adventure or a new graduate ready to explore the world of healthcare, travel nursing can be a fulfilling and exciting career path. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the steps to get started in travel nursing, including the requirements and application process, how to choose the right agency, finding and securing assignments, and navigating compensation packages. Let’s dive in!

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Steps to Becoming a Travel Nurse

Travel nursing is an exciting and rewarding career path that enables nurses to explore diverse medical environments while experiencing new cities throughout their assignments. In this travel nursing blog article, we will outline the steps to becoming a travel nurse, starting with understanding the role, requirements, and application process.

Understanding the Role of a Travel Nurse

A travel nurse is a registered nurse who takes on short-term assignments in various healthcare facilities, often to fill staffing shortages or specific skill needs. Their responsibilities are similar to staff nurses, but they have greater flexibility in selecting their assignments and location. A travel nurse staffing agency, like Health Carousel, often manages the connections between nurses and healthcare facilities. In addition to providing exceptional patient care, travel nurses are expected to integrate quickly, adapt to new policies and procedures, and work with diverse teams of healthcare professionals.

Requirements for Travel Nurses

Travel nurses need to meet specific educational, licensure, and experience requirements. These include having a nursing diploma, an associate degree in nursing, or a bachelor's degree from an accredited BSN program. Additionally, they must pass the NCLEX exam to obtain their RN license. After that, they should have 1-2 years of experience in their specialty. The national council requires some travel nurse specialties, such as the nurse manager and cath lab nurse , to have additional certifications.

Completing the Travel Nurse Application Process

The application process for becoming a travel nurse involves submitting an online application to a travel nurse staffing agency. The agency's recruitment team will then review your application and determine your eligibility. If you meet the requirements, you will be moved to the next step, which is a phone interview with a travel nurse recruiter. During the interview, you can discuss your goals, preferences, and expectations. After the interview, you will need to submit the necessary documents, such as licensure, certifications, and employment history. If your submission is successful, you will be invited to participate in a travel nurse orientation program that helps you prepare for nurse life on the road.

Choosing the Right Travel Nursing Agency

As you explore the various travel nurse resources available to you, one important aspect of launching your travel nursing career is selecting an agency that will help you find assignments, negotiate pay packages, and provide support. In this section, we discuss evaluating travel nurse staffing agencies, comparing agency benefits, and tips for selecting a reputable agency.

Evaluating Travel Nurse Staffing Agencies

When evaluating potential travel nursing agencies, consider factors such as the number of available assignments, relationships the agency holds with healthcare facilities, and its track record of placing nurses successfully. Many travel nurse resources, including online forums and review websites, can help you gain insights into the experiences of other travel nurses who have worked with particular agencies. Additionally, make sure the agency adheres to the principles established by the national council for travel nursing agencies.

Comparing Travel Nursing Agency Benefits

Many travel nurse staffing agencies offer a variety of benefits that can affect the overall value of a travel nurse assignment. These can include housing stipends, sign-on bonuses, health insurance, and retirement plans. Make sure to research and compare the benefits offered by different agencies before making your decision.

Tips for Selecting a Reputable Agency

Selecting a reputable travel nursing agency is vital in ensuring a smooth and successful travel nurse experience. Some tips for choosing an agency include asking for referrals from other travel nurses, doing thorough research on the agency's reputation, and asking about the level of personal support available to travel nurses while on assignment.

Finding and Securing Travel Nurse Assignments

The next step in your travel nursing career is finding and securing travel nurse assignments that meet your preferences and goals. In this section, we will discuss browsing and applying for assignments, preparing for an assignment, and building a successful travel nursing career.

Browsing and Applying for Travel Nurse Assignments

Once you have partnered with a travel nursing agency, your recruiter will work with you to find suitable assignments. Platforms offered by travel nurse staffing agencies often provide job listings, and you can apply directly through their websites. When searching for assignments, consider factors such as location, duration, pay, and required skills.

Preparing for a Travel Nurse Assignment

Before embarking on a travel nurse assignment, make sure you are adequately prepared by familiarizing yourself with travel nurse resources, obtaining necessary licenses and certifications, and ensuring your personal life is set up for success on the road. The travel nursing blog community can provide tips and insights on topics such as housing, budgeting, and managing stress while on assignment.

Building a Successful Travel Nursing Career

As you progress in your travel nursing career, prioritize ongoing professional development, and seek opportunities for growth, such as continuous education, certification courses, and attending networking events. Your travel nursing agency can provide valuable support and guidance as you navigate your career objectives.

Navigating Travel Nurse Compensation Packages

The travel nurse's salary is often a significant factor in choosing and negotiating assignments. As you navigate travel nurse compensation packages, it's essential to understand salary and hourly rates, the difference between taxable hourly rates and non-taxable reimbursements, and tips for negotiating a fair pay package.

Understanding Travel Nurse Salary and Hourly Rates

Travel nurse salaries can vary depending on factors such as assignment location, specialty, and experience. Compensation packages typically include a base hourly rate and additional pay for overtime, call-back, or on-call hours. As a potential travel nurse, you should be knowledgeable about the average salaries in your specialty and the desired assignment's geographical region.

Taxable Hourly Rate vs. Non-Taxable Reimbursements

Understanding the difference between taxable hourly rates and non-taxable reimbursements is crucial for navigating travel nurse compensation packages. Taxable hourly rates are wages subject to federal and state taxes, whereas non-taxable reimbursements cover expenses, such as housing, meals, or transportation, related to your assignment. Non-taxable reimbursements are not subject to federal and state taxes and often play an essential role in travel nurse pay packages.

Negotiating Your Travel Nurse Pay Package

Effectively negotiating your travel nurse pay package involves researching the market rates for your specialty and location, being aware of your unique skill sets and experiences, and being prepared to discuss your expectations with your recruiter openly. Keep in mind that while a travel nurse's salary is a vital component of an assignment, additional factors such as location, housing, and benefits should also be considered.

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Travel Nursing 101: How to Be a Travel Nurse & More

Getting Started in Travel Nursing

The nursing field offers this unique career path that allows you to travel the country while expanding your nursing skills. What’s better than that? Whether you’re just starting to explore the world of travel nursing or about to head off on your first assignment, it can be daunting to navigate this nuanced industry. And by nuanced we mean crazy but awesome. To make sure you start off on the right foot, we put together this guide covering all the basics of travel nursing.

This guide covers a lot of information. Use these links to find what you’re looking for faster.

• Part 1: Travel Nursing 101 — What is travel nursing?
• Part 2: How to Become a Travel Nurse — breaking down the requirements & how to get started.
• Part 3: Working With an Agency — and why you need an amazing recruiter.
• Part 4: Landing Your First Job — it’s interview 101 & contracts.
• Part 5: Travel Nurse Pay Packages — how to dissect a pay package.
• Part 6: Important Links — tax info & more.
• Travel Nursing FAQs — Can I take travel nurse assignments close to my house? What’s orientation like? And so much more.

Part 1: Travel Nursing 101

It’s important to always remember that travel nursing is all about filling a need. There’s a nursing shortage — have you heard? The demand for registered nurses will grow by 15% from 2016 – 2026. From aging baby boomers to nurse burnout, the need for highly-skilled and experienced nurses continues to rise. Oh, and there’s also seasonal needs and expected leaves (like maternity leave) to factor into the equation. Enter travel nurses.

What is a Travel Nurse?

Licensed and experienced, travel nurses work as contingent staff to maintain quality patient care standards during staff shortages. In plain English, they fill the gaps on the schedule, typically for 13 weeks at a time.

• Highly-Skilled : You’ll need to be confident in your skills and ready to hit the ground running. Travel nurse orientations are notoriously brief, and you’ll be expected to hit the floor quickly. 
• Adaptable : Things will not go as planned, from housing to expectations. Good travel nurses can not only adapt quickly but know who to contact at their agency to ensure they have the proper support.
• Adventurous : Making new friends, learning new cities, and working with new equipment — it all comes with the territory. So make sure you pack your sense of adventure.
• Independent : The life of a gypsy nurse often means being away from friends, family, and sometimes special moments. When you get home after a shift and are alone, you’ll need to remember that you’re independent. 

Why Choose Travel Nursing?

There are so many reasons nurses choose this career path. We believe it’s because it’s one of the best careers out there. We see nurses hit the open road for financial freedom — paying off debt, building retirement, or being able to afford the life they want to live. Many nurses want to develop their experience, from working at a prestigious hospital to working with the latest tech. And sometimes, travel itself is the motivator.

Check out our tips for maximizing your travel career on The Gypsy Nurse. It’s all about determining your motivations and how to find an agency that complements those driving factors.

Part 2: How to Become a Travel Nurse

After determining your motivators and some research, you’ve decided you want to clock out for the last time on your staff position. Welcome to the most fun, challenging, and rewarding job you’ve ever had. But first, let’s break down how to get started.

Travel Nurse Requirements

It’s the big 3. You’ll need a combination of experience, education, and documentation to make your move. Experience is often the most talked-about element, and that’s because it’s vitally important. Travel nurses typically jump right into a unit with little orientation, so your skills and confidence need to be sharp.

• Education : It all starts here. Registered nurses must first hold a nursing degree from an accredited university before taking the NCLEX-RN ® and applying for a license. So, like any nursing career, you’ll need either your Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Learn about bachelor’s degrees, continuing education programs, and more by reading our Nursing Education Guide .
• Experience : After passing the NCLEX and meeting licensing requirements, you can practice as an entry-level nurse. In general, the hospitals we work with require travel nurses to have a minimum of 1-2 years’ recent acute care experience in the specialty in which they wish to work. For specific specialty requirements, check out our Specialty Guide and then find your specialty for an in-depth look from travel nurses who’ve worked on those units.
• Documentation : During our application process, you’ll need to provide references and documentation of licenses and certifications. Rest assured, we’ll walk you through each step. Bonus — TNAA will help you obtain and pay for the licenses you need. Read our Licensing Guide for more information.

The beginning of your travel nurse journey likely consists of a lot of research. From online groups to word-of-mouth reviews, you’ve probably heard plenty of recommendations. It’s essential to determine your motivators for traveling and define what you need from an agency. 

Part 3: Working With an Agency

There are a lot of agencies out there — like nearly 300. And while they all do share some commonalities, they are definitely not all alike. So how do you choose an agency? First, let’s break down the role of your agency.

What’s the Purpose of Travel Nursing Agencies?

Think of a travel nursing agency as a one-stop-shop for everything you need, from finding assignments to assisting you while you’re on an assignment. Sounds simple, right? Of course, it’s a little more nuanced than that. If we break it down to its most basic, there are 2 main aspects to consider — think of their role as 2 sides of the same coin.

You are their employee.

In this capacity, their role is that of an employer providing things like health insurance, payroll, and legal protections. Remember your time as a staff nurse, your hospital carried liability insurance, offered options and protections if you suffered a workplace injury, offered health benefits, and took care of compensation. Some agencies offer all the perks of perm nursing — hello, we’re super proud of our benefit programs! So, while other agencies might not consider you as a full-time employee and therefore may opt to cut some of those.

You are their customer.

In this capacity, the agency takes on a more customer-service related role. While there is a business-to-business aspect of this industry, you are their customer. Throughout your journey with an agency, they will be concerned with your experience and should strive to ensure you want to remain with them. This is why you will see stand-out benefits and perks — one of our core values is obsessing over our nurses’ experiences with us.

  View this post on Instagram   At TNAA, we love to see our travel nurses succeed in achieving their goals, and we want to help in any way we can. That’s why we’re proud to offer our RN to BSN Degree Program, which reimburses 100% of eligible tuition costs. Read our blog to see how you can get started. Link in bio. A post shared by Travel Nurse Across America (@travelnurseacrossamerica) on Jan 29, 2020 at 5:53pm PST

What Should an Agency Offer?

We referenced it earlier, but it’s crucial to determine your motivations. What do you want to get out of travel nursing? That will dictate what agency offers are most important to you and ensure you have a successful travel career. 

At TNAA, our offerings stem from our core values. Putting nurses first and obsessing on their experience is not only deeply important to us, but it drives everything we do. 

• We believe in treating our nurses like family. Our goal is to think of everything you could need while on assignment. Read more about TNAA company culture (and why we continue to win awards for it). 
• We believe in providing opportunities to grow your career. We do this by finding assignments to help you reach professional milestones. We also want you to be able to further your career with continuing education opportunities and an RN to BSN tuition reimbursement. Want to learn more about these programs? We break down all of our career-enhancing programs in our Education Guide .
• We believe in protecting you while you’re far from home. We pride ourselves on offering benefits that cover what really matters — mental, physical, and financial wellbeing. To learn more about our benefits, check out this blog on all we offer.

Travel Nurse Recruiters 101

While choosing the right agency is crucial, it’s difficult to overemphasize the role a travel nurse recruiter plays. Finding the right recruiter for you can be daunting — especially with so much noise about recruiters in online communities. Plus, some agencies are now ditching recruiters altogether. But before we dive into why our travel nurse recruiters are the best in the industry, let’s explore the role of the recruiter.

They’re your career coach. 

We like to think of our recruiters like academic advisors, but way better. TNAA recruiters have market knowledge. They understand the industry and how to leverage that to your benefit. Maybe your goal is to travel to Hawaii or work in a prestigious teaching facility. As a first-time traveler, it’s about strategy and experience to help you reach your goals and handle the unexpected hiccups that come with life on the road. 

Your recruiter should know how to get you where you want to go, literally. Back to our Hawaii example: you could hit submit on an app for years. Or, you could work with a TNAA recruiter who can help you get the relevant travel experience necessary for that 300-bed stroke unit on the Big Island. See, part of that market knowledge includes knowing what facilities are looking for and how to make your file jump out to hiring managers. Or, maybe you want to work on a different unit. Our recruiters are prepared to help you get there and be transparent with a plan.

They’re your career concierge.

Part of the job is making the complex simple. Our goal as a company is to make your life as a travel nurse easy. On the most basic level, your recruiter will simplify the application process, submit you for jobs, and help with paperwork along the way. You can expect to build a real relationship with your recruiter, and that extends into ensuring you understand your options and how those impact your goals. Wait. What? For example, your recruiter will give you feedback on things like cancel rates, call-offs, and help you choose a contract and pay package that meet your needs.

  View this post on Instagram   Well, today was pretty freakin cool. I talked this gal for almost a YEAR before we found her 1st assignment in WA • • Today we met up for lunch in the @omahaoldmarket; we sipped tea, talked about life & future goals. Big things coming for this zen lady – on to her 2nd assignment in the Mountains 🏔 🙌🏻 • • Oh, and I watched her get a nose piercing. @my_lovethyselfjourney_365 did we just become best friends?! Yup! • • Thank you @travelnurseacrossamerica for bringing us together💫 #recruiterturnedphotographer A post shared by Ashley Hazen (@travel_nurse_recruiter) on Nov 12, 2019 at 5:43pm PST

Part 4: Landing Your First Job

You’ve spoken with a recruiter and feel confident that they understand you, your goals, and where you want to be. So what’s next ? Now they work on securing you an interview. A great recruiter will help tailor your file, so it gets to a nurse manager, charge nurse, or hiring manager. They’ll also coach you so you’ll be prepared to ace your interview and get offered the job. But your interview with the facility is a two-way street, and you’ll want to make sure that the facility is a good fit for you too.

What You Need to Know About Travel Nursing Interviews

It’s important to remember that travel nursing is all about filling a need. Typically, facilities will hire the first qualified nurse who interviews and can start quickly. Unlike perm staff hiring processes, time is of the essence, and travel nursing jobs need are filled as soon as possible.

Knowing what to ask for your first interview can be daunting. Consider this guide a high-level overview of what to ask. But rest assured, your recruiter will be your biggest asset. In the meantime, here are a few quick tips:

• Be quick:  Again, speed matters. The first qualified candidate who answers the phone when a nurse manager calls has a great shot at getting the job. Unlike perm positions, the nurse manager is looking to fill the job quickly, they will not hold multiple rounds in search of that just-right candidate. If you’re unable to have your phone out (work, we get it), make sure you take the time to check your messages and call back ASAP .
• Do your research:  Look up the facility ahead of time. Did we mention that speed matters? Don’t expect a nurse manager or hiring staff to have a lot of time to chat. You can find out bed numbers, teaching designation, traveler reviews, and call-off history from the internet and your recruiter. Spend your time finding out about the unit, the culture, and contract expectations.
• Prepare in advance:  Ask your recruiter for typical questions (we’ve included some in our download above) and have answers prepared. Knowing how to answer common questions will make you sound confident and experienced. Plus, it will allow you more time to ask your questions.

For even more tips, check out this blog on The Gypsy Nurse and this advice from our travel nurses .

Reviewing Your Contract

For first time travelers, this can be especially daunting. This is one reason it’s important that you have good rapport with your recruiter. Here’s what you need to know about that crucial contract:

• Confirm the details: During your interview, you discussed things like shift, days off, floating, and more. Double-check to ensure those things are included.
• Review with your recruiter:  For first-time travelers there can be a lot of confusing details in a contract. After you confirm the details, your recruiter will review it with you and point out things like holidays for the unit or call-off policies.

Part 5: Travel Nurse Pay Packages

Staff nurses in a hospital are typically paid at a set salary based on their education level and experience. However, the travel nurse world is a world all its own, and that includes how they earn income. A variety of components make up a travel nurse pay package , such as hourly pay, non-taxed stipends, travel reimbursements, and more. Let’s break down the basics of travel nurse salary and what to look for in a pay package.

It’s important to understand the role taxes play in travel nursing. Any travel nurse will tell you; there’s a big misconception around where the money comes from. Most travelers will tell you that the tax-free stipend is the best way to profit from travel nursing. To understand the financial benefit travel nurses can enjoy from the non-taxed portion of their pay, we pulled together some helpful tax links to get you started.

Key Components of a Pay Package

• Hourly Equivalent: A travel nurse pay package generally consists of 2 main components: the regular, taxable hourly rate and the non taxed reimbursements (referred to as stipends, subsidies, per diems, or allowances). Your hourly rate is a combination of taxed and non taxed portions.
• Non Taxable Per Diems: It’s important to note that in order to qualify for these reimbursements, you need to be eligible. Okay, what? In short, the IRS deems things like housing and meals to be ‘tax-free reimbursements’ if you meet their eligibility requirements. Read more about those here. Per diems are set by the GSA (General Services Administration) and refer to allowances that federal employees are reimbursed for expenses incurred while on official travel. But isn’t all travel nursing official travel? < if you asked this, you might not have clicked on the tax links yet, so here they are again because this concept, like an ACLS algorithm, is nuanced.
• Taxable Income: This is where you’ll find your taxable hourly rate. Similar to your perm job, this portion is where things like social security contributions and more originate.
• Benefits: More and more agencies offer benefits similar to perm employers. So unless you carry private insurance or are insured through your partner, medical benefits can factor into your overall pay package.

Note: Sometimes the taxable hourly rate can seem low. A pay package may be structured in a more tax-efficient way. But like everything, there are pros and cons to each scenario. Is it better to have the taxable hourly rate higher or the non taxed? The answer is dependent entirely on your personal situation and goals — so be weary of over-generalizations when it comes to pay.

Other Financial Considerations

• Upfront Costs: Travel nursing requires a lot of different licenses and certifications. The costs of which can really add up before you even hit the road. While many travel nursing agencies pay for some of these expenses, others don’t pay for anything. We arrange and pay for physical exams, immunizations, and more that you may need to start working. To see a list of everything included, click here! Bonus — we’ll provide up to $1,000 to cover your trip-related mileage and fees.
• Bonuses: Many agencies offer bonuses like extension bonuses when you stay on for another contract period, rebook bonuses for agency-loyal travelers, and referral bonuses. Consider how these add to the overall attractiveness of your pay. But be aware, bonuses are taxed at a higher rate.
• Extras: While these extras may or may not impact your hourly equivalent, they are important aspects to determine if an agency provides solid travel nurse pay. Consider how your agency is setting you up for future success with education and financial options. TNAA offers free continuing education, a tuition reimbursement program, and a generous 401(k) benefit.

Consider the full picture when comparing compensation between agencies. Uncover the full scope of benefits to make the best choices for your financial wellbeing.

Part 6: Important Links

We could talk for days and days about this industry and still have more to say. This guide has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide tax or legal advice. That being said, we believe that education and transparency build a more confident travel nurse. We promised you links, and here they are!

Taxes are inherently complicated, and it’s always best to seek tax advice from certified tax professionals. However, we’ve compiled some basics you and your tax accountant should know for you to be eligible for non-taxed reimbursements (aka the tax-free money and/or the stipend).

• Start Here: Common Travel Tax FAQs
• For an Official Breakdown: National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations on Travel Taxes
• Our CFO on Tax Compliance: How Staying in One Place Can Make Reimbursements (aka your stipend) Taxable

We do travel nurse housing differently. We believe that if you choose to ‘take the per diem’ you should still have access to the best housing options in the industry. Read our Housing Guide to learn about housing per diems and how we make housing better for our nurses — we’re talking about programs you won’t find anywhere else like payment assistance, vetted leads, and pet-friendly options.

There’s a lot of information out there on how to obtain your nursing license in each state. But what does a travel nurse need to do to get licensed? Read our Licensure Guide where we’re breaking down the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact, temporary and permanent licenses, and how we’ve simplified the process for nurses who choose to travel with TNAA.

Orientation

Before you can hit the unit, you’ll need to complete orientation. The more assignments you complete, the more you’ll realize that each unit will be a little different. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to travel nurse orientation. While it can be daunting to look at everything needed, TNAA support staff brings unparalleled market knowledge to ensure you’re able to start your assignment on time. Check out our Orientation Guide for all that, plus advice from our current travel nurses.

Travel Nursing FAQs

We’re answering your most frequently asked questions..

While you don’t have to move across the country for every assignment, specific rules do exist regarding what distance an assignment must be from a nurse’s home to be considered a traveler.

• Most hospitals have a radius rule which dictates the minimum number of miles a nurse must live from the facility to qualify as a travel nurse.
• The IRS also has region requirements to qualify for non-taxed reimbursements (subsidies, stipends, per diems).
• No matter the distance, don’t expect to be able to commute from home. We will always follow IRS guidelines.

We take your traveler status seriously with teams dedicated to checking things like distance to ensure you remain tax compliant.

Well, this is a loaded question. Luckily, our CFO discusses this question on The Gypsy Nurse blog,  you can find her insights here.

While in the normal world, you may contact a potential employer to check on the status of your application, this is not the normal world. There are rules about how facilities can and cannot be contracted that your recruiter has to follow.

Your license is determined by your Primary State of Residence, your PSOR.

• If you are licensed in a compact state, you can check if your license has compact privileges through Nursys where you’ll see what states you’re licensed to work in.
• If you are licensed in a non-compact state and want to work in a compact state, you’ll need to apply for that state’s license — but that doesn’t mean you have a compact license, only a license to practice in that state.
• If you are licensed in a state with pending legislation, you’ll have to wait. And there’s no telling how long. So, if compact status is important to you, changing your PSOR is an option.

Did you know: We have a robust team obsessed with all things licensure. When you travel with TNAA, our expert support teams will ensure you have the license you need to work where you want. Read more about Licensure and the TNAA difference .

While we’d love to break down exactly what your orientation will be like, we simply can’t. Orientation varies from facility to facility.

There are a few things you can count on though, and we go into detail about in our travel nurse orientation guide . Bonus — we included tips and advice from our current travel nurses.

Well, this varies depending on where you are in your travel nurse journey.

• If you don’t meet the experience requirements yet:  Typically, it’s recommended to start contacting agencies or recruiters about 3-5 months from when you’d ideally like to start your first assignment.
• I f you’re on your first assignment:  Typically, you and your recruiter will begin looking for what’s next close to your assignment’s halfway point.

The short answer is no. We require current work history and current references for the specialty you’re choosing to travel.

However, if you’re really passionate about wanting to work in a different specialty,  ask your recruiter to connect you with our Clinical Team.  This is a team of real RNs who support you on assignment with questions just like this one and can guide you to where you want to be in your career.

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New Grad Travel Nursing: A Guide for 2022

As a result of the COVID pandemic, travel nursing became more popular than ever before. In 2022, the world has adapted to a new normal of living life with coronavirus, and the demand for travel nurses remains high. As a new graduate nurse or a seasoned nurse new to traveling, you may have a lot of questions about how to work your way into this popular and lucrative business. As you learn how to become a travel nurse, weigh the pros and cons and decide if it makes sense for you to pursue it now. 

What is Travel Nursing

Travel nursing was developed as a way for hospitals to fill short-term staffing needs.

A typical travel nurse assignment of thirteen weeks could be enough time for the hospital to train a new permanent employee. A travel nurse is a quick albeit temporary fix to a hospital or clinic’s staffing problem. Currently, hospitals are facing severe staffing challenges with no end in sight. Because of this, travel nurses are often given the opportunity to extend contracts and stay in the same facility for longer than thirteen weeks, sometimes for up to a year. 

A travel nurse is an employee for an agency rather than the hospital system where they are working. The travel agency is responsible for the new-hire checklist items, such as immunizations and background checks. Orientation with the hospital system will be very short, usually no longer than a few shifts. To be successful in the industry the nurse needs to learn and adapt quickly while being extremely confident in his or her skill set.

Can a New Grad Be a Travel Nurse

That depends on how ‘new’ the new grad is. The ability to succeed in a new facility and work with confidence in your skill set requires experience; there’s really no way around it. Generally speaking, a fresh out of school nurse cannot be a travel nurse — yet. But, a new grad can be a traveler after a year of experience. This means the new grad can start working on the checklist needed to travel when the time is right. 

What’s Required for a New Grad to Be a Travel Nurse

In order to work in any nursing job, first you have to earn a nursing degree through an accredited program, pass the NCLEX and hold an active Registered Nursing License in the state in which you desire to work. Typically one to two years of total RN experience are needed, with at least one of those years in the area of work you plan to travel in. The current nursing shortage has definitely made it easier for new grads to start traveling after meeting these minimum requirements. 

Where Should a New Grad Work With the Goal of Traveling

If you know you want to travel as soon as possible while searching for your first RN job, seek out positions with a plethora of travel job openings. Medical-surgical, intensive care, and emergency departments tend to have high demands for travelers. If your experience will be in a more specialized unit, your job search may take longer. 

Seek out facilities with Magnet designation. These facilities have earned this award for their history of nursing excellence. Hospitals with this designation are your best bet for getting the experience that you need to be prepared for traveling.    

How Can a New Grad Build a Competitive Travel Nurse Resume

Build a competitive resume by highlighting your expertise in the area you wish to work while traveling. Start studying to get certified in your specialty . Trust me, studying for certification is a breeze compared to nursing school and studying for the NCLEX! Not only that, but the detailed knowledge you will gain in your specific field will help you in your practice. Check with your manager on hospital policy regarding reimbursement, as hospitals may pay to reimburse certification costs. 

Volunteer to precept newer nurses or nursing students, and represent your unit on a hospital-wide committee to highlight yourself as a leader. Being part of a committee outside of your unit also helps you to broaden your perspective on nursing, and an open perspective is something you will need as a traveler! 

Build relationships with nurse leaders as soon as you can, and collect positive reference letters from managers, charge nurses, and other coworkers you work with to have stellar reference letters on hand when needed. When asking for a reference letter, give your letter writer adequate time to provide one to you. You don’t want your writer to feel rushed. 

When educational opportunities arise through your hospital, make it a priority to take those courses and add them to your resume. Keeping your resume updated as you go along will reduce  stress when you need it most. That will also allow time for others to review your resume and provide suggestions for edits. 

Pros of Travel Nursing

In my opinion, the ‘pros’ of travel nursing greatly outweigh the ‘cons.’ As a travel nurse, you have the opportunity to travel the country on your company’s dime. You can go places for 13 weeks that most people would only travel to on vacation. You have enough time to really see the area but short enough to not miss home too much. It’s also short enough that you may be able to convince a friend or family member to travel with you. Or, you can stay close to home by taking a local contract. Depending on your schedule you can choose to travel far at certain times of the year and stay close at other times. For example, if you’re a parent with kids in school, you could travel with your family further away during the summer while staying close to home during the school year.   

Another ‘pro’ to travel nursing is the schedule flexibility. Staff nursing jobs tend to have set limits of time off, and you have to compete with others in your unit months in advance for highly desired vacation times. In addition, hospitals may have a ‘black-out’ vacation period. These are highly desired vacation times such as during Christmas or Thanksgiving when either no staff nurses or only the most senior staff nurses are allowed time off. As a travel nurse you state the time off you need during a contract prior to signing, and if accepted you are guaranteed to have that time off. Even though you might not know the exact days you will be working when signing, you have the opportunity to know that you are off when you need it most. 

One of the most well-known pros of working as a travel nurse is the money. Nursing is known to be a stable job with middle-class salary offerings, but since the 2020 COVID travel nursing boom, travel nurses have been able to earn six-figure salaries. This sudden increase in pay is a huge benefit, especially if trying to pay off loans, save for a house or start a family. In addition, many travel jobs also pay stipends-money for housing and food- which is untaxed. Even though you will be spending at least a portion of that stipend money on your housing and food needs, remember that you were spending money on housing and food before your travel gig, but all of that money was taxed. This way, you can earn a higher salary without having to pay it all back in taxes. 

Cons of Travel Nursing

All the ‘pros’ being said, as a travel nurse you are thrown into new challenges daily. Depending on your view, this challenge can be a pro or con . Working through and overcoming challenges in your nursing career will build skills and confidence, making you more marketable in future job searches as well as nurturing your own personal resilience. But any challenge adds stress, and depending on what else is going on in your life you need to decide if the added stress is doable for your life at this time. With the new challenges at work you may have decreased mental and emotional energy left over for home and family life. To be a successful travel nurse it’s incredibly helpful to have  supportive people close to you.

13 weeks is not that long in the grand scheme of things, but if you have a significant other or close family who can’t travel with you, 13 weeks is plenty of time to feel homesick. If you find yourself struggling with this, encourage your family to visit even if they can’t be with you for your whole travel assignment. Even a weekend visit in the middle can help break up the longevity of the time away. 

Though travel nursing has stabilized since the start of the pandemic and the need for travel nurses remains great, in general, travel nursing is not as stable as a traditional staff nursing job. The pay and job openings for travelers are subject to change with the market. No matter how stable the market is, there is always the risk that the hospital could cancel your contract at any time. This doesn’t happen often - if it did the travel industry would not be booming! However if you’re at a point in your life where you are not able to take a risk it might not be the best time for you to travel. Some nurses may choose to mitigate this risk by staying PRN at their staff job so they have something to fall back on should their travel contract end early for any reason. 

Where Can a New Grad Find Travel Nurse Opportunities

When I worked as a staff nurse, I started my travel job search simply by talking to all the travelers I came into contact with. Every travel nurse I had a rapport with was casually interviewed about their travel nursing experience. How long and where did they work before traveling? What company did they travel with? How many assignments had they done so far, and what were the most fun and hardest parts? By asking those few questions I learned so much, and was armed with the basic knowledge I needed before browsing travel companies. Something that became clear to me upon every interview though was that it is incredibly important to work for a travel company that has your back through the ups and downs of your assignment. The quality that Trusted Health possesses makes Trusted Health a fantastic place for new grads to start their travel nursing job search. 

How Can Trusted Health Help New Grads Looking to Travel

In your job search with Trusted Health, you will speak with a Nurse Advocate, not just a nurse recruiter. In your shifts at the bedside you advocate tirelessly for your patients, and your Nurse Advocate works for you with the same attitude in mind. The Trusted Health Nurse advocates are available via phone call, message or e-mail so you can communicate in whichever way is most convenient for your unique schedule. Trusted Health is also unique in its plethora of resources they provide for new nurses. All that being said, the most important way Trusted Health assists new grads wanting to travel is they have thousands of job opportunities waiting for the right nurse to fill them. One of those nurses could be you. 

‍ Log in or sign up with Trusted to get started today.

A registered nurse since 2016, Mary Dies, RN BSN has experience in internal medicine, international medical aid and emergency medicine where she currently practices. Mary is most passionate about empowering patients through education and creating safe, supportive work environments for nurses. In her free time Mary finds joy in her catholic faith, running, trying new recipes and spending time with friends and family.

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What is a Travel Nurse?

As the effects of COVID on our country’s hospital system continue to unravel, the term “travel nurse” has grown in popularity, becoming almost a household term. But what is a travel nurse really?

Travel nurses are simply nurses that fill gaps in staffing needs for hospitals and facilities across the country for specific (often short) periods of time. There are travel nurses for every specialty, and there are even managerial travel nurse positions. The staffing needs may be due to a lack of experienced nurses, an expected leave of absence like maternity leave, or seasonal population fluctuations. This is where travel nurses come in, to help bridge the staffing gap while the hospital fills the open full-time positions.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that more than 275,000 additional nurses will be needed from 2020 to 2030 , which indicates the dramatic need for nurses to fill positions. Hospitals have to fill needs quickly, which is when they turn to travel nurses.

How Does Travel Nursing Work?

Hospitals and healthcare facilities work with travel nurse staffing agencies to hire travel nurses to fill their staffing needs. To obtain a travel nurse contract, you’ll need to work with an agency. There are 340 travel nurse staffing agencies in the U.S. — 110 of which are certified through the Joint Commission . While it’s not a requirement for staffing agencies to be certified, Magnet hospitals and large academic teaching hospitals generally only work with travel nursing agencies that are. It’s important to keep that in mind if you’re looking to work at those types of facilities.

There are short-term and long-term travel nursing contracts. Typically, contracts are between 8 and 26 weeks, though the most common contracts last 13 weeks. If there’s a continued need in the hospital for your current position, they may offer to extend your initial contract. Due to the ongoing nursing shortage, more and more facilities are increasingly flexible with contracts.

Ultimately, it’s up to the travel nurse to decide if they want the stability of a long-term contract or a short-term contract in order to travel around the country more. Once a contract is signed, it becomes a legal document, and ending a contract early is rarely allowed. If you’re unsure which contract length is best for you, recruiters often suggest choosing between 10- and 13-week contracts to start. You often have the option of adjusting the duration of your contract for the next assignment or extending your current one if the staffing need is still there.

Hospitals and facilities do have the option of ending a contract early if there is no longer a need for your position. This doesn’t happen often, but if it does, you unfortunately won’t be paid through the end of your contract. Your staffing agency will work to find you another position quickly, but it’s still something to keep in mind when choosing an assignment.

How Do You Become a Travel Nurse?

1. have your rn.

First, you must be a registered nurse to become a travel nurse — there is no additional training or education required. That said, nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) are more marketable than nurses with only an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Most Magnet hospitals and large academic teaching hospitals want travel nurses with a BSN.

2. Experience Needed

In general, travel nurses need at least one year of work experience, oftentimes two, in their specialty before accepting their first contract. Travel nurses have a short orientation time on a new unit — typically 1-3 shifts. This orientation time is to learn the unit, experience the patient population, get to know your new coworkers and review the charting system. Time is not spent on learning basic nursing care, and for this reason, nurses must have the required experience.

3. Licensure

Travel nurses must also be licensed in the state where they’re accepting a contract. Most staffing agencies assist with this process, but it could take several weeks in order to obtain a new license, so keep this in mind when choosing your assignments. This is important if you want to travel between multiple states and accept shorter-term contracts.

Pro tip: Consider obtaining an Enhanced Nursing Licensure (eNLC), commonly known to nurses as a Compact License. This is one license that works for 39 states and means you can start assignments immediately making you more desirable for contracts.

4. Choose an Agency

It’s also important to research different travel nurse staffing agencies. Every agency provides different benefits, including health, dental, tuition reimbursement, vacation and sick time, and retirement, in addition to compensation rates. Each agency also has different agreements with hospitals, so it is advantageous for the traveler to talk to multiple agencies to increase their options. Experienced travel nurses suggest keeping a spreadsheet that includes all the benefits offered for each staffing agency as well as assignment lengths, housing and location options, and a number of available travel nursing jobs. This will help you compare multiple travel nurse companies at once. Or you’ll already have some homework done when it comes time to choose your next assignment.

Consider reaching out to other travel nurses to ask about their experiences with various staffing agencies and facilities. An experienced travel nurse can provide you with information that you may not get from a recruiter and can help guide you in what questions to ask.

How Do You Find Travel Nursing Jobs?

With the rise of travel nursing positions, there has also been an increase in accessibility to travel nursing job postings. The easiest and by far most common way to sign a travel contract is through a travel nurse agency, and we partner with several of them here at travelnursing.org. With hundreds of options available, it is important to prioritize what you are seeking most out of a contract because each company can offer a slightly different package.

Finding contracts has never been easier. There are apps and websites that allow you to compare different active posts through different agencies. It’s always important to remember why some companies are offering higher packages than others, and what benefits they may or may not be including.

From personal experience, I would recommend doing your research on which companies seem to fit your desired need, and then reaching out to 3-4 of them to begin the conversations.

One great starting spot is to look at how the companies compare with others, and there is a great chart to get you started here . This way, you have options, but you are not overwhelmed with 40 recruiters trying to get your business. They can answer the most basic questions like “what is a travel nurse?” to “what is the breakdown of a given contract,” and “what travel expenses can be reimbursed?”

Advantages of Travel Nursing

1. expand your nursing skill set and build your resume.

Working as a travel nurse gives you access to hospitals all around the country that you may not have otherwise considered. Taking a contract at a top-rated hospital boosts your resume. This nursing experience may help with graduate school admission as well as earning a staff position at other prominent hospitals. Here are some resume-building facilities to consider:

• Mayo Clinic
• Mount Sinai Beth Israel
• Cleveland Clinic
• John Hopkins Hospital
• New York Presbyterian Hospital

2. Earn a higher salary and other benefits

Between the non-taxable stipends, travel reimbursements, and other monetary incentives, travel nurses typically make more money than staff nurses. If they’re in a specialty that’s in high demand or are willing to travel to less popular places, especially at certain times of the year, the potential is even greater.

3. Travel to new and exciting places

New travel nursing assignments are available across the country every day for various specialties. And contracts are short (typically only 13 weeks), so there’s time to explore multiple locations throughout the year. If you have your heart set on a specific location and it isn’t available currently, don’t fret – chances are it will be in the future. A good recruiter can also help you find assignments in your desired destinations.

4. Personal and professional flexibility

Travel nurses have the option of taking time off between contracts to see family or travel. Some experienced travel nurses take 2-3 months before starting their next assignment due to vacation, holidays, or family schedules. It’s not a requirement to work back-to-back contracts. Also, some hospitals let travel nurses pick their own shifts and schedule, but keep in mind that this isn’t always the case. Travel nurses are hired to fill a hospital’s specific needs, and flexibility isn’t always an option.

Cons of Travel Nursing

1. live far away from close family/friends.

One of the hardest parts about traveling is the distance from family. Although it is possible to take contracts that are relatively close to home or travel to locations where family or friends might live, some travel nursing jobs take you far away from any familiar people in your life. If family or close friends are a priority in your life, this would be something to consider.

2. Harder time building roots

Although many travelers find a small community of people everywhere they live, when one is on the road and moving every few months, it is a lot harder to build deeper relationships. You could end multiple contracts with 50 new friends, but very few of them might have the depth of friendship to continue past that particular contract.

3. Loneliness

Many travel nurses take contracts by themselves in brand-new cities and locations. This can be extremely isolating and lonely at times. Those first few weeks of a contract can be full of quality alone time, and time to take some solo adventures. If this sounds daunting, find some other fellow nurses to travel with or rent a room with other nurses to ensure you have more time with others.

4. Minimal control over work schedule

Since travel nurses are essentially filling in the gaps in the schedule, many times there are no options for what shifts you will be working – rather, management simply assigns you shifts and dates. Although you have the option to request days off in your initial contract negotiations, the rest of your schedule is in the hands of your department’s management.

5. Different treatment in the hospital

Just like “nurses eat their young” is slowly becoming an outdated mantra, so is the fact that travelers are given bad assignments on a unit. However, it does still happen from time to time. Even if they aren’t intentionally giving you the harder assignments, oftentimes your abilities or qualities might be overlooked due to the label of being a traveler.

Where Can Travel Nurses Go?

Travel nurse assignments are available across the country. There are assignments in large hospitals, smaller community hospitals, and outpatient centers as well as assignments in large metropolitan cities and smaller rural towns. If you’re unsure of the type of setting or where you want to work, travel nursing gives you the flexibility to try them all.

To help narrow down the options, prospective travel nurses should determine why they want to become a travel nurse. Do you want to meet new people, travel the country, and experience life? Or do you want to earn higher pay to pay off student loans, buy a house, or just increase your bank account? Understanding the why will help you determine a location and assignment that fits your needs.

For example, Hawaii currently ranks as the lowest in affordability with the highest cost of living and the least affordable housing in the country. It’s also one of the most desirable states for travel nurses, because of the beaches, outdoor activities, and endless sun. It’s great for adventure, but you likely won’t leave the islands with a larger bank account.

California , New York, Alaska and Massachusetts are also among the least affordable in the country but are popular travel nurse destinations. California and New York generally pay the highest hourly rate for travel nurses, but when the cost of living for housing, food, and other living expenses are factored in, the take-home pay may not stretch as far as it would in a more affordable location.

A 2022 U.S. News & World Report recently looked at the top ten most affordable states in the country (listed in order):

• Mississippi
• West Virginia

A Note on Travel Nurse Housing

Travel nurses have two housing options during an assignment:

• Agency-placed housing – Generally, staffing agencies will rent one-bedroom apartments for their travel nurses in close proximity to the hospital.
• Housing stipend – A non-taxable monthly payment based on the average cost of living. With this option, it’s up to the travel nurse to find appropriate housing. Most experienced travel nurses choose this option for a number of reasons. It allows travel nurses to live with a roommate and save money, find an apartment in a different area of the city, find pet-friendly housing, or rent a larger place. If the cost of housing is over the stipend amount, then it’s the travel nurse’s responsibility to cover the rest. But if the cost of housing is less than the stipend the nurse banks the extra money.

So, what is a travel nurse to do for housing? For a more in-depth look at the breakdown of housing for travel nurses, check out our travel nurse housing guide .

Is Travel Nursing Worth It?

Travel nursing is an amazing opportunity for nurses looking to experience the country, advance their careers, and earn a competitive salary. There are positions available every day throughout the country in many different specialties. Travel nursing may be overwhelming at first, but with the support of a great recruiter and staffing agency, you’ll find a contract that fits both your needs and the hospital’s.

If you aren’t committed to a given city or region, you have the flexibility for a season to be away from family, and there are no large health limitations, I cannot recommend traveling enough.

• It gives you a broader perspective on medicine.
• You get to work alongside different cultures.
• It strengthens and pushes your boundaries in different challenging situations.
• It can bring some of the most incredible humans into your life.

Travel nursing can definitely come with challenges, but the rewards are far greater. Hopefully, the next time you sit down at Thanksgiving dinner and Uncle Bob asks you “what is a travel nurse?” you can add some personal insight and a few stories.

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What Is a Travel Nurse?

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How Much do Traveling Nurses Make?

Advantages of being a traveling nurse, steps to becoming a travel nurse, requirements for traveling nurse.

Travel nurses are professionals who fill short-term staffing gaps in hospitals and medical facilities around the country. These contracts normally last between eight and 22 weeks, though sometimes travel nurses are offered extensions.

Travel nurses fill gaps in a variety of specialties, from the NICU to the medical-surgical unit and beyond. Although they plan to stay for just a short time, they interact with patients and perform the same duties as any permanent employee.

What Do Travel Nurses do?

Travel nurses have all of the same responsibilities as permanent staff in the hospitals in which they work. However, they are hired by contract on a temporary basis to fill a staff shortage. The average travel nurse assignment is 13 weeks in one hospital.

Travel Nurse Job Description

The travel nurse job description includes caring for patients using diagnoses, evaluations, and assessments, much like standard nurses. You may be required to visit patients in their home if they are not mobile. As a travel nurse, you’ll find yourself caring for patients as part of the team of permanent staff, despite your temporary role. In fact, when your contract ends, many of your co-workers might be surprised to learn you weren’t a permanent employee!

Core duties of a travel nurse also include:

• Educate patients and their families about conditions/treatments
• Tend to injured or sick patients
• Perform tests and analyze test results
• Administer medication
• Follow up with patients after treatment

Travel nurse salaries can vary depending on education, region, and contracts. For example, many hospitals prefer an advanced nursing degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; others may accept an Associate in Nursing or Registered Nurse. Hospitals in major cities also tend to pay more than hospitals in rural counties, because of cost-of-living expenses are higher. And, some travel nurse contracts allow for bonuses or extensions, which would increase base pay. In addition to salary, many travel nurse contracts include a housing allowance, meal stipend, and travel reimbursements.

While all of these things should be considered, the   national average annual salary of a travel nurse is about $75,000 , according to Payscale.

Travel nursing has many advantages, including being able to work with people from all different walks of life and explore parts of the country you may have never seen. While it may seem daunting to interview for a new position every couple of months and move to a new city, there are many travel nurse agencies that can help smooth the process.

Many times, these agencies can set up the interviews with the hospital administration for you. Of course, then it’s up to you to let your talents shine! The agencies can also help find you fully-furnished housing, which is often free for travel nurses and located in close proximity to the hospital. Many of these accommodations are also pet and family friendly, so you don’t have to take the journey alone.

Many contracts allow for a meal stipend during your assignment. Some include bonuses or contract extensions. Each assignment can be different, so you’ll gain experience from different hospitals, equipment, and people.

If you're interested in becoming a travel nurse, there are a few steps you have to complete before you can begin applying for travel nurse assignments. While some steps may seem obvious, like making sure to get the proper education, there is more to a career in travel nursing than just having the right degree.

Step 1: Earn your degree.

If you’re wondering how to be a travel nurse, you should know that travel nurses have the same credentials as any nurse; so earning a degree in nursing would be the first step to becoming a travel nurse. Programs, such as the   Bachelor of Science in Nursing   degree, offered at Gwynedd Mercy University are traditional undergraduate degree programs in which you can enroll immediately after high school.

However, if you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and are interested in how to become a travel nurse, you can earn a degree such as GMercyU’s   Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing   degree, which is an intensive full-time 15-month program.

Step 2: Gain some real-world experience.

After you earn your degree, you should take some time to work in a hospital setting to get used to the feel of it. Working in a clinical setting during your education will start your first hands-on experience within the nursing field. Obtaining an entry-level job within a doctor's office or hospital will also better prepare you for a travel nursing role.

Another way to ensure that you gain real-world experience is to make sure that you're enrolled in an accredited nursing program. Two popular accreditation agencies are the ACEN, or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, and the CCNE, or Commission on Collegiate of Nursing Education. Accredited nursing programs will guarentee a specific standard of education within their program so that employers can trust that they are hiring a highly skilled and knowledgable nurse.

Step 3: Find an agency.

After you have some experience as a nurse, you can begin your search for a   travel nurse staffing agency . You’ll complete an application and be paired with a recruiter. This person will get in touch with you to talk about your skills and experience, expectations for the job, and your preference of cities. Then, you’ll be matched with the hospitals that are looking to hire travel nurses.

Step 4: Brush off your interview skills.

You won’t automatically be paired with a hospital; you’ll have to interview for the job by phone or video chat. This is your opportunity to show the hospital administrators what you’re made of, what you’re excited about, and what you can bring to their facility. Your recruiter might even be able to offer you some interview tips to calm your nerves.

Step 5. Away you go!

Once you're matched with a facility, you’ll begin your journey! Agencies can provide you with free housing or housing reimbursement. If you are familiar with the city you’re sent to, you may be able to find housing on your own. In that case, you’ll receive a housing allowance that varies depending on the city you’re in. The free housing option will always come fully furnished, and will usually be located in close proximity to the hospital. Keep in mind that the housing provided by your agency will be an efficiency or one-bedroom apartment, so you may prefer to find your own housing and pay the difference if you will need more space.

You can decide if you’d rather fly or drive, but the agency will give you a travel allowance that should cover the cost of transportation to your new hometown.

If you’re ready to become a traveling nurse, you should be aware of some of the travel nurse requirements. For starters, you’ll need to at least be a registered nurse (RN) with some hospital experience. Many hospitals prefer nurses with a   Bachelor of Science in Nursing , like the one offered at Gwynedd Mercy University. If you already have a bachelor's degree, you could earn an   Accelerated Bachelor's in Nursing degree , which is an accelerated degree for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree in another field. Once you earn your bachelor's degree, you can go on to earn a   graduate degree in nursing.

In addition, you’ll need to make sure you are certified to practice in the state where your assignment is. If your home state is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact – Pennsylvania is not – you are eligible for one multi-state license. However, because the NCLEX is a nationally recognized licensure examination, obtaining a license in another state should not be too difficult. Plus, your staffing agency will be able to provide some assistance. Rest assured that the licensing requirements for traveling nurse certification will not delay your new career as a travel nurse!

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• Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-MSN Program) – M.S. (Available in select states)
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HEALTHCARE CAREER GUIDES

Travel Nurse Career

What is a travel nurse.

Travel nursing is the practice of registered nurses (RNs) traveling to and from different healthcare facilities like hospitals or clinics on assignment, filling short-term nursing employment gaps on a temporary basis. Usually assignments come based on staffing issues at a hospital or clinic, and a recruiter will help gauge staffing needs to help make assignments. And where do travel nurses work? Nurses can travel within the U.S. or internationally, just depending on the need and the job.

Travel nurses may get assignments to go help in disease ridden areas, or get assigned to go fill gaps that are large due to nursing shortages around the United States. Nursing involves long hours and hard work, and this is also true for travel nurses. But travel nursing gives you a unique opportunity to work while visiting cities, states, or even countries you never would have gotten to visit otherwise.

RESPONSIBILITIES

What does a travel nurse do.

Travel nurses perform the same tasks and duties as a registered nurse, for the most part. Some may learn unique specialties, practices, or skills during their travels based on the needs where they are working. For example, nurses working in mosquito heavy areas may learn specific skills for treating mosquito-borne illnesses. Others may be working in an area with a swine flu outbreak and learn how to treat those patients. Others may work in an area with a large elderly population, and will learn more skills on treating older patients. As a traveling nurse, you never know what kind of patients and medical situations you may face in your assignment.

EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES

How do i become a travel nurse.

Traveling nurses will usually need to have at least one year of experience working as an RN. While you can become an RN without a degree, more and more nursing positions are requiring bachelor’s degrees, especially for traveling positions. WGU’s online programs allow current RNs to pursue their bachelor’s or master’s degree while working. This degree can set you apart from the competition, and help you land your dream travel nurse position. Similarly, WGU offers licensure for RNs along with a bachelor’s degree in some states.

Additionally, you will also have to reach out to travel nurse agencies like  American Traveler  or  Aya Healthcare  to begin working as a travel nurse. There are many reputable options, and it's important to research ones near you to ensure you're picking a high quality company.

Best Degrees for a Travel Nurse

Nursing (Prelicensure) – B.S.

A one-of-a-kind nursing program that prepares you to be an RN and a...

A one-of-a-kind nursing program that prepares you to be an RN and a baccalaureate-prepared nurse:

• Locations:  Due to in-person clinical requirements, students must be full time residents of FL, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, NV, NM, NC, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX, UT to enroll in this program. The coursework in this program is offered online, but there are in-person requirements.
• Tuition:  $6,430 per 6-month term for the first 4 terms of pre-nursing coursework and $8,755 per 6-month term for the remaining 4 terms of clinical nursing coursework.
• Time:  This program has a set pace and an expected completion time of 4 years. Certain coursework may be accelerated to finish faster.
• WGU offers the prelicensure program in areas where we have partnerships with healthcare employers to provide practice sites and clinical coaches to help teach you and inspire you on your path to becoming a nurse.
• If you don't live in one of our prelicensure states or don't qualify to apply, consider getting our  Bachelor's in Health and Human Services  instead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry, while also working directly with patients who need help.

Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:

• Community Health
• Women's and Children's Nursing

Nursing (RN-to-BSN Online) – B.S.

An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added...

An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added theoretical depth, employability, and respect that a bachelor's degree brings:

• Time: 61% of graduates finish within 20 months.
• Tuition:  $4,685 per 6-month term.
• Courses : 23 total courses in this program.
• Transfers: Students can transfer up to 90 credits.
• Healthcare Policy and Economics
• Information Technology in Nursing Practice
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Applied Healthcare Statistics

If you don't currently have an RN and don't qualify for your nursing prelicensure program, consider getting our Bachelor's in Health and Human Services  instead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry in a unique way.

Nursing – Leadership & Management (RN-to-MSN) – M.S.

This program for RNs includes a BSN component and is a substantial leap...

This program for RNs includes a BSN component and is a substantial leap toward becoming a nurse leader.

• Time: 62% of RN-to-MSN grads finish within 37 months.
• Tuition:  $4,685 per 6-month term during undergraduate portion and $4,795 per 6-month term during graduate portion.
• Courses : 32 total courses in this program.

Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:

• Quality Outcomes in a Culture of Value-Based Nursing Care
• Nursing Leadership and Management
• Advanced Pathopharmacological Foundations
• Informatics for Transforming Nursing Care

If you're driven to lead, this online nursing degree will provide you everything needed to make that career a reality. This program is ideal for current RNs who are interested in earning both their BSn and MSN in an accelerated program.

Compare degrees

This program is not the only degree WGU offers designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees.

Nursing – Leadership & Management (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S.

For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree who are ready for...

For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree who are ready for additional career opportunities.

• Time:  61% of grads finish within 23 months
• Tuition: $4,795 per 6-month term
• Courses : 15 total courses in this program

This program is ideal for current RNs who have a BSN and are ready for the next step in their education.

Nursing Leadership and Management – Post-Master's Certificate

A certificate for registered nurses with a master's degree in nursing who...

A certificate for registered nurses with a master's degree in nursing who are ready for greater responsibility in a leadership and management role.

• Time:  Students typically finish this program in 12 months.
• Tuition:  $4,795 per 6-month term. The cost to sit for the NAHQ Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) exam is included in tuition.
• Courses : 8 total courses in this program.
• Strategic Planning
• Resource Management
• Business Case Analysis
• Evaluating Healthcare Improvements

How Much Does a Travel Nurse Make?

According to the  Bureau of Labor Statistics , the average RN salary is $81,220 per year. But a travel nurse salary is likely to be more than this, due to their high demand. It’s best to look at a  travel nurse salary per state  to help you calculate exactly what you can expect your travel nurse salary to be, based on your assignment, the hospital or nursing clinic, and more. According to Ziprecruiter, the average salary of a travel nurse is $105,021 per year .

What Is the Projected Job Growth?

From 2022 to 2032,  employment for registered nurses is expected to grow 6% . Travel nursing is expected to rise as part of that outlook as well. Travel nurses have the ability to relocate to regions in great need of nurses, allowing the projected job growth to rise for this industry.

What Skills Does a Travel Nurse Need?

All travel nurses will need to have current licensure and nursing skills in order to get a job. But travel nurses also need other skills to help them succeed. Those skills include:

• Emotional intelligence. Travel nurses have to be able to give bad news to people, and help them cope.
• Critical thinking. Nurses of all kinds deal with complex problems and need to find solutions.
• Flexibility. Travel nurses especially need to be flexible to work different hours, move to new places quickly, and more.
• Adaptability. Travel nurses are in new hospitals and clinics all the time. They must be able to adapt to their new circumstances quickly and effectively.
• Strong communication skills. Travel nurses need to be able to communicate well to patients, and to be able to ask questions when needed.
• Love of traveling. It may seem like a no brainer, but traveling nurses will be traveling a lot! So a love of travel and a sense of adventure is a must.

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Why Travel Nursing? Discover the Benefits of Travel Nursing Using Our Comprehensive List

by Trusted Nurse Staffing | Dec 14, 2021 | News | 0 comments

Even though nursing is an important job, it may not be for everyone. So before you commit to the life of a traveler, you will want to examine the reasons why travel nursing could enhance your career and lifestyle. If it’s a good fit for you, you could enjoy many benefits not open to other careers or to staff nurses specifically.

Are you a nurse who wants adventure, loves to travel, likes meeting new people, or all of the above?

If so, travel nursing might be a great career path for you! 

In this article, you will learn:

• How to decide if travel nursing is the best fit ford you
• Reasons to become a travel nurse
• How to find your ideal travel nursing position 

Why become a travel nurse? Keep reading to find out!

Table of Contents

Is travel nursing right for you, why be a travel nurse 14 reasons this could be your ideal career path, find new travel nursing positions and the adventure that comes with them using trusted nurse staffing.

Let’s be honest, nursing is hard work, and travel nursing is no exception.  

Travel nursing is not all sunshine and roses, and sometimes travel nurses may get the worst shifts. However, there are a lot of benefits to travel nursing. 

If you’re asking yourself, “Why be a travel nurse?” check out the following list to see if this path might be a good move for you.

A career as a travel nurse can be rewarding and fulfilling. You can work as a travel nurse in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities across the country for short periods. 

There are many benefits to becoming a travel nurse, but here are some of our favorite reasons nurses opt to pursue this career path. 

Reason #1: It’s in the Name – You Get To Travel!

Th e name says it all! 

Some travel nurses may just be curious about what else is out there or feel like they want to get out of the rut they’ve been stuck in, while others have been bitten by the travel bug. 

With proper licensing and the appropriate educational requirements , you can take jobs in facilities throughout the United States.

The opportunity to work as a travel nurse is particularly appealing to those who are adventurous. As a travel nurse, you can choose the locations of your assignments, and the agency pays for your travel to get there.

Maybe you will be in:

• Louisiana for Mardi Gras
• California for Stagecoach
• Colorado for skiing season; or
• Texas for South by Southwest
• New York for the ball drop on New Year’s Eve

The possibilities are endless!

Not only do you get to work in the destination of your choice, but you can also make the most of your free time by exploring everything the area has to offer. It’s a traveler’s dream.

Reason #2: You Often Earn Higher Wages as a Travel Nurse

Have a lot of student loans to pay off? 

On average, travel nursing pays more than staff nursing positions. 

A travel nurse’s salary is often higher than a staff nurse’s salary due to perks such as:

• Tax-free stipends
• Reimbursement of travel expenses; and
• Various monetary incentives

According to Indeed.com , the average annual salary for a travel nurse in 2023 is $118,454. This breaks down to:

• $8,387 per month
• $2,167 per week
• $50.77 per hour

That is significantly higher than the average salary for staff nurses, which is $92,258. 

Along with the higher salary, travel nurses have the opportunity to earn different types of bonuses. 

Three standard bonuses are available to travel nurses are: 

• Hospital-provided bonus – This is considered a “completion bonus” and is paid by the hospital when the assignment is finished.
• Agency-added bonus — This consists of money that the company does not include in its original compensation calculations.
• Agency-factored bonus — The company factors the bonus cost into your compensation.

Earning more money through referrals is another option. RNs who refer their friends to travel nurse companies will often be rewarded with referral bonuses. 

In addition, free furnished housing or a housing stipend might be available. Because of all these extras, many workers feel that travel nursing offers financial stability and peace of mind. 

With a higher salary and other financial perks, it may be possible to pay off those student loans more quickly or even save for retirement. 

Reason #3: You Can Figure Out Where You Want to Live If and When You’re Ready to Settle Down

Have you ever considered moving to another state? 

How about living near a beach if you love summer? 

Enjoy hiking and want to live near the mountains?

With a traveling nurse career, you can live anywhere for a while!

Instead of settling down in an unknown area, you can move all over the country until you find the right place for you. 

Maybe travel nursing will help you find your forever home — or perhaps you’ll just keep traveling!

Reason #4: You’ll Experience Working in Diverse Settings

With new job environments come new procedures and learning opportunities. 

Some settings you might work in as a travel nurse include: 

• Big city hospitals
• Rural hospitals
• Community health centers
• University hospitals; and
• Urgent care

No matter where you go, they’ll do things a little differently in each location, and every experience you gain will be helpful. Travel nursing provides you with access to facilities throughout the country that you might not otherwise consider. 

In addition, you can boost your resume by taking on a contract at a reputable hospital or clinic.

Just imagine your resume being full of exciting and diverse experiences. With travel nursing, you will have the most impressive resume around if you decide to take a location-stable job based on: 

• Your new professional contacts
• Your experience in many types of environments; and
• Your work with different types of administrators 

Reason #5: You May Be Able To Accelerate Your Professional Growth

Working in a variety of settings is great experience, but perhaps even better than that is the breadth of knowledge you can gain from taking jobs in different specialty areas.

Consider a surgical nurse who works at the same place all the time. They may only assist with one type of surgery day in and day out. Sure, they become an expert in that surgical field. But maybe they want to do more.

A surgical travel nurse may have opportunities to work on orthopedic surgeries, abdominal surgeries, general emergency surgeries, and more!

As a travel nurse, you could conceivably work in a different area of nursing every time you take a new assignment. 

You won’t be limited to just one population and can see a variety of patients, perform many different procedures, and learn lots of new on-the-job skills. This will help you practice your critical thinking skills and quickly broaden your professional growth experiences, which can lead to higher pay for future assignments.

Reason #6: You Can Use Breaks Between Contracts to Do Whatever You Please

Travel nurses usually work with 13-week contracts. However, as the profession grows and demands change, there are more variations in contract lengths. 

Whatever your contract might be, the time you take off between assignments is entirely up to you. 

Finish an assignment, and head to Europe! 

Finish another job, and then take off to Asia! 

Or come to the end of the next one and decide to just stay home and chill for a while, spending precious time with your family and friends.

All of this is on your own schedule. Travel nursing means you are not bound to long-term employment agreements and earned and scheduled vacation times. 

Reason #7: Travel Nursing Allows You to Minimize Feelings of Burnout

Many staff nurses suffer from burnout after working in the same area for many years. 

Nurse burnout is the state of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion caused by sustained work-related stressors such as:

• Long hours 
• The pressure of quick decision-making; and 
• The strain of caring for patients who may have poor outcomes 

Travel nursing is as demanding as any other nursing job; however, think of it as a working vacation every time you move to a new assignment. 

Your energy level may be kept up, and your smile becomes genuine when you change:

• Co-workers; and even
• The weather

If you are a nurse suffering from burnout, travel nursing might be just the change you need. 

Reason #8: You’ll (Mostly) Avoid Workplace Politics

Does anyone enjoy workplace politics? The answer should be an unequivocal, “NO!” 

No job is free of workplace politics or drama, and travel nursing is no exception, but there is a huge benefit to being a short-term employee.

There is no or minimal management drama or politics for travel nurses. Since they are not stationed in one place for an extended period of time, they can go in, do their jobs, and focus on caring for patients. 

And it’s okay if the assignment is not a perfect fit; shortly, a new assignment will be given to you. This thought can keep you going on those long workdays. 

Reason #9: It Will Help You Save on Your Cost of Living

If you are interested in saving on the cost of living, travel nursing might be ideal for you. 

Many travel nursing companies offer free, private housing. As a result, many everyday living expenses are eliminated or drastically decreased with your housing expenses covered. 

If saving on the cost of living is your goal, you might want to look into areas that are known for their low cost of living. 

Living in an area known for a lower cost of living will help to drive down spending and monthly expenses.  

Reason #10: You Can Meet New People and Make Connections Across the Country

As you travel to and from facilities, you will have the chance to connect with people from all different walks of life. 

You will get to know new people — from your colleagues at the facility to friends you make outside of work. The people you meet and connect with are those you would otherwise never meet. 

You will be able to make friends all over the country. An added bonus? Just imagine visiting your new friends on vacations in the future!

Another bonus to meeting new people is that you will also build your network while working alongside various healthcare professionals. 

You never know when one of those relationships could translate into a future job opportunity. 

Reason #11: Travel Nursing Allows You to Be Adventurous and Try New Things

In addition to the benefits and security of a nursing career, travel nursing offers many opportunities for excitement. 

Every new city will have something different to experience as a travel nurse. 

Just imagine, on your days off, you can: 

• Go hiking in the Rockies
• Relax by the beach
• Tour historical sites; and

These are activities you can do in solitude or with the new friends you will be meeting. 

With travel nursing, every day can be a new adventure.  

Reason #12: You’ll Learn How To Live Independently

Have you always lived with family or with roommates? Travel nursing allows you to be independent and solely responsible for yourself.

Learn how to: 

• Stand up for yourself
• Shop and cook for one; and
• Enjoy solitude

As professor of psychology Alison Gopnik once said:

“Becoming an adult means leaving the world of your parents and starting to make your way toward the future that you will share with your peers.”

And even if you’ve been an adult for a while and know how to take care of yourself, the world of travel nursing lets you explore periods of solitude and traveling on your own, which can be great for really getting to know yourself and what you like.

Reason #13: You Can Serve Populations in Need

Most nurses choose the profession because they have a deep desire to help those in need. Travel nursing allows you to use your skills in places that most need your help, whether it be due to:

• Natural disasters
• Critical staff shortages
• Struggles to provide adequate medical care to populations

Your presence as a travel nurse can have a meaningful impact on both the medical facilities that hire you and the patients they serve.

Reason #14: Most Travel Nurses Have Their Licensure and Continuing Education Fees Covered

Most travel nursing agencies — including Trusted Nurse Staffing — provide reimbursements for state licensing fees and certifications related to the job. The best agencies will even keep track of your upcoming renewals and help you every step of the way.

Licensure and certifications that will be covered by your travel nursing agency may include:

• State licenses
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• CEU requirements

Whether you are looking for your first travel nursing assignment or ready for a new journey, Trusted Nurse Staffing can support you at every step. 

Our main objective is to help you achieve your full potential as a traveling nurse. To assist with this, we will provide: 

• Access to your recruiter 24 hours a day
• Our flexible contracts, which range from per diem assignments to 52-week assignments
• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• A quality assurance department devoted to making your travel nurse experience the best it can be
• And much, much more

Use the Pronto job search to find jobs you’ll love in places you want to travel, and then contact us today if you are ready to join our team and start your travel nurse adventure. 

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How to Become an International Travel Nurse

NurseJournal.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

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Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

• What Is an International Travel Nurse
• Steps to Become

Choosing a Specialization

• Credentials

Great pay and boundless opportunities are just some reasons why nurses choose travel nursing. The job options are a good fit for nurses who love to travel, discover new places, and want to broaden their skill set.

Travel nurses help temporarily fill shortages. In the U.S., assignments may range from 13-26 weeks, but international assignments are often at least one year.

European countries offer some of the highest-paying jobs. Benefits can include a housing stipend, travel costs, and partially covering food and other living expenses.

Travel nursing jobs within the U.S. are simple to arrange. Travel nursing internationally, however, has a few added prerequisites.

Discover how to become an international travel nurse, types of assignments available, and the required certifications.

How Long to Become: 4-6 years

Degree Required: ADN, BSN, or MSN

Job Outlook: 6% growth, 2021-2031 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

What Is an International Travel Nurse?

There is a global nursing shortage . Countries with shortages need to increase nurse graduates by an average of 8% annually. One out of every eight nurses works in a country where they were not born or trained. This is what international travel nursing looks like.

Travel nursing is available domestically. But you can also choose to travel and work internationally.

Nursing shortages have hit countries across the world and they require medical personnel to fill their needs. This offers travel nurses an opportunity to expand their skills and learn new medical techniques.

Many countries need to fill positions in nursing specialties . Hospitals, doctors’ offices, and outpatient care clinics are just some of the settings in need of international travel nurses.

The most sought-after nurses often have experience in emergency rooms (ERs)/ emergency departments (EDs) as an ER nurse , intensive care, and cardiac care. Nurses with experience as a labor and delivery nurse and in neonatal nurse care are also desirable.

Steps to Becoming an International Travel Nurse

Becoming an international travel nurse is much like working as a domestic travel nurse. However, there may be additional requirements depending on your destination.

A nurse must hold licensure from the state board of nursing , which confers the registered nurse (RN) credential.

Earning this requires passing the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN). Some states have additional requirements.

To start your journey as an international travel nurse, take the following steps:

Earn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree.

International travel nursing demands high-level nursing skills in your specialization. This starts with earning a four-year bachelor of science in nursing degree from an accredited school.

A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) improves patient care and prepares you for leadership and management positions.

Nurses with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) may enroll in an RN-to-BSN degree bridge program to complete their BSN. If you are entering a BSN program with a bachelor’s in another field, consider accelerated nursing programs .

Pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers the NCLEX exam . It is a national exam all U.S states accept. The test demonstrates your clinical competency in nursing and decides if your state will issue you a nursing license.

To take the exam, you must hold either an ADN or BSN, which can also help you develop a NCLEX study plan . You are tested on care management, pharmacology, and safety and infection control, among other areas. NCLEX practice questions are available through various study sites.

Gain experience.

To work and travel domestically, the best travel nursing agencies may want you to have at least one year of experience in your specialty. However, international travel nursing positions may require even more experience or nursing certifications . This depends on the country and the facility you’ll work from.

Earn proper credentials.

Domestic travel nursing requires that you have a nursing license in the state where you will be working. For international travel nursing, your destination country may have a longer list of requirements.

This list can include a valid passport, visa to work in the country, and vaccinations needed before traveling . Some facilities may require special certifications. Others may require a language test to demonstrate proficiency before travel.

Find employment.

International travel nurses may work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, or outpatient clinics. While it’s not necessary to work with a travel nursing agency, it can help you look for work, finalize your contract, and move.

Note the length of your contract as you decide on your location. Domestic travel nurses often work 13-26 weeks. International nurses may be offered one- or two-year contracts.

International Travel Nurse Schooling

As you consider your options as a travel nurse, know the educational and skill requirements you may need. Most organizations prefer a BSN degree.

To work internationally, you need an undergraduate degree in nursing from a four-year program, such as an in-person or online BSN program . To apply for a graduate-level program, students often must hold a BSN.

Admission Requirements

Program curriculum, time to complete, skills learned.

Whether choosing to work in a nursing specialization or advancing your career through a graduate program , nursing offers the opportunity to specialize. Nurses graduating from a BSN program can choose to become certified in a specialty, which demonstrates their advanced knowledge.

For example, nurses may choose certification as a rehabilitation nurse , a pain management nurse , or in cardiac care.

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) can choose to practice as a family nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology nurse practitioner , acute care nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetis t, and more.

The specialty you choose will help determine your opportunities as an international travel nurse.

International Travel Nurse Credentials

International travel nurses need a nursing license in the U.S. An APRN needs to take the certification exam in their specialty. After these two requirements, you will need a passport, visa, work permit, and any sponsorship for your destination country.

Each country may have its own list of necessary documentation. This can include professional references, birth certificates, immunization records, and proof that you can speak the language.

Certifications

APRNs need certification in their specialty field. For example, those who want to become a family nurse practitioner (FNP) must pass the FNP certification exam. This is a valid, reliable demonstration of your competency in the field.

An RN may choose to have certifications that demonstrate advanced knowledge in rehabilitation nursing, pain management, or other specialty areas. Professional associations offer certifications that have specific requirements to maintain the credential.

Nursing requires state licensure that confers the credential of RN on the nursing candidate. To get the license, nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN.

Additional requirements depend on the state, including background and fingerprint checks, or school transcripts. Each state board of nursing has requirements to maintain licensure, including continuing education .

Working as an International Travel Nurse

Nursing gives you a unique opportunity to work and travel the world. The severe global nursing shortage has opened up opportunities for nurses who work in operating and emergency rooms, cardiac and neonatal units, and other specialties.

Countries with the highest salaries for travel nurses are Luxembourg, Switzerland, and the United States. However, they also have the highest cost of living. The average salary is $115,020 per year according to ZipRecruiter as of January 2023, or about $2,210 per week.

The simplest way to get into international travel nursing is to sign up with an agency that works with international organizations. They help refine your travel search based on your skills and past work experience.

Consider testing the waters as a travel nurse within the U.S. before exploring long-term contracts overseas.

Another option is working with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD, which has international jobs for nurses. The DoD works with you to ensure you have the necessary documentation to work overseas. You can receive job alerts for their international postings.

Beyond documentation, you need skills. Nurses should have communication, conflict resolution, and team player skills. Without a strong command of the local language, it is impossible to be successful.

The following are some common workplace settings for international travel nurses. Note that your specializations and certifications will help determine the positions available to you.

Organizations seek nurses who have specialty skills in the intensive care unit, emergency room, telemetry, or the operating room. These areas require critical thinking for nurses , initiative, and leadership.

Outpatient Care Clinics

In an outpatient setting, nurses must be proficient at triage, assessment, educating patients, starting IVs, and RN case management .

Doctors’ Offices

In a doctor’s office, a nurse needs mastery of communication, assessment, medication administration, wound management, and minor medical procedures.

Becoming an International Travel Nurse: FAQs

Do travel nurses go internationally.

Travel nurses can choose to travel domestically or internationally. To travel and work overseas, you need a license and certification in your specialty, passport, and work visa. You may also need to take a language test to prove proficiency and provide reference letters. While domestic travel assignments can last up to 26 weeks, international ones can last up to two years.

How much do international travel nurses make?

Travel nurses are well paid to offset the stress of living and working away from home. Travel nurse salaries depend on your nursing specialty and country placement. Your compensation package includes an hourly salary, housing stipend, and travel expenses. It may also cover food and other living expenses.

How do I become an international nurse?

The first step is to earn your BSN from an accredited school. After graduation, you must pass the NCLEX-RN and apply for a license in your state. Most travel agencies want new nurses to have at least one year of bedside experience. Many recommend two years to gain proficiency in a specialty to practice internationally.

Once accepted by an agency, it can take up to one year to gather the necessary documents required by the country if you do not already have them. This can include a passport, work visa, recommendation letters, and testing in the language. Some countries may also require sponsorship.

Where is the best place to work as an international travel nurse?

International travel nursing is an opportunity to travel overseas while working. The best place depends on your goals. For example, Luxembourg is one of the highest-paying countries, but they also have a high cost of living. Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia do not require learning a new language. The Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, and Bolivia can offer a chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Learn More About International Travel Nurses

10 Tips for Nurses Interested in International Travel Nursing

International travel nursing offers you the chance to globe-trot while getting paid. These 10 tips can help you navigate travel issues that may arise.

How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

Travel nurses can earn more than other RNs. Learn more about travel nurse pay rate, benefits, and tax breaks. Identify the highest-paying states and travel nurse specialities.

Military Nurse Career Overview

Military nurses work in fast-paced environments, caring for enlisted soldiers and their families. Learn about how to become one in the guide below.

Missionary Nurse Career Overview

Missionary nurses travel overseas to deliver nursing care and Christian counseling. See how you can become a missionary nurse and learn more about what they do.

Page last reviewed January 23, 2023

National Nurses Week 2024: Chipotle's free burrito giveaway, more deals and discounts

Nurses should be celebrated every day, but they do have a special week: national nurses week, which runs may 6-12. restaurants like chipotle and buffalo wild wings have specials during the week..

Chipotle is giving away 100,000 burritos for National Nurses Week. And you don't necessarily have to be a nurse to get in on the deal.

From Monday, May 6, to Friday, May 10, healthcare workers can sign up for a chance to win a free burrito e-card on the Chipotle website . At the end of National Nurses Week, 100,000 healthcare workers will be randomly selected to get an email asking them to verify their employment status via ID.me. Those who successfully verify that within 48 hours will get a free burrito e-card.

Customers can get in on the action, too, by purchasing limited-edition Chipotle Healthcare Heroes E-Gift Cards online; 10% of the proceeds from the gift card purchases will be donated to the American Nurses Foundation. And throughout the month of May, you can round up your online or app orders to the nearest dollar amount. 100% of those proceeds will go to the foundation.

National Nurses Week 2024: A RN reflects on the state of the profession, calls for change

When is National Nurses Week?

National Nurses Week is observed annually May 6 through May 12.

More ways to save: Visit USA TODAY's coupons page for deals from thousands of vendors

What is National Nurses Week?

National Nurses Week grew out of a congressional resolution and proclamation signed by President Reagan in 1982 deeming May 6 as a National Recognition Day for Nurses.

The American Nurses Association board of directors expanded this to a National Nurses Week in 1990. The permanent dates for the week were designated in 1993 to be officially observed starting in 1994.

The week includes National School Nurses Day on May 8 and May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, which has been celebrated as International Nurse Day since 1974.

National Nurses Week 2024 freebies, deals and discounts

Here's a roundup of freebies, deals, discounts and other specials for National Nurses Week.

• Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza: Nurses get a 20% discount on all orders with a valid ID from Monday, May 6, to Sunday, May 12.
• BurgerFi: Nurses get a 20% discount on all orders with a valid ID from Monday, May 6, to Sunday, May 12.
• Buffalo Wild Wings: From Monday, May 6, to May 12, nurses get 20% off their orders with valid IDs on dine-in, call-in, and walk-in orders.
• Buzz E-Bikes and Huffy Bicycles : Both United Wheels -owned companies give nurses 20% off online purchases year-round when verifying their ID.me at checkout.
• Create Amor: Through June 7, get 25% off orders for scrubs (use the code NURSE25) and $1 per set (top and bottom) will be donated to the American Nurses Foundation. The scrubs brand will also donate 100% of proceeds from each Iris Five Pocket Top sold directly to the foundation.
• Dunkin': Nurses can get a free medium hot or iced coffee, no purchase necessary, on Monday, May 6. (The deal excludes Frozen Coffee, Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew. Espresso shots, flavors, dairy alternatives & cold foam may be an additional charge.)
• Firehouse Subs: The sandwich chain has a week of specials available starting Monday through its Firehouse Rewards loyalty program and app including (on Wednesday) BOGO Hook & Ladder Subs and (on Friday) two medium sandwiches for $12 or two large sandwiches for $18.
• Free Rein Coffee Company: Nurses, first responders and medical providers get 20% off all year long from "Yellowstone" star Cole Hauser's brew brand by verifying with ID.me. Also eligible for the 20% discount: military members.
• The Good Feet Store : The retailer, with more than 250 locations, will give nurses a complimentary pair of Architek Comfort Slip-Ons and three pairs of OS1st Comfort socks with the purchase of at least a Good Feet Store 3-Step Arch Support System. (Note: if Architeks are not available, a pair of Brooks running shoes will be provided. Valid nurse's ID is required.)
• The Greene Turtle: All nurses and healthcare workers with a valid ID get a free meal (value of up to $15) on Monday, May 6.
• Happy Joe’ s Pi zza & Ice Cream: Nurses get a 10% discount at participating locations from Monday to Friday, May 6-10.
• honeygrow: Nominate a nursing team for $250 worth of catering from the fast-casual chain with 33 locations in the eastern U.S. Submit your nomination on the honeygrow website before Wednesday, May 8. Five winning teams will be announced on May 10 via honeygrow's social media platforms.
• HTeaO: The iced tea chain will give healthcare personnel 50% off cups of tea from Monday, May 13, to Sunday, May 26, with a valid hospital, doctors office, and school nurse ID.
• Insomnia C ookies: The Philadelphia-based late-night bakery chain with more than 240 locations is giving nurses a free Classic cookie in-store, no purchase necessary, all week beginning Monday, May 6. (Just show a valid ID; availability varies by location.)
• KIND Snacks: Nurses get 15% off their purchases on the website all year long. Customers just verify with ID.me at checkout.
• Landing: The flexible rental firm, with sites especially practical for travel nurses, is giving away prizes including three months' rent. Nurses can enter to win by submitting a 60-second video and others can nominate a nurse, too.
• Logan's Roadhouse: Nurses get 20% off their entrée this week. Just show your badge.
• McAlister’s Deli: Nurses can get free tea – either one big Sweet Tea, Unsweet Tea, ½ Sweet & ½ Unsweet Tea, or ½ Lemonade & ½ Sweet/Unsweet Tea (flavor shots excluded) – at McAlister's Deli from Monday, May 6, to Sunday, May 12, with their badge or ID. Offer valid in-store only; no purchase necessary.
• Moe’s Southwest Grill: Cater a Moe's Southwest Grill meal for nurses from Monday, May 6, to Sunday, May 12, and when you spend $300 or more, get a $50 E-gift card (use code THANKYOU24). Good at participating locations; not valid with other offers or third-party delivery. Doesn't include tax, tip and fees.
• Pancheros: Nurses can buy one entrée and get one free on Wednesday, May 8, at participating restaurants. (Offer good in-restaurant; just present a valid hospital badge at checkout.)
• The Parking Spot: The parking company is giving healthcare workers 25% off parking during their trips; just signup with an associated healthcare email account .
• Peter Piper Pizza : Nurses can get a free personal pizza every day Monday through Friday (May 6-10). Redemption is limited to once per day; valid nurse ID/credentials must be shown.
• Postino: The restaurant chain, with more than 25 locations in five states , will give nurses its $25 Board and Bottle (bruschetta board, plus a bottle of wine) all day every day during the month of May with badge/ID. (The special is usually only available Monday and Tuesday 8 p.m. to closing.)
• Potbelly Sandwich Works: Nurses get a free cookie or fountain drink with the purchase of an entrée by showing their ID Monday, May 6, to Sunday, May 12. Also, all customers can get free delivery on a catering order over $150.
• Salata Salad Kitchen: On Monday, May 6, Healthcare workers get 20% off their order when they present their badge at checkout. Also from Monday to Friday, get 20% off catering orders of $200 or more, and get free delivery on orders through DoorDash.
• Shipley Do-Nuts: Nurses who belong the chain's Do-Happy loyalty program can get a free half-dozen box of glazed do-nuts with any purchase on Monday, May 6.
• Skechers: Nurses get a 10% discount on all styles during the month of May on the Skechers website (valid ID or form of employment required). Online shoppers can also round up the purchase price of May purchases to the nearest dollar with proceeds going to the American Nurses Foundation; donate $5 or more and get $10 off your next $100 purchase in June.
• Smoothie King: Get $2 off your on Monday and Tuesday via Smoothie King’s Healthy Rewards App (use code THANKS2024). The promo code may be used multiple times. Also, Friday, May 3, to Friday, May 10, when you buy $25 or more in gift cards online, get a bonus of 2,000 Healthy Reward points.
• Sockwell: Nurses get a free pair of socks when they buy three pairs at full price May 6-12 on the Sockwell website (excludes closeouts and 3-packs).
• Yogurtland: Through May 14, the frozen yogurt chain is offering free delivery on orders of more than $15 made through the website or mobile app (use the code FREEDELIVERY).
• Zaxby's : Nurses can buy one Boneless Wings Meal and get a second one free on May 7 at participating locations (redeemable through the Zaxby's app or website for Zax Rewardz members, while supplies last).
• Zips Car Wash:  Nurses can get a $5 "Pro" Wash at any Zips Car Wash or Rocket Express location across the country through May 19 with wash code 3687.

Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads:  @mikesnider  & mikegsnider .

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Ex-St. Kate's nursing dean used school funds for faraway travel with boyfriend, latest charges say

L aura Jean Fero, the former dean of nursing at St. Catherine University, not only embezzled more than $400,000 from the school and funneled the money to her boyfriend's phony business, she also used university funds to pay for five trips to popular vacation destinations, according to new charges filed Monday.

The latest accusations were filed in Ramsey County District Court against 56-year-old Juan Ramon Bruce of Shakopee and contend that his company "pretended to be a marketing company, but its actual purpose was to obtain misappropriated funds from St. Catherine's."

Bruce was charged with six counts of theft by swindle in connection with Fero allegedly siphoning the St. Paul private school's money from 2020 until last summer. Fero was identically charged last week after the university said it found that she embezzled roughly $412,000 through contracts the school had with JB & Associates.

Authorities arrested Fero on Wednesday at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and she was released on a personal recognizance bond. She is due back in court June 7 and has been asked for a response to the allegations.

Fero lives in Florida, where she is dean of nursing for a university under AdventHealth, a private system of more than 20 hospitals and emergency rooms in the Orlando metropolitan area.

Bruce has a June 6 court date and remains jailed in lieu of $75,000 bail. Dennis Gerhardstein, spokesman for the Ramsey County Attorney's Office, said the prosecution during a hearing Monday "requested $100,000 [bail], noting unique flight risk concerns based on information provided by police."

The defense explained in court Monday the perceived flight risk stemmed from his arrest at his home Friday, where his car was packed with his son's belongings. He explained that he was getting ready to go to his son's graduation and that the vehicle wasn't operational.

Court records do not list an attorney for Fero or Bruce.

The additional allegations against Fero and Bruce include that she used a St. Catherine procurement card to pay for airline tickets for them between June 2021 and last August to Miami, Atlanta, Phoenix, Cancun and Orlando along along with paying for rental cars and lodging while in those cities.

St. Paul police have classified more than $18,000 of that spending as "not legitimate" and another $8,000 as being of "questionable legitimacy," the charges against Bruce read.

University spokeswoman Sarah Voigt on Monday continued to decline to comment about the allegations. She did confirm that a message from the office of President Becky Roloff was sent late Friday afternoon to the St. Catherine community advising, "Please carefully consider any discussion that you might have about [Fero] and the alleged conduct. We want to ensure that nothing said or done by anyone at St. Catherine University jeopardizes the case that investigators have been carefully building. Do not forward this message outside the University."

According to the charges last week and again in the criminal complaint filed against Bruce:

The university determined that "Fero engaged in transferring significant funds to Bruce over multiple years while Bruce provided little to no services to the university," the charging document read.

Emails between Fero and Bruce show they had a romantic relationship throughout the time the school was doing business with his company. The school has a conflict-of-interest policy that would have forbidden such a relationship.

After Fero left St. Catherine, the school requested details from JB & Associates on the nature of the work it did. But Bruce submitted reports "that differed significantly from the reports he had previously sent to Fero directly while he was working for St. Catherine's," the charges noted.

Fero told police she didn't believe the school's conflict-of-interest policy applied, believing it only covered married couples. She also admitted to "editing" some of the documents JB & Associates submitted.

©2024 StarTribune. Visit startribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Sask. NDP questions reliance on travel nurses as private company video sparks controversy

A promotional video by a private nursing company has been making the rounds on social media. The provincial NDP is criticizing what they call the government’s reliance on out-of-province travel nurses.

“Travel nurses used to be a one off fill in the gap tool, but under this tired and out-of-touch government, travel nurses have become a baked-in part of the health care system,” NDP MLA and Health Critic Vicki Mowat said during the question period on Tuesday.

The video on social media shows a man firing money into a canola field with the caption “POV: YOU JUST FINISHED YOUR SASKATCHEWAN CONTRACT MAKING $92/HOUR,” and called on nurses to apply to make some “extra loot” this spring.

“Saskatchewan is calling and has openings for ICU RN’s with wages up to $92/hour,” the post reads.

Mowat referenced the video and asked Health Minister Everett Hindley if the going rate for a contract nurse working in a Saskatchewan ICU can indeed reach $92 per hour.

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Travel Nurse Canada (@travelnurseca)

In response, Hindley outlined the health care plan the government is making investments into but also acknowledged the province’s use of contract nurses.

“Yes, we utilize contract nurses much like other jurisdictions do as well, with the goal to reduce our reliance on that, create more permanent full-time positions in health care and get Saskatchewan graduates working in our hospitals and long-term care facilities,” he said.

Mowat referenced the video again, and asked what message it sends to Saskatchewan nurses who are “burning out while contract nurses are cashing in.”

Hindley said contract nurses are not something the government or the Saskatchewan Health Authority intends to rely on unless necessary.

“To fill vacancies to provide for instances where nurses need to take vacation or sick time,” he said, noting that in the meantime, the province will continue to make investments into their health care plan.

Mowat said the government has simply lost the plot when it comes to health care and said privatization is making things worse. She said instead of spending money on travel nurses, priority should be placed on training Saskatchewan health care workers.

“This ad sends exactly the wrong message to the nurses that we still have left in the province and let’s remember whose cash is shooting out of that money gun, tax dollars by Saskatchewan people,” she said.

• Get the CTV News app for Saskatchewan breaking news alerts and top stories 

Mowat said the contract nursing agency cashed out more than $6 million since 2019.  Earlier this year, 49 emergency room nurses from St. Paul’s Hospital penned a letter to the health minister health saying, “This significant disparity in perceived value leaves the permanent staff feeling frustrated. There is an undeniable sense of resentment towards the concept of agency nursing."

“Last month, 49 ER nurses wrote a letter sharing how out-of-province travel nurses are making morale worse in Saskatchewan hospitals,” she said. “SUN (Saskatchewan Union of Nurses) says that we’re on track to spend a record $70 million on travel nurses this year alone.”

Speaking to reporters after question period, Minister Hindley said he only saw the promotional video earlier that day.

“Obviously disappointing when we’re talking about some very serious issues when it comes to health care, recruitment and retention in this case, when it comes to nurses,” he said.

Hindley reiterated that the government doesn’t want to rely on travel nurses but feels as though sometimes it’s necessary.

“We’re working hard to fill the vacancies we have, continue to build upon our health care work force, and make sure that we are working very hard to recruit and retain our health care workers,” he said. 

The government is going to review the campaign.

“We’ll have the officials from ministry try and find out where this comes from,” Hindley said. 

- With files from Wayne Mantyka 

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Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.

Whooping cough outbreak declared in Newfoundland

Health officials say there is an outbreak of whooping cough in eastern Newfoundland.

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