Travel nursing is an exciting and rewarding career that offers the opportunity to work in diverse healthcare settings, explore new locations, and gain valuable experience. If you're considering this path, it's essential to understand the steps involved, from obtaining the necessary education to gaining experience and applying for travel nursing roles. This guide will walk you through the process, highlighting the benefits of our accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, which can fast-track your journey to becoming a travel nurse.

Steps to Become a Travel Nurse

• Obtain Your BSN:
  1. Complete an accelerated BSN program in 12 months.
  2. Or complete a traditional BSN program (shorter than other available programs).
• Gain Experience in a Hospital Setting:
  • Work in acute care settings for at least one year
• Apply for Travel Nursing Roles:
  • Choose a reputable travel nursing agency.
• Prepare your application: update your resume, gather references, and complete required certifications.
  • Submit your application, interview with recruiters, review assignment offers, and accept an assignment.

Step 1: Obtain Your BSN

The first step in becoming a travel nurse is to earn your BSN. While there are different educational pathways to becoming a registered nurse (RN), having a BSN can open more opportunities and make you a more competitive candidate for travel nursing positions.

The Importance of a BSN

A BSN provides a comprehensive education that covers essential nursing skills, advanced clinical training, and leadership development. With a BSN, you'll be better prepared to handle the complexities of travel nursing, including working in various healthcare environments and adapting to different patient populations.

Accelerated BSN Program: Fast-Track Your Nursing Career

For those who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field or are looking to complete their nursing education more quickly, an accelerated BSN program (ABSN) is an excellent option. Our ABSN program can be completed in just 12 months, significantly shorter than traditional BSN programs. This accelerated timeline allows you to enter the nursing workforce sooner and start your journey toward becoming a travel nurse.

Benefits of the Accelerated BSN Program

1. Accelerated Timeline: Complete your BSN faster than many other programs available, getting you into the workforce quickly.
2. In-Depth Training: Receive comprehensive education and clinical training that equips you with the knowledge and skills needed for nursing practice.
3. Early Entry into Nursing: Start your nursing career sooner, providing a head start in gaining the experience required for travelling nursing.

Step 2: Gain Experience in a Hospital Setting

Once you have obtained your BSN and passed the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed RN, the next step is to gain experience in a hospital setting. Most travel nursing agencies and employers require at least one year of clinical experience in a hospital before considering you for travel nursing roles.

Why Hospital Experience Matters

Working in a hospital setting provides you with the opportunity to develop and refine your nursing skills, work with diverse patient populations, and handle a wide range of medical conditions. This experience is crucial for travel nurses, who must be able to adapt quickly to new environments and provide high-quality care in various clinical settings.

Tips for Gaining Hospital Experience

1. Seek Employment in Acute Care Settings: Acute care hospitals offer a broad range of experiences, from emergency departments to intensive care units, allowing you to build a strong clinical foundation.
2. Take Advantage of Professional Development Opportunities: Participate in continuing education courses, workshops, and certifications to enhance your skills and knowledge.
3. Network with Experienced Nurses: Building relationships with experienced nurses and mentors can provide valuable insights, support, and guidance as you navigate your early nursing career.

Step 3: Apply for Travel Nursing Roles

After gaining the necessary hospital experience, you can begin applying for travel nursing roles. Travel nursing agencies are the primary source for finding assignments, as they work with healthcare facilities across the country to fill temporary nursing positions.

Choosing the Right Travel Nursing Agency

Selecting a reputable travel nursing agency is crucial for a successful travel nursing career. Here are some factors to consider when choosing an agency:

1. Agency Reputation: Research agencies to ensure they have a good reputation, positive reviews from other travel nurses, and a track record of providing quality assignments and support.
2. Assignment Variety: Look for agencies that offer a wide range of assignments in different locations and healthcare settings, allowing you to choose positions that match your interests and career goals.
3. Benefits and Support: Consider the benefits offered by the agency, such as competitive pay, housing stipends, health insurance, and 24/7 support. A good agency will provide comprehensive support throughout your assignments.

Preparing Your Application

When applying for travel nursing roles, it's essential to have a well-prepared application that showcases your qualifications and experience. Here are some tips for creating a strong application:

1. Update Your Resume: Highlight your education, clinical experience, certifications, and any specialized skills or training relevant to traveling nursing.
2. Gather References: Obtain professional references from supervisors, colleagues, or mentors who can speak to your skills and work ethic.
3. Complete Required Certifications: Ensure you have the necessary certifications, such as Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), as these are often required for travel nursing positions.

The Application Process

The application process for travel nursing roles typically involves the following steps:

1. Submit Your Application: Complete the agency's application form and submit your resume, references, and certifications.
2. Interview with Recruiters: Participate in interviews with recruiters to discuss your qualifications, preferences, and assignment availability.
3. Review Assignment Offers: Once you are accepted by an agency, you will receive assignment offers based on your preferences and qualifications. Review the details of each offer, including location, duration, pay, and benefits.
4. Accept an Assignment: Choose the assignment that best fits your needs and career goals, and work with your agency to complete the necessary paperwork and preparations.

Conclusion

Becoming a travel nurse is an exciting and rewarding career path that offers the opportunity to work in diverse healthcare settings, explore new locations, and gain valuable experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide—obtaining your BSN, gaining hospital experience, and applying for travel nursing roles—you can embark on a fulfilling travel nursing career.

Our accelerated BSN program is an excellent option for those looking to fast-track their nursing education and enter the workforce sooner. With a comprehensive curriculum, hands-on clinical experience, and a shorter completion time of just 12 months, our program can help you achieve your goal of becoming a travel nurse more quickly.

For those without a prior degree, our traditional BSN program provides a faster path compared to other programs on the market, allowing you to complete your education efficiently and start your nursing career sooner.

Whether you're just starting your nursing journey or looking to take your career in a new direction, travel nursing offers endless opportunities for professional growth, adventure, and making a positive impact on patients' lives. Embrace the journey and take the first step toward becoming a travel nurse today!