Travel nursing provides registered nurses with a unique opportunity to explore new places while fulfilling short-term staffing needs at facilities across the USA. For those eager to take their nursing skills on the road, getting set up as a travel nurse opens up an adventuresome new chapter. 

It’s important to thoroughly research and plan and every step of the process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully launch your travel nursing career.

Are You Eligible to Become a Travel Nurse?

The first step is making sure travel nursing is a good fit for your experience level and licensure status. Most travel nurse positions require a minimum of one or two years working as a staff nurse and an active, valid nursing license in at least one U.S. state.

Register with Travel Nurse Agencies

With eligibility confirmed, it’s time to register profiles with multiple travel nurse agencies. Browse options like Aya Healthcare, Supplemental Health Care, and Fastaff Travel Nursing to learn what specialties, locations, and contracts each offer. Complete application paperwork and get pre-screened for upcoming assignments.

Gather Required Documents and Certifications

In addition to your nursing license and resume, most agencies also require documents like:

• BLS or ACLS certification
• Immunization records
• Credentials from your references
• Travel nurse-specific documents/contracts

Consider Specialty Certifications

While not always required, specialty certifications like CEN, CCRN, or PCCN can open you up to higher-paying critical care travel jobs nationwide. Investing in certifications pays off with more options down the road.

Apply for and Accept Assignments

Once registered, keep in close contact with your agencies as new assignments become available. Apply quickly when you find a suitable opportunity that matches your preferences. Be strategic but also flexible about location when accepting your first contract.

Relocate and Hit the Ground Running

When that first travel nurse contract is offered, it’s time to pack your bags! Relish the new adventures awaiting you wherever your assignment takes you. Immerse yourself in the local culture while helping fulfill staffing needs at your new facility.

Repeat and Explore New Opportunities

Congratulations – you’re now a travel nurse! With experience under your belt, each new 13-week contract opens more doors to explore this flexible career. Reach out if you need any other tips for maximizing your enjoyment and success as a travel nurse in the USA.

Are You Ready for Travel Nursing?

The first step is ensuring travel nursing aligns with your qualifications and lifestyle goals. Most agencies require at least one to two years of recent nursing experience in an acute care setting. You’ll also need an active, multi-state nursing license in good standing. Beyond these basic requirements, consider if you:

• Enjoy independence and temporary assignments versus long-term commitments
• Are comfortable with frequent relocations every 3 months
• Can adapt quickly to new hospital systems and technologies
• Don’t mind living out of a suitcase for periods

Self-reflection on qualities like flexibility, adaptability, and independence will reveal if the travel nurse lifestyle is a good fit. With the right disposition, you can thrive on the variety and mobility this career offers.

Research Top Travel Nursing Agencies

Reputable travel nurse agencies help facilitate all aspects of your assignments, from housing to benefits to payroll. Some industry leaders to consider include:

Agency	Specialties	Average Pay
Aya Healthcare	ICU, ER, Med-Surg	$2,300-3,200/week
Supplemental Health Care	L&D, Telemetry, OR	$2,100-3,000/week
Frontline Healthcare Staffing	LTAC, SNF, Rehab	$1,800-2,500/week

Browse agency websites to compare specialties, locations, benefits, and reviews from current travelers. Sign up for a profile on top options to kickstart your application process. Responsive agencies make all the difference in having a smooth start.

Meet Licensing Requirements

Having a multi-state nursing license greatly expands your options for travel positions. Apply for a multistate license through the Nurse Licensure Compact if your home state participates. You’ll also need:

• Active BLS or ACLS certification
• Updated immunization records
• Professional references
• N95 respirator fit test

Being prepared with all required documentation streamlines your approval with agencies. Keep certifications like these current too for continued eligibility down the road.

Consider Specialty Certifications

While not always mandated, specialty credentials open up more competitive travel jobs, especially in critical care. Certifications to consider include:

• CCRN for intensive care & critical care nursing
• CEN for emergency room nursing
• CPAN/CAPA for perioperative nursing
• CBCS for wound care nursing

Dedicate time to study and pass a certification exam related to your experience and interests. The payoff is worth it, as certified nurses often qualify for roles with higher weekly pay upwards of $3,000.

Apply for a list of Assignments

With your profile ready, maintain close contact with recruiters at top agencies. Position postings fill quickly, so have application documents organized to act fast. Some factors to balance include:

• Location preferences – be open but try warmer destinations first
• Specialty match – leverage your experience
• Pay rate & contract length
• Facility reputation & support

Landing your first 13-week contract takes perseverance. Apply widely, interview well, and accept the first viable offer to get started! Orientation provided by facilities readies you for each unique environment.

Prepare to Relocate

It all becomes real once offer your first assignment! Coordinate travel logistics, pack carefully, and research your new home base. Experienced travelers recommend:

• Temporary furnished housing through agencies
• Comfortable clothing & essential toiletries
• Phone, laptop, entertainment for downtime
• Transport & travel insurance
• Ship necessities ahead or fly light

Maintain an organized, flexible mentality as you embark on each new adventure. Immerse in local attractions alongside caring for patients – travel nursing blends purpose with possibility!

Maximize Experiences and Grow Your Career

Completing an initial contract fuels the travel nursing passion. Reach back to recruiters to continue gaining experience in various specialties, cities, and regions. Help facilities by accepting assignments in high-demand locations. 

With each rotation, your skills and resume strengthen. Consider advanced certifications, like CRNA school one day, to take your career even higher as you tour this great nation. The United States presents unlimited nursing opportunities for exploring travelers to seize.

Conclusion

I hope this guide has given you a good overview of what it takes to embark on your journey as a travel nurse. It’s an exciting career path that allows you to put your skills to use in new places while living an adventurous lifestyle. Just be prepared to jump into the unknown with flexibility and independence. 

If it seems like the right fit based on who you are, I say go for it! The travel nursing world is ready for passionate people who want to care for patients and experience this beautiful country. It’s a great way to expand your wings as a nurse while enriching your life. Let me know if any other questions come up as you start planning your first exciting assignment.