It is vital to remember that a travel nurse is registered and works short-term in specific positions, meaning they travel abroad and fill the vacant positions until they decide to move further. 

You should know that leaving a full-time position to become a traveling nurse is not as simple as it seems. You will get employment from a staffing agency, meaning you will not work for a specific healthcare facility or hospital. 

That is why you should check out this link: https://www.p-werk.de/ to learn more about working and traveling as a healthcare professional. Although it is not a simple decision, you should know that traveling can be a rewarding option, especially if you wish to combine these two factors. 

As a traveling nurse, you can serve communities that require your presence, which is a crucial factor. As a result, you can advance your career, and get a higher salary in the run, while enjoying different areas across the globe. Besides, traveling will allow you a chance to explore the world a make lifelong friend. 

In this guide, we will present you benefits, rewards, and good sides of becoming a travel nurse. At the same time, you will learn other things such as finding housing, a job, and how to prepare yourself for a life-changing adventure. Let us start from the beginning. 

Everything You Should Know About Travel Nurses

The requirement for travel nurses comes from a worldwide shortage and high demand for any type of healthcare professional. The general shortage happened due to several reasons including retiring professionals, bottlenecks, expensive education, and an aging patient population. However, some countries function completely differently, but this is a general rule. 

According to the Department of Health and Human Services (click here to visit the official website), in the US, the main problem lies in Texas and California because they will require approximately fifty thousand nurses by 2030. On the other hand, Ohio and Florida have surpluses.

Finally, you will get a specific opportunity to travel inter-state and abroad, which will allow you to explore various states, cities, and countries, while working in healthcare and gaining experience and expertise. 

The moment you become a traveling nurse; you will obtain a flexible schedule. You can choose where and when you wish to work. Travel nurses are paid more than permanent, in-house ones, because they go to various places where hospitals are paying significantly for additional staff. 

Besides, you will gain different and diverse clinical experiences because you will work in various settings including long-term care facilities, clinics, and hospitals among other places. At the same time, as a beginner, it is vital to be open-minded and adaptable since each option or assignment comes with a specific set of challenges and differences in procedures. 

Experts state that traveling newbies should research potential destinations before accepting an assignment. It is way better to be familiar with the climate, cost of living, proximity to friends/family members, and safety of the place you decide to go to. 

It is vital to establish perfect communication with a recruiter or staffing agency since they will help you get a suitable assignment based on your requirements and preferences. It is simple to build a professional network in numerous locations across the globe. Through networking, you can determine the area where you wish to settle down. 

How to Become a Travel Nurse?

The path toward becoming a traveling nurse depends on your goals, preferences, and needs. For instance, if you are already working with a specific recruiting agency that sends you abroad and through states, you know the benefits of choosing this career. Although the path may be long, it comes with certain benefits mentioned above. 

1. Nursing License and Degree

The first step towards becoming a traveling nurse is obtaining a degree. Of course, some positions do not require a degree per se, but you can also be an Associate of Science in Nursing or Associate Degree in Nursing, most healthcare facilities will require at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which is indispensable. 

As soon as you obtain the degree, the next step is passing a particular exam depending on the area you live in. In the US, we are talking about NCLEX-RN, which is a nationwide licensing exam for both US and Canada. If you wish to go abroad, you should check out their licensing requirements beforehand. 

As soon as you decide to undergo an exam, you should apply for a license within the state you reside, while you can work across the US and Canada, which is an important consideration to remember. 

When it comes to state licenses, especially if you wish to work across the globe, the main idea is to determine the type of licensing a country or state requires beforehand. Everything depends on the place you wish to go to, because in some situations you may need to apply for an additional license. 

2. Experience

Apart from obtaining a license and degree, you will need relevant experience to become a nurse who works from place to place. Most positions require at least a year of experience in a single space, as well as specialties such as Labor and delivery, ER, and ICU, which are in demand and will offer you a higher salary. 

Still, you should talk and consult with a recruiter, who will help you determine the best options and specialties you can choose based on the demand and requirements. That way, you can become a professional that can work across the globe. 

Advantages to Remember

• Exploration and Adventure – You should know that travel nurses have vast opportunities to work in different cities, which will directly allow them to experience various cultures, different destinations, and many more. From picturesque rural areas to vibrant centers, you will get a chance to expand your personal and professional horizons. 
• Flexibility – Since you can choose assignments based on your preferences, the same thing works for contract lengths. That way, you can tailor a schedule that will accommodate your needs and commitments such as education and family. This flexibility will allow you to create a meaningful balance between personal life and work.