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What exactly is a Travel Nurse?
A travel nurse is a registered nurse with a clinical background working in a non-permanent or temporary nursing role. Travel nurses are typically employed by an independent nursing staffing agency instead of a by a single facility. Assignments are usually 13 weeks in duration but could be as short as four weeks or as long as 26 weeks. A traveling RN usually has at least one year of recent acute-care experience in their specific specialty and views a travel nursing assignment as opportunity to build their resume, explore the country or try out a facility or location before moving there permanently.
Travel nursing provides a unique experience and provides the travel nurses have with the opportunity to work with some of the most prestigious doctors and practitioners in some of the most desirable locations, while gaining exposure to different nurse leadership practices.
Before You Become a Travel Nurse in Different States read this
There isn't one specific degree you need to become a travel nurse – you can be a travel nurse with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). However, many agencies prefer candidates with a four-year degree, so a BSN might make it easier to get hired by an agency and find the jobs you want.
Travel Nurse License Requirements
All registered nurses must be licensed in the state where they practice. But things can be a bit trickier when it comes to travel nurse license requirements.
As a travel nurse, you'll apply for licensure in the state where you maintain your permanent residence. In many cases, you won't need to apply for separate licensure even if you go out of state on a travel nurse assignment. That's because of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), an agreement that allows licensed RNs to practice legally in other participating states. Currently, 39 states participate in, or are in the process of implementing the NLC.