How to become a travel nurse?

[Mikey98_2004]

I'm a nursing student and after I graduate and, fingers-crossed, have passed my N-CLEX, I am curious what are the requirements to become a travel nurse? Do I have to have specific experience before I am eligible and do I get to choose where I go and how long I'm there? Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Moved to the Travel nursing forum

Think you may find that a couple of years experiences is required by the travel companies

[monkeybug]

You definitely need a couple of years of experience under your belt before you attempt it. As a traveler, you are expected to hit the ground running. If you are lucky, you might get a two-day orientation. My very first travel assignment, I had one day where I learned the computer system of the hospital and basic policies and procedures. My orientation to the unit was, "That's where the scrubs are, hurry up and get report." I got report and had a delivery within 10 minutes of walking on the unit. I didn't even know the name of the charge nurse, and I had a new mom and baby to deal with. Other requirements? A backbone, a sense of humor, the patience of Job, an unending source of stamina, and a sense of adventure.

[Mikey98_2004]

Thanks Monkeybug for all your input and heads up on what to expect w/ travel nursing. I hope you are

having an awesome time out there traveling and helping your patients'. CIAO!

[monkeybug]

Thanks Monkeybug for all your input and heads up on what to expect w/ travel nursing. I hope you are

having an awesome time out there traveling and helping your patients'. CIAO!

Thanks a bunch, but my traveling days are long over. I miss it, too! I decided to get a permanent position about 7 years ago because I wanted a baby. It took a few years to get the baby, but now he's here and I cannot imagine leaving him (and I'm out of the hospital and have a job I love, love, love). Who knows what the future holds, though! Good luck to you, too!