How to become a travel nurse?

Published

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.

Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the Travel nursing forum

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

Specializes in Public Health, L&D, NICU.

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.

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!

Specializes in Public Health, L&D, NICU.
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!

+ Join the Discussion